Cultural Enrichment

The Russian Studies interdisciplinary program offer ECU students and campus community a wide range of extra-curricular activities such as Russian Film Series, Russian Tea & Conversation, Russian Culture Club, Russian Food Day, Kabachok Russian Tavern, RUSI Alumni Day, and welcome distinguished guest speakers to the Russian Studies Guest Lecture Series and Great Decision Series. The program enthusiastically participates in musical concerts, dance and theatre events and art exhibitions at East Carolina and at sister institutions in the UNC-system.

Russian Tea

Russian Tea gatherings for many years is one of the most beloved ways of communication for our students, faculty and Russian-speaking community at East Carolina, with its informal friendly atmosphere, handmade traditional bliny, pirogi and pryaniki, and cultural discussions.

A Russian Tea gathering table featuring traditional blue-and-white porcelain teapots and cups, a basket of assorted breads, a glass dish with powdered cookies (pryaniki), a plate of vanilla wafers, and a small decorative doll in traditional Russian dress. Tea bags hang from the teapots, and there’s a small jar of honey with a spoon. The scene reflects a warm, informal cultural setting typical of Russian Tea events at East Carolina University, where students, faculty, and the Russian-speaking community gather to enjoy traditional foods and cultural discussion.

Student-Led Russian Culture Club

Matryoshka and Wooden Spoon Painting Event


Some of Russian Culture Club’s recent events included a matryoshka (nesting dolls) and wooden spoon painting event. These are traditional Russian crafts that students enjoyed sharing with each other.