Well, I've been in a similar position before - I'm an engineer and I wanted to learn Russian! The main problem was that I don't have a great head for languages, so I was a bit apprehensive about the whole thing! I took as structured an approach as I could and it worked pretty well for me - so I decided to write it up in the hopes that someone else would find it useful too.

It's basically a combination of vocabulary learning using Anki, grammar from the New Penguin Russian Course, and a few other bits and pieces that I do on a regular basis. There are some links to Russian/English word frequency files as well. Hopefully it will be helpful to you. Here's the link: Learning languages for engineers | Paul Raftery's Something New.

Quote Originally Posted by Julia View Post
Hey, guys.

I'm an aerospace engineering student seriously considering a masters program in Russia. Even though it is not required to actually speak the language in order to be accepted, it is something that I wish to achieve before I apply.

Considering I have about two and a half years, what is the best course of action to learn, not only basic russian but also to get a grasp on technical terms.

I have access to the pimsleur method and I also take classes with a native speaker, so at least the pronunciation isn't so atrocious, but I can't travel to Russia anytime soon. I'm looking mainly for recommended books and reading assignments.

Thanks a lot!