Learn Russian in Cornwall

Privet!

I am MARIA EVDOKIMOVA, founder of Learn Russian in Cornwall – an educational hub bringing people together to discover Russian language and culture.

I am a native Russian speaker, born in Saint Petersburg, with a Master’s degree in English and German languages from Herzen State Pedagogical University, specializing in German Philology. With extensive experience as a tutor and interpreter, I have worked in schools and provided private lessons, helping students of all levels achieve their language learning goals. My passion for languages and cultural exchange inspires me to create engaging, tailored learning experiences.

I first began teaching Russian as an extracurricular activity at Trent College in Derbyshire. Now, I support students in their preparations for Russian GCSE and A-level exams and conduct the speaking component at schools and colleges across Devon and Cornwall.

After moving to Cornwall, I designed and led my own Russian course at Tree Language School in Truro. My strong communication skills allowed me to quickly establish effective relationships with students, parents, and colleagues. Students appreciated my clear explanations, illustrated with practical examples and engaging multimedia resources. The course received outstanding feedback and positive recommendations.

Inspired by the growing interest in Russia and the Russian language, I founded “Russian in Cornwall” in 2018. This program supports students preparing for GCSE and A-level exams, adults traveling to Russia for work, study, or leisure, as well as individuals with Russian heritage. It also welcomes anyone interested in exploring Russian language and culture. “Russian in Cornwall” provides a vibrant space for learning, connecting, and engaging in cultural activities, including traditional holiday celebrations, singing, seasonal foraging, and more.

Collaborating with companies has provided me with valuable experience in working with larger groups and delivering tailored, specialized courses.

Working with Cultural Vistas, a nonprofit organization founded in 1963 to promote global understanding through international exchange programs , was a highly rewarding experience. Their mission to enrich minds and connect lives aligns with my passion for experiential learning. Through a program funded by Alfa Bank,  I had the privilege of offering private tuition to advanced learners (upper-intermediate level). This included specialized courses in business language, CV development, and interview preparation in Moscow, all aimed at preparing participants for life and work in Russia. The positive assessments and continued use of Russian in their professional lives by my students were truly gratifying. Equally important was embracing this new chapter in my own life, which enriched both my personal and professional journey. 

Collaborating with the Royal Naval Air Force at RNAS Culdrose marked a significant advancement in my career as a Russian tutor. Tasked with designing a course that met the Defence Requirements Authority for Culture and Language (DRACL) standards, I developed a specialized “Survival Course” tailored for military personnel. This course focused on military terminology and emergency response scenarios, incorporating role-playing assessments to simulate various situations. Successful completion of the course awarded participants the SLP Level 1 competency, aligning with the Defence Awarding Organisation’s framework for language proficiency.  

Designing a specialized course for the European Human Rights Advocacy Centre (EHRAC), an independent human rights litigation center based at Middlesex University School of Law, was both challenging and rewarding.  EHRAC collaborates with human rights defenders in Ukraine and the South Caucasus to litigate groundbreaking strategic cases, aiming to secure justice and challenge impunity.

My role involved tailoring a course for EHRAC staff, focusing on legal procedures such as drafting complaints, writing submissions, understanding court orders, and general case management. This training aimed to enhance their capacity to effectively navigate legal processes and advocate for human rights in their respective regions.

Beyond my professional endeavors, I fully embrace the Cornish lifestyle. In the summer, I enjoy surfing and diving; spring and autumn find me foraging in the local woodlands; and during the long winter evenings, I indulge in strategic games of chess. Recently, I’ve embarked on a new creative venture: crafting earthy dinnerware adorned with floral prints inspired by the abundant local flora. This endeavor allows me to merge my appreciation for Cornwall’s natural beauty with my passion for design.

I look forward to guiding individuals on their enriching and challenging journey into Russian language and culture. Embarking on this path offers a profound appreciation for Russia’s rich literary heritage, intricate linguistic structures, and diverse cultural traditions. While learning Russian presents challenges due to its complex grammar and syntax, the rewards are immense, providing deeper insights into a civilization that has significantly influenced global history.

Engaging with Russian culture also involves navigating its unique societal norms and historical contexts. Understanding these aspects enhances one’s experience and fosters a more nuanced perspective. I am committed to facilitating this journey, offering personalized guidance to help learners overcome challenges and fully embrace the richness of Russian heritage.

Sincerely yours,

Maria,

Your guide to Russian.

Meet Lyudmila – our talented colleague at Learn Russian in Cornwall

Let me introduce my colleague and one of the most enthusiastic teachers I know. I feel privileged to work alongside her and to have her as part of our team at Learn Russian in Cornwall.

Lyudmila has a strong academic background as an Associate Professor at the prestigious Belorussian State University, where she taught in the Department of Theory and Methods of Teaching Russian as a Foreign Language.

She is not only an experienced teacher of Russian, but also a brilliant Maths tutor. She specialises in working with both bilingual and English-speaking students, preparing them equally well for their Maths GCSE. With the ability to teach in either Russian or English, she makes complex concepts clear and accessible to every learner.

Together, we aim to broaden the subjects we offer and provide students with high-quality, engaging lessons across disciplines.

Hello! I’m Liudmila, your tutor for GCSE Russian and Maths (including Functional Skills)

I’m a qualified and experienced teacher with a strong academic background and a passion for helping students succeed and I feel confident along the way.

I hold degrees in Russian Language and Literature, English, and Italian, and have over 15 years of experience teaching in schools, universities, and international programs across Europe. I’ve taught Russian both as a native and foreign language, including at the University of Granada in Spain, and helped students win national and international RFL competitions.

Now based in the UK, I teach in college and as a private tutor. To truly understand what my students go through, I decided to take the GCSE exams in English and Maths myself and I passed them! That journey helped me see how to explain complex topics clearly and simply, especially in Maths, which has become one of my favourite subjects to teach.

I now help students prepare for:

• GCSE Russian – with personalised guidance and support to develop language skills, confidence, and exam techniques
• GCSE Maths – whether you’re aiming for a strong pass or a top grade
• Functional Skills in Maths – perfect for learners who need maths for work, study, or everyday life

My teaching style is patient, respectful, and encouraging. I adapt lessons to each student’s needs and learning style, helping you stay motivated and achieve real progress.

Outside of teaching, I love exploring new places, visiting museums and theatres, writing stories (I started with fairy tales for my children!), and learning about art therapy, especially Neurographics, which combines drawing and psychology.

If you’re looking for a tutor who truly listens, supports, and helps you grow I’d be happy to help you on your learning journey.

Learn Russian in Cornwall – Official Pearson Assessor

At Learn Russian in Cornwall, we are proud to be recognised as an official assessor for the Pearson exam board. This means our students benefit from expert guidance, insider knowledge of exam requirements, and the highest standards of preparation for their Russian language qualifications.