I’m Irina, and I specialize in helping English speakers master Russian without overwhelm – whether you’re starting from scratch or prepping for TORFL exams. My secret is clear comparisons to English, so tricky grammar (like cases or verbs of motion) finally clicks.
Let’s make fluency feel natural. Your success is my job!
You can find my profiles on Preply, iTalki, and Superprof if you prefer to work through a middleman or if you would like to verify my reviews from those platforms. I’ll be happy to work with you anywhere – both on the platforms and outside of them.
If you don’t want to overpay platforms for mediation, then be sure to check my rates on this website.
1996 - 2003 Philology; Master's degree, tutor in Russian
1996 - 2003 Филология; Преподаватель русского языка и литературы
2026 RFL; Diploma of professional retraining.
Russian as a Foreign Language and Methods of Teaching Russian as a Foreign Language
2026 РКИ; Диплом о профессиональной переподготовке.
Русский язык как иностранный и методика его преподавания
In 2003, I graduated from Tver State University with a Master's degree in Teaching Russian Language.
In 2026, I completed a 340-hour professional retraining course and received a diploma with honors in "Teaching Russian as a Foreign Language."
Since 2009, I have worked as a Russian language tutor for both Russian-speaking and English-speaking students.
В 2003-м году я закончила учебу в Тверском государственном университете со степенью мастера в области преподавания русского языка.
В 2026-м году я прошла 340-часовые курсы профессиональной переподготовки и получила диплом с отличием по специальности "Преподаватель русского языка как иностранного".
С 2009-го года я работаю репетитором русского языка – для русско- и англоговорящих.
Student
proficiency level
Beginner
Pre Intermediate
Intermediate
Upper Intermediate
Advanced
Proficiency
Preferred
age group
Students (17-22)
Adults (23-40)
Adults (40+)
Looking for a complete Russian course rather than occasional lessons on unrelated topics?
My General Russian program offers systematic development of all essential language skills: grammar, vocabulary, speaking, listening, reading, and pronunciation.
The course follows a structured progression from one level to the next, with new material introduced in a logical sequence and connected to what you've already learned.
Grammar isn't studied in isolation. You'll practise using new structures and vocabulary through a variety of activities designed to develop both understanding and practical communication skills.
Regular revision is an important part of the course. Previously learned material is continuously revisited and incorporated into new exercises, helping you retain knowledge and use it more naturally.
The structure provides a clear learning direction, while the pace and additional practice are adjusted to your individual strengths, difficulties, and goals.
This course is suitable for adult learners who want to develop their Russian consistently, build a strong foundation, and progress towards greater accuracy, independence, and confidence.
Starting Russian from zero? You don't need any previous knowledge.
I offer a complete, structured beginner's course that gradually introduces Russian pronunciation, reading, vocabulary, grammar, listening, and speaking.
You'll start forming your own sentences and using Russian from the early stages, while developing a clear understanding of how the language works.
Each new topic builds on material you've already studied. We regularly review and practise what you've learned so that new knowledge becomes easier to remember and use.
I explain grammar step by step, without overwhelming you with unnecessary terminology or introducing too many rules at once.
You'll always understand what we're learning, why it matters, and how it connects to the rest of the language.
The goal is to give you a solid foundation that will support your progress well beyond the beginner level.
Preparing for the Test of Russian as a Foreign Language (TORFL / ТРКИ)?
I offer structured exam preparation based on your current language level, target certification level, available preparation time, and individual areas of difficulty.
We'll focus on the language knowledge and practical skills required for your target level, including grammar, vocabulary, reading, listening, writing, and speaking.
Preparation includes targeted practice with relevant task types, analysis of mistakes, and additional work on the areas where you need the most improvement.
Rather than simply completing exercises, we'll also work on understanding the grammar and vocabulary behind your mistakes so that you can apply your knowledge more confidently.
The goal is to help you approach the examination with a clearer understanding of its requirements, stronger language skills, and a systematic preparation strategy.
Need to improve your Russian within a limited period of time?
Intensive lessons are designed for motivated learners who can dedicate more time to regular lessons and independent practice.
We'll start by identifying your current level, specific goals, available time, and the areas that need the most attention.
Based on these factors, I'll organize a focused learning plan that prioritizes the grammar, vocabulary, listening, and speaking skills most relevant to your objectives.
The pace will be faster than in a standard course, with more frequent practice, additional assignments, and regular review.
However, intensive learning doesn't mean rushing through material without understanding it. We'll focus on consolidating new knowledge and developing your ability to use it independently.
This format is particularly suitable for students preparing for an upcoming event, working towards a specific language goal, or wanting to accelerate their progress through consistent study.
Do you understand Russian better than you can speak it? Can you recognize grammar and vocabulary in exercises but struggle to use them in spontaneous conversation?
My conversational Russian lessons focus on turning passive knowledge into active communication.
We'll practise expressing opinions, developing longer answers, asking follow-up questions, responding naturally, and using familiar grammar and vocabulary without having to consciously reconstruct every sentence.
This isn't simply casual conversation for the sake of speaking. I identify recurring difficulties in your speech and use targeted corrections, vocabulary work, pronunciation practice, and follow-up exercises to help you overcome them.
The goal is to help you become more independent, accurate, and confident when expressing your thoughts in Russian.
As a certified teacher, I have the linguistic knowledge needed to explain the unique features of the Russian language, such as its system of cases, verbs of motion, differences between animate and inanimate objects, variations in verb tenses, and more. I ensure better understanding by providing relevant comparisons to English.
Будучи дипломированным преподавателем, я обладаю лингвистическими знаниями, необходимыми для объяснения уникальных особенностей русского языка, таких как: система падежей, глаголы движения, различия между одушевленными и неодушевленными предметами, вариации времен глагола и многое другое.
Я добиваюсь лучшего понимания англоговорщих, приводя соответствующие сравнения с английским языком.
I teach Russian through practical examples of its usage and in comparison with the English language. In other words, I will never require you to simply memorize a table of endings without understanding how you can apply this knowledge. We first explore situations where you can apply these concepts, and then you learn the endings, but with a clear understanding of where and how to apply what you are currently learning.
Я преподаю русский язык с помощью практических примеров его использования и сравнения с английским языком. Другими словами, я никогда не потребую от вас просто запомнить таблицу окончаний, не понимая, как вы сможете применить эти знания на практике. Сначала мы изучим ситуации, в которых вы можете применять эти концепции, а уже затем вы будете учить окончания, с четким пониманием, где и как применять то, что вы в данный момент учите.
All the educational materials I use during the lessons will be made available to students for personal use after the lesson: lesson summaries (PDF files available for download), interactive flashcards for new vocabulary, and video materials. Of course, we will also review all of these during the lesson.
Все учебные материалы, которые я использую во время занятий, будут предоставлены студентам для личного использования после урока: резюме урока (PDF-файлы доступны для скачивания), интерактивные карточки с новой лексикой и видеоматериалы. Конечно же, мы также будем пересматривать все это во время урока.
First, we’ll figure out your needs and level. From there on, we’ll move at your pace, according to your preferences, and aligned with your interests.
Сначала мы определим ваши цели и уровень. И дальше будем двигаться в Вашем темпе, согласно Вашим предпочтениям и в соответствии с Вашими интересами.
However, the most challenging part for anyone learning any language is to start speaking and understanding real-life conversation. With me, you’ll have a safe space to speak, make mistakes, and improve – a place where you can grow confidently.
Однако наиболее сложная задача для любого изучающего язык – начать говорить и понимать носителей языка. Здесь, со мной, у Вас будет безопасное место, чтобы говорить, ошибаться и совершенствовать свои навыки.
About me
