Russia Past Review

By (Economics., Indiana University of Pennsylvania) for

AIFS: St. Petersburg - Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Definitely worth it.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

A decent taste of Russian society. Near metro, not close to city center, but between metro and taxis it was easy enough to get to.

* Food:

You don't go to Russia for the food. It was decent. It depends on the individual. Nothing to do with the program.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

It's Russia.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Russian 2
If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition?

Language acquisition improvement?

Few people spoke english. Moderately immersive by nature of country. Took a Russian language class 4 days a week for 3 hours a day. Practiced with roommates/friends. Used always in public.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans