The Pushkin Summer Institute (PSI) is an intensive pre-college summer program aimed at high-school students from underrepresented communities. Our unique, five-week program combines the intensive study of Russian language, culture, and civilization with residential living in a UW-Madison dormitory in order to stimulate interest in Russian studies; build critical thinking, reading, and writing skills; and prepare students for the demands of college life. PSI students participate in a rigorous program comprised of non-credit courses on Russian language and literature, as well as workshops on Russian culture, study skills, and preparing to succeed in college. Students also participate in on- and off-campus extracurricular activities and field trips. For more information on the PSI, see http://pushkin.wisc.edu/
Residential counselors play in integral role in the success of the PSI program. Counselors live with program participants in a UW-Madison residence hall, eat meals with participants in the dining halls, provide language support during study halls and in class, provide mentoring and supervision for students, and assist the program director with planning and carrying out extracurricular activities. Candidates for the position must have at least one year of Russian language, a strong academic background, and leadership qualities. The 2023 PSI summer program will run from 18 June – 22 July, and counselors must be available for three additional days of online and two days of in-person training before the start of the program (June13-17). Students who are enrolled in intensive Russian courses during the summer are encouraged to apply. All outside employment and summer courses must, however, be approved prior to the beginning of the program.
Applicants must:
- Be currently enrolled UW-Madison students in good academic standing, with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
- Have completed First-Year Russian (101 & 102) or the equivalent, and have a GPA in Russian courses of at least 3.5
- Participate in job training and Red Cross certification
- Be available for a mandatory pre-program training session (June 13-17, 2022).
- Be enrolled as a student (at UW-Madison or another institution) in either the Summer 2023 or Fall 2023 semester.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Prior experience as a camp counselor
- Experience working or volunteering with diverse youth groups
- Russian major or Russian Flagship student
- Be eligible to be authorized to drive a UW-Madison vehicle (i.e., have a valid driver’s license and minimal infractions)
Further information and application materials here. Application review will begin on March 31, 2023.