Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies

Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies (REEES) is one of the oldest programs of its kind on the West Coast. At the core of our program is the study of Russian—a language of global and regional importance. In addition, we offer an array of courses in the literatures, cultures, histories, diverse religious traditions, and world-changing politics of the region and its diasporas. 

A huge thank you to Portland real estate developer, philanthropist and UO alumnus Jordan Schnitzer and the Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation, for a landmark $25 million gift to CAS that will empower future global leaders and problem solvers! The School of Global Studies and Languages is now named the Schnitzer School of Global Studies and Languages, and we are truly excited to be a part of it!

Learn More about Schnitzer School

 Ukrainian military woman with the Ukrainian flag in her hands on the background of an exploded house

Support for Ukraine

The program in Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies joins people around the world in condemning the Russian government’s military aggression against the sovereign nation of Ukraine and its citizens. We stand in support of our Ukrainian students, friends, colleagues, and their loved ones, as well as all those in our extended global community who are adversely impacted by this war. We urge you to consider donating to humanitarian relief efforts in Ukraine and in the neighboring countries of Eastern Europe. To assist you in learning how you can do so, we refer you to the websites below.

260M
PEOPLE SPEAK RUSSIAN WORLDWIDE
1 of 6
OFFICIAL LANGUAGES OF THE UNITED NATIONS
3rd
MOST COMMONLY SPOKEN LANGUAGE IN OREGON

What You Can Do with a Degree in REEES

A degree in REEES—and proficiency in Russian—prepares you for a wide range of careers, from journalism to business, education, law, foreign service, and the arts. Our alumni have launched successful careers as:

  • International relations coordinators
  • Import specialists
  • Lawyers
  • Translators
  • Educators
  • Diplomats
REEES alum Marilyn Cole

How a Degree in REEES Launches Your Career

“I’m continuing to utilize the skills I gained through REEES by working with Microsoft Student Ambassadors from the Europe, Middle East, and Africa regions. I am truly proud of the path that has led me to where I am now and am positive that it would not have been possible without the foundation that REEES and the UO set for me.”

—Marilyn Cole, REEES major, '16

Our Degree Programs

Undergraduate students can earn a major or minor in REEES through our highly flexible and exciting program. Incoming graduate students pursue an interdisciplinary master’s degree or a graduate certificate.

Student raising his hand

Learn from Experts in the Field

Our faculty members hail from multiple disciplines. What unites our research is a commitment to studying Russia, Eastern Europe, and Eurasia in a global context. Some of our recent projects include Russian-East Asian literary interactions, the Soviet Union’s cultural influence on the Third World, and imperial Russia’s environmental impact on the Pacific Northwest.

Students at a table

Get Real-World Experience

Want to deepen your engagement in Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies? Polish your language and cultural skills in an annual bilingual play production or one of the many other hands-on learning experiences our we offer. From global internships to studying abroad, you'll have plenty of opportunities to apply your skills beyond the classroom while earning credit for your degree.

Scholarships and Funding

Undergraduate students can seek funding through the College of Arts and Sciences, which awards various scholarships to both incoming students and those who are already attending the UO. Select graduate students receive funding through graduate employment.

Undergraduate ScholarshipsGraduate Funding

Academic Support

Students in the Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies program can seek academic support, career counseling, and other advising services through Tykeson Hall or by consulting our program advisor. 

Undergraduate Advising
Support for Graduate Students

Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies News and Events

After announcing a landmark $25 million commitment, Portland developer, philanthropist and alumnus Jordan Schnitzer shares his thoughts on living in an ever-globalizing world—and his hopes for the Schnitzer School of Global Studies and Languages.
LANGUAGES AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES — This year's Foreign Language and International Studies Day offered a vibrant celebration of languages, cultures and the arts for high school students. Attendees came from 19 Oregon high schools, some traveling from as far north as Seaside, as far south as Roseburg and as far east as Pendleton.
RUSSIAN, EAST EUROPEAN AND EURASIAN STUDIES - Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies faculty member Jenifer Presto recently presented at an Arts Unplugged event at Cornell University on "Nabokov, Naturally." The event, which brought together artists, humanists and natural scientists, explored “Lolita” author Vladimir Nabokov's legacy as a writer and a lepidopterist.

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Exploring the Dolomites Information Session
Dec17
Exploring the Dolomites Information Session Dec 17
Community Project Planning and Development Workshop: Assessing Community Readiness
Dec17
Community Project Planning and Development Workshop: Assessing Community Readiness Dec 17
Department of History Coffee Hour
Jan6
Department of History Coffee Hour Jan 6 McKenzie Hall
Eugene History Pub Lecture Series: "Blacks against Brown: The Intra-racial Struggle over Segregated Schools in Topeka, Kansas"
Jan12
Eugene History Pub Lecture Series: "Blacks against Brown: The Intra-racial Struggle over Segregated Schools in Topeka, Kansas" Jan 12 Whirled Pies
Department of History Coffee Hour
Jan13
Department of History Coffee Hour Jan 13 McKenzie Hall
Part-Time Job & Work-Study Fair
Jan14
Part-Time Job & Work-Study Fair Jan 14 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Filmlandia Screening Series: "The Shining"
Jan14
Filmlandia Screening Series: "The Shining" Jan 14 Lawrence Hall
Department of History Coffee Hour
Jan20
Department of History Coffee Hour Jan 20 McKenzie Hall
Dept. of History Seminar Series: "What is the History of Information? A Case Study of the United States in 1920"
Jan20
Dept. of History Seminar Series: "What is the History of Information? A Case Study of the United States in 1920" Jan 20 McKenzie Hall
Resume Extravaganza! (Drop-In Resume Reviews with Career Coaches & Peer Coaches)
Jan21
Resume Extravaganza! (Drop-In Resume Reviews with Career Coaches & Peer Coaches) Jan 21 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall

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