The University of Washington Baltic Studies Program, established 1994, is housed in the University of Washington Department of Scandinavian Studies, with support from the Ellison Center for Russian, East European and Central Asian Studies and the Center for West European Studies. Students majoring in either of these two departments may choose to focus on Estonia, Latvia and/or Lithuania.
Elementary language courses are offered annually. Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian topics are included in numerous courses taught in English. Prominent speakers on Baltic topics are regularly brought to the University for guest lectures and consultation with faculty and students. Students may pursue a Major or Minor in Scandinavian Area Studies with a Baltic specialization. They may also earn a Minor in Estonian, Latvian or Lithuanian studies.
Undergraduate exchanges are developing with universities in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Inquiries should be sent to the UW International Programs and Exchanges Office. Courses taken at Baltic universities qualify for major and minor requirements at the University of Washington, as approved by the departmental advisor. UW Graduate students have traveled to the Baltic through Fulbright, IREX and SSRC exchanges.
Financial aid is available for graduate students, who may apply for fellowships to study Estonian, Latvian, or Lithuanian through the FLAS (Foreign Language and Area Studies) program at the Jackson School of International Studies. Pending funding, the Department also offers Teaching Assistantships in Estonian, Latvian, or Lithuanian.
For other information about Baltic Studies at the University of Washington, contact the UW Scandinavian Department.
For general information about enrolling at the University of Washington, refer to the admissions page on the UW website. Prospective graduate students should visit the Graduate School website.