UW Scandinavian Studies

Baltic Studies Program

In autumn of 1994, the University of Washington Scandinavian Department, with support from the Center for Russian, East European and Central Asian Studies, began teaching the languages of the three Baltic States, Estonian, Latvian, and Lithuanian at multiple levels. Language instruction is at the core of the growing Program in Baltic Studies. This program is also developing in other areas. Estonian, Latvian, and Lithuanian materials are included in numerous courses. Prominent speakers on Baltic topics are regularly brought to the University for guest lectures and consultation with faculty and students. Outstanding students receive financial support for exchanges to Baltic universities.

During academic year 2008-09, we will be offering beginning level Latvian, Lithuanian, and Estonian language classes. Interested parties who are not University of Washington students, can register and pay for these courses through the non-degree program.

Baltic Language Courses

Language courses are offered annually, in a series taught over three academic quarters (Autumn, Winter and Spring):

Baltic courses taught in English

The Baltic Program Fund was established in December of 1994 to supplement the new program's budget. Fundraising is underway to build the Endowment for the Baltic Program, which will finance future Baltic course offerings and ensure a permanent program in Baltic Studies at the University of Washington.

The Baltic Program Fund

We appeal to all individuals and organizations interested in helping to make the Program in Baltic Studies a stable and continuing resource for generations to come.

Beginning 1994, the Program in Baltic Studies was funded by a federal (Title VI) grant which supported foreign languages and area studies, and by temporary university funds. As of 2005, federal and state funds earmarked for the program have been greatly reduced or eliminated. With government funding for public education shrinking, generally, the program's growth and further development depends increasingly on the support of individuals who believe in the importance of a Baltic Studies program in North America.

The Program in Baltic Studies Endowment helps to ensure that the Baltic languages will continue to be taught at the University of Washington. The endowment is established in perpetuity because only the income it produces is used. In order to ensure that a faculty position will be connected to the Baltic Studies program, an Endowment goal of $3M has been set. This will ensure the permanence of the program and provide vital support for a full-time regular faculty positon to lead and continue to develop it.

Contributions to this fund is a tax deductible donation in the United States as well as in Canada. But more importantly, your gift to the Baltic Program Endowment will give you the great satisfaction of knowing that you are supporting an educational opportunity that is significant to you, to your community, and to future generations.

To Contribute

To donate online, click here.

Make checks payable to: "University of Washington Foundation". On the "for" line, write "Baltic Program Fund". Send to the Baltic Program Fund, c/o Scandinavian Studies, University of Washington, Box 353420, Seattle WA 98195-3420.

To donate by Visa or MasterCard, call (206) 685-1980, and state that you wish to donate to the Baltic Program Fund at the University of Washington Foundation of the Office of Development.