Russian is an important world language, spoken by some 150 million people, and is one of the six official languages of the United Nations. Russian culture is especially rich and fascinating. With the opening of Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union the world has become smaller. The most important parts of Russia industrially and strategically – East Siberia and the South-East Russian Far East, the regions closest to New Zealand – have opened up for independent trade, business and cultural contacts with Russia's eastern and southern neighbours. For the first time, direct business contacts have become possible between New Zealand and Russia. This new situation is a favourable development for the future of Russian studies in New Zealand.

Those who study Russian will find themselves well-equipped for positions in diplomatic service, international affairs, human rights, development work, public service, communication, publishing, travel and tourism, as well as teaching. With the opening of Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union, those New Zealand students who acquire knowledge of Russian might find themselves in demand for translating, interpreting and for consultancies in business, health, and legal matters (especially as many Russians do not speak English).