CIEE: St. Petersburg - Russian Area Studies Photo

A Study Abroad Program Review For

CIEE: St. Petersburg - Russian Area Studies

Program Information

This program is designed for students who have an interest in Russia. The program can accommodate different levels of language proficiency, especially beginning and intermediate Russian language students.

Program Snapshot

* Improve your Russian language proficiency with intensive training
* Liv... More

Provider: CIEE
Location(s): St. Petersburg, Russia
Year Founded:
Website Take me there!

Review By:

Kelly K. (russian regional studies, Barnard College) on January 20, 2010

Overall Rating

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: St Petersburg State University
The term and year this program took place: Fall 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everyone at the office was extremely approachable and helpful

* Housing:

Vasilevsky Ostrov, linea 3 and bolshoi prospect. I lived in an apartment with a host mother, father, and daughter, as well as one other American student. <br /><br /> I did not every feel that I was part of my host family. Merely that I was a border at something like a bed and breakfast. However, in discussion with other program participants, I do not feel that this was a typical situation,

* Food:

I found the food to be perfectly satisfactory, but nothing ever really homemade and few fresh fruits and vegetables,

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We had a good mix of planned and unplanned cultural activities.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

* Home Institution Advising:

How well did Barnard College prepare and support you for your time abroad?

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Traveling was by far the most costly part of my time abroad. Eating at home when possible was a great way to save money.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
Language acquisition improvement?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* If you could do it all over again, would you choose the same program? Yes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? GO!
* What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile? It was extremely worthwhile and other than my housing, I was very satisfied with my experience abroad.