Immersion, curated for you
Seasonal stays in Batumi, online prep, and a country tour — composed as a private path, not a catalog of options.
Choose your season#
Two seasonal immersions — pick one below, then read the details for that season only.
Flagship first — then compose. Logistics (visa, airports, payment, teachers) are answered in FAQ at the bottom of this page.
Autumn Session 2026#
Our first autumn cohort: short decision window, −15% on the full track. Three onsite weeks: we open the program with the first event — a Russian poetry evening in Batumi; weekend outings during the two residence weeks (Gonio, Tskaltubo, tea plantation); then a five-day journey through iconic places in different regions of Georgia. A videographer is with you throughout the excursion week — you leave with a stunning film of your session.
First launch with a short decision window. The full track is three onsite weeks: arrival in Batumi, two study weeks, five-day tour ending with departure from Tbilisi — the excursion week is in this price.
Start · Batumi arrival
You fly into Batumi — not Tbilisi. We open the program with the first event: students join a real Russian-language poetry evening in Batumi — contemporary poetry, live music, and the local Russian-speaking community — before the two study weeks begin. After the study weeks — an almost week-long excursion across Georgia, with departure from Tbilisi.
Two study weeks · Batumi
Two study weeks on the Black Sea: each week RFL — 5×3 h (15 h) plus Georgian culture and history — 3×3 h (9 h). Total 48 classroom hours. During these two residence weeks — weekend outings to Gonio, Tskaltubo, and a tea plantation in Guria. Then — the five-day tour at the end.
End of session · 5-day country tour
After the two Batumi study weeks — a five-day journey through iconic places in different regions of Georgia. Guides, logistics, and transfers. A videographer travels with the group throughout the excursion week — you leave with a stunning film of your session. Together with the poetry evening that opens the program, this is the one excursion week inside the three onsite weeks.
What’s in $3,940
- Two Batumi study weeks of RFL + Culture — 48 classroom hours
- Russian-speaking host family in Batumi for 2 weeks — lodging, breakfast and dinner
- Excursion week: Russian poetry night in Batumi; weekend outings to Gonio, Tskaltubo, and a tea plantation; and a five-day tour of Georgia’s top landmarks. See our excursions
- All hotels for the full travel period — no extra overnight fees on the road
- All transfers across Georgia — from Batumi arrival through departure from Tbilisi
- All entrance tickets on the route
- Welcome dinner + lunches during excursions
- Small autumn cohort and coordinator support throughout the onsite track
- A videographer with us throughout the excursion week — you receive a stunning film to remember your participation in the session
Not included
- Souvenirs and personal shopping
- Meals not specified in the program
- Hotels outside the program dates
First-launch price $3,940 (−15% from the regular $4,640). A deposit by 17 October 2026 locks this price; the remaining schedule is in your proposal. The $60 registration fee is extra.
Deposit by 17 October 2026 locks $3,940 · remaining dates in your proposal · payment plan on request
Summer Session#
Everything below belongs to the summer session only — online from 14 June, onsite from 10 July: four weeks + 3 days in Tbilisi, a Svaneti study week, two Batumi weeks with a host family, and the landmarks tour ending 8 August.
Four weeks online from mid-June, then four weeks on site + 3 days in Tbilisi: Tbilisi → Svaneti → Batumi → landmarks tour, ending 8 August.
Stage 1 · Online · from 14 June
Four weeks of Russian in a mini-group of 6–10: 2 hours, 3–5 times a week (40–60 h). You arrive already warm — and step straight into the in-person rhythm.
Stage 2 · Tbilisi · 10–11 July
Arrival in Tbilisi on 10 July. Two days in the Georgian capital: getting to know the city and a welcome dinner before the mountain week begins.
Stage 3 · Svaneti · 12–19 July
A full study week in Svaneti — the same classroom load as a Batumi week (RFL 5×2 h + culture 3×2 h), plus hiking and getting to know the region. Lodging with breakfast and dinner included.
Stage 4 · Batumi · 19 July – 2 August
Two weeks with a Russian-speaking host family in Batumi: RFL and culture classes, masterclasses, sea and beach — living the language on the Black Sea.
Stage 5 · Country tour · 2–8 August
On 2 August the summer landmarks tour begins — the same cultural route across Georgia. After the final day on the road, one more night in Tbilisi to rest before departure. The program ends on 8 August.
- 4 weeks of online prep before arrival
- 3 days in Tbilisi — arrival (10–11 July: city introduction and welcome dinner) and a rest night after the tour before departure on 8 August
- Svaneti study week (12–19 July) — RFL + culture, hiking, lodging with breakfast and dinner
- Russian-speaking host family in Batumi for 2 weeks (19 July – 2 August) — breakfast and dinner every day
- Summer landmarks tour (2–8 August) — guides, logistics, transfers, and a rest night in Tbilisi after the road. See our excursions
- 3 onsite study weeks of RFL + Culture — 48 classroom hours (Svaneti + two Batumi weeks)
- Accommodation and lunches during the landmarks tour
- All masterclasses and events during the Batumi weeks
Full package — online prep + 4 weeks on site + 3 days in Tbilisi + Svaneti study week + 2 Batumi weeks with family + landmarks tour
Deposit to reserve · payment plan on request
The Smorodina Atelier#
Choose the weeks, home stay and experiences you want — we prepare a private proposal.
Compose in the Atelier
Choose the weeks, home stay and experiences you want — we prepare a private proposal with a clear price orientation.
Book a consultationYear-round#
Individual online lessons on a schedule that fits you — any time of year.
Individual online lessons
One-to-one online RFL — flexible schedule, a personal track, a pace that fits your life.
- Private lessons with a teacher
- Schedule across the year under agreement
- Program adapted to your level and goals
What people say#
A Yale alumnus, Yale summer students, a Vassar alumnus from Batumi, host families, and a learner from Australia — short excerpts from full recommendations.
How we host you#
The quiet infrastructure behind a premium stay — family, school, and care on the ground.
Photo 1 of 2
Russian-speaking host families
You meet your host family before you commit to the match — then breakfast, dinner, and language around the clock in a real home.
About accommodation →Photo 1 of 2
Our educational community in Batumi
Smorodina works in Batumi’s educational community — with teachers and host families connected with Euro-2000. In-person classes take place in a classroom set up for a small seminar group.
Educational community in Ivy Experience →Photo 1 of 2
Concierge in Georgia
Partners, guides, and coordinators from arrival to the landmarks tour.
Culture & excursions →Signature extras#
Optional refinements that make the stay feel privately arranged.
Private airport transfer
Meet-and-greet and a quiet ride to your host family.
Welcome dinner
A first evening with the cohort — food, introductions, soft landing.
1:1 mentor check-ins
Short personal reviews of progress during the in-person weeks.
Completion keepsake
Certificate and a curated photo set from your session.
How it works#
A calm sequence from first message to arrival — without rushing the decision.
Book a consultation
Write us your questions and goals — we arrange a convenient time for an online introduction.
Introduction
We meet on Google Meet at the agreed time, get to know each other, clarify goals and timelines, answer every question, and choose the right program.
Agreement & prep
We sign the agreement, you make the payment, and you get access to all materials and closed chats with every organizational detail. At this stage we also introduce you to your host family online (if you are joining the in-person program) — so you can sense the atmosphere and the warmth of the people you will live with during the program. If something feels off or there is no rapport, the family can be replaced before you arrive in Georgia.
Learning begins
You start studying according to the chosen program. If you come to Georgia, our local partners, guides, teachers, and coordinators support you at every stage — arrival, settling in, excursions, and events. We also help you figure out the documents you need.
Reserve your place
We do not sell open seats online. First a short conversation, then a private proposal and a deposit to hold your spot in the cohort.
- Small cohorts — usually 6–10 students
- Registration fee — $60, not included in the program price
- A deposit reserves your place in the session
- Private consultation by appointment — reply within one business day
Autumn 2026 first-launch seats are limited · Summer 2027 open · payment plan on request
Common questions#
Why learn Russian in Georgia?
Georgia offers something increasingly rare: the chance to use Russian naturally in everyday life while experiencing a culture that is distinctly its own. In Batumi, Russian is widely understood and spoken, and Smorodina extends the language beyond the classroom through a Russian-speaking host family and daily immersion. You come to Georgia not only to study Russian, but to live in it — while discovering Georgia on its own terms.
Can I create a programme around my own schedule and goals?
You don’t have to choose one of our flagship programmes. Through the Smorodina Atelier, we can compose a private immersion around your schedule, goals and interests — from the length and intensity of your studies to accommodation and cultural experiences. Tell us what matters to you, and we’ll prepare a personal proposal.
Do US citizens need a visa for Georgia?
No. US citizens enter Georgia visa-free for up to one year under current rules. The same applies to UK, EU / Schengen, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, Japan, South Korea, UAE, Switzerland, Norway, and many other countries on the official list. Rules change; we confirm current entry requirements on consultation, and you remain responsible for your travel documents. Medical insurance may be required on arrival.
Can I come only for the excursions?
Yes. You can take the one-week top-landmarks tour without the in-person educational block — online study and a host-family stay are optional.
Where do classes take place?
In-person classes take place in Batumi, in a classroom set up for a small seminar group.
Can I combine programs?
Yes — many students mix formats or build a custom path in the atelier.
How is the summer flagship different from composing my own path?
The summer flagship is the fixed full package (online from 14 June + four weeks on site + 3 days in Tbilisi: arrival, Svaneti study week, two Batumi weeks with family, and the landmarks tour with a rest night in Tbilisi, ending 8 August). The atelier lets you assemble the Georgia block week by week — study, family, and tour as you choose.
What is included in the onsite block?
Four weeks on site + 3 days in Tbilisi. Three study weeks (one in Svaneti + two in Batumi): each week RFL — 5×2 h (10 h) plus Georgian culture and history — 3×2 h (6 h). Total: 48 classroom hours, plus four weeks of online prep. The Summer flagship includes the Tbilisi days (arrival and a rest night after the tour), Svaneti lodging with meals, two Batumi host-family weeks, and the landmarks tour; in a custom Atelier programme, blocks can be selected separately.
Where will I stay?
You can choose a Russian-speaking host family from $450 / week (breakfast and dinner) or arrange a hotel/apartment yourself. With a host family, you meet them on Google Meet before you commit to the match.
Which airports should I use?
For the summer flagship, arrive in Tbilisi (TBS) on 10 July. Batumi (BUS) is convenient if you join only the Batumi weeks. We help plan the meet-and-greet once your flight is set.
Is travel insurance required?
We strongly recommend comprehensive travel and medical insurance for the full dates of your stay. Proof may be requested before arrival; details are in the agreement.
How do deposit and cancellation work?
A deposit reserves your place in the cohort after a private proposal. For Autumn 2026, a deposit paid by 17 October 2026 also locks the $3,940 first-launch price; the remaining balance follows the schedule in that proposal. We confirm the deposit amount on the consultation call before you pay. Cancellation and refund terms are written in the agreement.
Who teaches?
RFL and culture are led by experienced instructors from Batumi’s educational community connected with Euro-2000, alongside Smorodina. Founder Anna Kondratenko (PhD) teaches and coordinates; the exact roster for your session is confirmed in your proposal.
How do I pay?
Payment follows the private proposal — typically bank transfer or another method we confirm for your country. A payment plan can be discussed on request.
Can online lessons fit US evening hours?
Yes for year-round individual lessons and, where the cohort schedule allows, for prep blocks. Tell us your timezone preference on the contact form — we aim for sustainable slots, not midnight marathons.