Learning Russian in Riga and Bishkek: My Experience at Two Language Schools

Hello! Today, I would like to share my experience of studying Russian at language schools abroad. Over the past year, I have studied Russian in two very different places. My first experience was at a language school in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. I am now studying at Liden & Denz in Riga, Latvia.

Both experiences have been genuinely enjoyable and very enriching. The cities, teaching styles and opportunities to practise Russian are quite different, which has made the experience even more interesting.

Studying Russian outside Russia has also shown me how widely people use the language. It can connect you to many countries, cultures and communities.

Two Very Different Cities

• Riga: Modern, European and Easy to Explore

Riga is a beautiful European capital. It has Art Nouveau buildings, green parks, cafés and a lively city centre. The city feels modern, organised and familiar. This may be especially true if you have already lived or travelled elsewhere in Europe.

Riga is also very well connected. You can easily travel to Tallinn, Vilnius, Jūrmala and other parts of Latvia. The Baltic Sea and its beautiful beaches are also close by. This makes it easy to combine Russian lessons with trips around Europe.

Studying Russian in Riga shows that language learning can fit naturally into life in a modern European city.

• Bishkek: Cultural Discovery and Incredible Nature

Bishkek offers a completely different experience. The city is developing quickly, but you can still see many Soviet-style buildings and public spaces.

At first, Bishkek may feel unfamiliar to students from Western Europe or America. It can take some time to adjust, but that is also part of the experience.

The natural surroundings are unforgettable. You can see the mountains behind Bishkek from many parts of the city. Places such as Ala Archa National Park, Issyk-Kul Lake and Song-Kol Lake make Kyrgyzstan an amazing destination for nature and adventure. Studying Russian there became part of a much wider experience. It allowed me to discover Central Asia, its landscapes and its culture.

The choice really depends on what you prefer. Riga offers breathtaking city views, easy travel around the Baltics and access to the sea. Bishkek offers the energy of a fast-developing city, as well as mountains, nature and outdoor adventures.

Studying Inside the Classroom

• Liden & Denz: Structured Learning with Physical Books

At both schools, I first completed an assessment. This included a speaking test to determine my Russian level.

At Liden & Denz, students practise speaking and work with a physical course book. The book includes grammar explanations, vocabulary and exercises for each level. This style suits me well. Highlighting rules, adding notes and completing exercises on paper helps me remember information. It also makes revision easier.

• Bishkek: Speaking and Digital Materials

In Bishkek, my lessons focused mainly on communication. We spent a lot of time speaking and discussing different topics. This helped me become more confident. It also made me less afraid of making mistakes.

The school mainly used digital books and learning materials. This made them easy to access. However, I prefer writing things down, so I often took extra notes while using the digital materials.

These two schools showed me that there is no single way to learn a language. Each method helped me develop different skills. Personally, I think a strong grammar base is important before focusing heavily on communication, but the best approach depends on your own learning style.

Practising Russian Outside Class

• Bishkek: Russian Everywhere

Kyrgyzstan is a bilingual country. People use Russian widely alongside Kyrgyz, especially in Bishkek. You will find street signs, menus and public information in both languages.

You also hear Russian in shops, cafés, taxis and markets. Many people in Bishkek do not speak English, so Russian is often the easiest way to communicate. This gives students many chances to practise in everyday situations.

• Riga: More Russian Than I Expected

Before arriving in Riga, I was unsure how much Russian I would hear. After all, it is not an official language in Latvia. In reality, I have heard it regularly in shops, bars, markets and on the street.

It is always respectful to ask whether someone prefers Russian or English. So far, everyone I have spoken to has been very friendly and happy to help me practise.

Hearing Russian in both cities has changed how I think about the language. It does not belong to only one place. People speak Russian across many countries and communities. Each one has its own history, accent and cultural context.

One Language, Many Experiences

For me, studying at a language school abroad has been one of the best ways to improve my Russian.

Bishkek helped me become more confident when speaking. Liden & Denz is now helping me organise, revise and strengthen what I have learned.

The most valuable part is that Russian has become much more than a classroom subject. It has become a way to connect with people, explore new places and experience different cultures.

I can only recommend taking the step and experiencing it for yourself!