Lesson Details
Russian
- Levels Taught:
- Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
I offer Russian Language lessons/classes:
Reading,
Writing,
Grammar,
Conversation
Language development,
Pronunciation,
Social Language Use.
My lessons are based on dialogue and discussions. I have found this strategy extremely effective and beneficial in developing strong instructor-to-students relationships.
I think it is very important to study the Russian language in close connection with Russian culture. I try to choose topics that interest the students, help them feel comfortable and lower their anxiety about making mistakes.
Aksana teaches

About
- Teaches students:
- Ages 14 to 80
- Teaching since:
- September 1995
PhD. in Russian Language and Literature, Immanuel Kant State University of Russia (Kaliningrad State University), Russia, 2002 Master’s and Bachelor’s Degree in Russian and Belarusian Languages and Literature (Diploma with honors), Belarusian State University, Belarus, 1995.
I am a native Russian tutor. Now I live in NYC and teach Russian as a foreign language in CUNY.
I teach the Russian language from the very beginning - elementary, basic level - to higher levels.
The most important goal of my classes is that you enjoy our meetings by keeping interest and feeling the progress.
Individual approach to each student is the key point to the success. We study the vocabulary, grammar, and situations related to the student's current activities. As a result all my students successfully use the learned skills for their professional or private life.
During my lessons, I'm trying to reach the best balance between speaking, listening, grammar, conversation and other aspects of the language.
I can help you understand the system of the Russian language, so that you were not limited by phrases that you learn during the lesson, but could make your own sentences, paragraphs, express your thoughts in different ways.
We will pay enough attention to grammar, pronunciation, reading and speaking.
I will explain you the way Russians talk in their everyday life because some Russian foundations and manners differ from American ones.
As your personal instructor, I'm going to give you an honest feedback on your strengths and weaknesses and design a curriculum that fits your needs.
I'll be happy to help you learn the Russian language. Feel free to contact me and ask any questions.
Thank you for your interest - I look forward to seeing you in my classes!
Policy: All changes in the schedule (except emergencies) should be made 24 hours before the lesson, otherwise the lesson will be marked as missed.
Experience
Adjunct Lecturer
Aug 2015 - PresentCurrently I teach course Elementary Russian at Hunter College.
Assistant Professor
Sep 2003 - Dec 2012I designed and taught two graduate courses: Russian as a foreign language - oral and written speech practice, Russian Speech Etiquette.
I initiated, designed and introduced new courses in response to specific demands of the marketplace (e.g. a course on Strategies of communicative behavior in Russian, etc.)
Tutored and assisted students individually or in small groups to help them master assignments and to reinforce learning concepts
Education
Ph.D. in Russian Language and Literature
Nov 1999 - Oct 2002Master’s Degree in Russian and Belarusian Languages and Literature
Aug 1990 - Jul 1995Languages
Belarusian
English
Polish
Russian
Serbian-Croatian
Ukrainian
Certifications
Certificate
Jun 2017OPI Familiarization Workshop
Photos & Videos
26 Reviews
Write a ReviewI have been learning Russian from Prof. Aksana for the last 6 months or so. Aksana is a truly gifted teacher and has absolute mastery over the language. She really tailors the lectures around your need as a student. She is super rigorous in her teaching methods and is really focused on letting you - the student - grow into the language. She constantly reinforces various concepts with historically accurate stories behind the words, events that triggered changes to the language etc. This truly adds another dimension to her teaching. She is super invested in her students and really strives to make sure that you understood the various nuances in Russian grammar.
I'm truly lucky to have found such a great teacher to serve as my guide in my exploration of the Russian language.
Aksana is a wonderful Russian teacher! She is very knowledgeable not only in the spoken language but also in etymology, culture, and linguistics. She works with the pace of the student and is always flexible. Lessons with her are fun and informative! I can now read, write, understand and speak conversational Russian.
+ Read MoreAksana takes timeto explain and very patient with me to perfect pronunciation.
Aksana is an awesome professor! From the comfort of my home, I meet with Aksana weekly for my Russian lesson over video chat. Each lesson is structured, as we have the Russian book of lessons that we go through to review grammar rules and new vocab lists. In addition, each lesson consists of a lot of free form dialogue back and forth, completely in Russian! Aksana is very patient, repeating words many times so you can ensure you are having a natural pronunciation! She also sends audio clips so that I can listen to the vocab from a native speaker accent as well. Aksana always has interesting facts to understand why and how the language came to be as it is. Overall, the class is extremely informative but also fun and we get to practice actual conversation!
+ Read MoreOksana is outstanding! She is so warm, her Russian is so beautiful and understandable. In the midst of great conversation, she will correct in a way that makes total sense. I am so looking forward to my next lesson!
Again Aksana explains ands teaches with great patience of my slow learning of Russian
The course just keeps geeting better
Dr Oksana is very patient with me and i thank her
very good instructor; in one lesson i learnt a lot in one hour; looking forward to next lesson with Aksana thank you
Aksana is great! She moves at the right pace and makes sure that I understand the content before moving on. She keeps the material engaging and the lessons are very enjoyable. I am very impressed by her knowledge of the history and origins of the language as well as teaching methodologies to help students understand more quickly - she is truly a gifted, professional teacher of the language. I will continue to take lessons with Aksana in my path to fluency, and I would highly recommend taking classes with Aksana!
+ Read MoreShe establishes a platform of ease initially to make students comfortable to learn the language and always uses a practical situation of daily livelihood to express in that language. Rather than dominating the stance she conveniently allows her students to express themselves with affirmation and confidence. When struggling she is never frustrated and does not hesitate to go through what has been taught prior as basic steps to affluence in the learning process. Avoiding confusion and uncertainty is the key to learning a language and she is well crafted in avoiding these obstacles. Personally I feel greatly fortunate and studying under her has me assured that someday I will definitely be as fluent as a native speaker.
+ Read MoreIt is realky fun and am learning a lot
Extremely good lesson
Aksana is an amazing teacher. She is very patient with me when I do not understand something but she will work with me until I am able to grasp the concept. I am currently taking Russian classes at a University but Aksana has been the most valuable asset when it comes to being able to learn the language properly. She is able to clearly explain the rules of the language and it is obvious she is very knowledgeable pertaining to all subjects in Russian. Without Aksana I would not feel as comfortable with my ability to learn the language. Our weekly meetings have helped me to not only speak but understand the language and culture more. I have been with her for about 4 months but look forward to continuing my lessons throughout my college career! She not only helps me during our lessons but also provides me with many other resources to continue my studies. I am very thankful for all Aksana has done and continues to do for me! By far the best Russian teacher I have had.
+ Read MoreAksana is a wonderful instructor. She has true teaching credentials and is an expert linguist. Aksana is always on time, prepared, and has great language learning resources on hand. I have been getting instruction from Aksana for several months and have made significant improvements in my grammar and speaking abilities.
+ Read MoreI just finished my first lesson, and I was very impressed. Aksana had me speaking Russian words within the first few minutes, and I'm looking forward to future lessons with her.
enjoyed meeting Aksana and she seems to be an easy instructor, I am hoping I can learn from her quickly
Aksana is a fabulous teacher! Extremely knowledgeable and resourceful. I am making great progress thanks to Aksana's explanations and materials that we review together. I enjoy my weekly lessons which I always find relaxing and interesting after a long day at work. I highly recommend Aksana as a Russian teacher.
+ Read MoreExcellent! Very positive and enthusiastic to help her student learn but learn correctly and she makes it fun!
Aksana, is flexible with me and my crazy schedule. She's really helping with the Russian language!
Aksana is an excellent teacher. Her knowledge of the Russian language and culture are very strong. She can answer any question about language. Her lessons are very helpful for me.
Mrs. Aksana is a wonderful instructor! I would gladly recommend her to anyone wanting to enhance their Russian knowledge. She is very interactive and really gives you a complete understanding of the language. I have been meeting with Aksana for a few months now and I started off at the beginner level. I can really see an improvement in my understanding of Russian at this point in my studies. If you are looking to be fluent in the Russian language, Aksana would be a great instructor for you!
+ Read MoreI love my Russian lessons with Aksana. I think that Aksana is an excellent teacher and I would highly recommend her to someone trying to learn a new language.
*Amendment to my original - meant to have 5 stars! :)
I have had a wonderful experience working with Aksana to learn Russian and highly recommend her as a tutor. We have been working together for the last 5 weeks and I can really see the progress. I look forward to working with her in the coming months!
I have had a wonderful experience working with Aksana to learn Russian and highly recommend her as a tutor. We have been working together for the last 5 weeks and I can really see the progress. I look forward to working with her in the coming months!