The department has offered its first-year students a trip to immerse themselves in Russian life and culture since the 1950s. In the early years, when travel to the Soviet Union was not possible, students were sent to stay with Russian emigre families in Paris towards the end of their first year. Later trips were organised through pro-Soviet travel agencies, and then Dr Nick Luker took over the planning of these trips for many years.
In July 2014, first-year students took part in a two week trip to Rostov-on-Don, attending the language school Mir bez Granits.