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Singing Russian folk songs outside with the sea breeze became an unexpected but meaningful way to immerse myself in the language.
Margaret MacGurn, Duke in Russia: Nice, France (Summer 2025)
What was your most memorable class activity?
My favorite, and also one of the most unexpected activities we did in class, was singing. Every other day, our class sat outside with the sea breeze and lovely view, to practice singing Russian folk songs like Kalinka (give it a listen if you have a chance!).
As a student who has been studying Russian for years, this was not something that I had ever encountered in an academic setting. However, singing turned out to be an amazing way to gain exposure to the culture, immerse ourselves in the language completely, and have a ton of fun! We loved it so much that we even started singing outside of class contexts, like during karaoke night!
Selfie of our traditional Russian meal
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Group photo from our class, which is held in a villa!
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Sunset pictures on the beach near our apartment in Nice
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We love Nice!
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Views of the Nice coastline from the Colline du Château
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How have your skills grown through Duke in Russia?
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This program definitely gave me the tools I needed to advance my understanding of the Russian language. The classes with Dr. Andrews focused heavily on breaking down the linguistics behind each word in the language, focusing on prefixes and roots to form tangible meanings. This is a skill that will continue to help me expand my vocabulary and unlock new Russian vocabulary easily.
More broadly, this program truly helped me step outside of my comfort zone. Before arriving, I considered myself adaptable, but navigating daily life in a new country, with different languages and cultures, pushed me in unexpected directions. I found myself initiating conversations with locals, something I'd rarely done at home, and embracing spontaneous plans.
This constant gentle push beyond my familiar boundaries wasn't always easy, but it fostered a new level of self-reliance and confidence. It showed me that growth often happens when you're willing to be a little uncomfortable, and that's a lesson I'll carry far beyond my time abroad.
How will this program play into the rest of your undergraduate experience?
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I am pursuing a Russian Culture and Language minor, so this will fulfill my entire language requirement for my minor. As a Political Science major, being able to deepen my understanding of Russian history, identity, and perspectives was especially meaningful given today’s complex and evolving geopolitical climate.
What advice do you have for students considering Duke in Russia?
Don’t be afraid or intimidated to go out into the Russian-speaking community in Nice and make some friends! Nice is a predominantly French-speaking town, but it still has elements of Russian language immersion if you look for it. Russian speakers are very friendly and love sharing their language, making it an ideal way to practice the language and your accent. One really good way to do this is by going to Russian restaurants and stores in the area.