PREEEF Seeks Volunteers to Join Their Summer Folklore Expeditions

The Partnership for Russian, East European and Eurasian Folklore (PREEEF) invites students and established scholars in folklore, cultural anthropology, ethnomusicology and related areas to join their field research teams to document Russian and Kazakh folklore in Kazakhstan.

PREEEF will arrange two expeditions this summer. The first one, Legends of Bayanaul, will take place in Bayanaul National Park, Kazakhstan, July 20–31, 2026. It aims to conduct a cross-lingual (Kazakh, Russian and English) study of landscape legends regarding lakes, peaks and rock formations in north Kazakhstan. Application deadline is April 21, 2026.

The second expedition, Folklore at Home and on Stage, will take place in Altai District, East Kazakhstan Province, July 5–17, 2026. This expedition aims to document traditions, stories, songs, foodways, and material culture of Russian Old Believers of the Bukhtarma Valley, NE Kazakhstan. Application deadline is May 2, 2026.

The research expeditions are led by Dr. Yelena Minyonok and Dr. Alevtina Tsvetkova, both of whom are folklorists with years of experience in guiding students and collaborating with established scholars.

Volunteer team members assist with sound and video recording, photography, interviews, transcriptions and translations. No previous training is required. Individual research interests can usually be accommodated. Proficiency in Russian or Kazakh is helpful, but not required. Translators are provided.

Volunteers pay their own way plus a share of the general expedition expenses. Some financial assistance is available.

If you have questions, please read their FAQs or send an email to info@preeef.org.