Russia exceeded every expectation - and made for an unforgettable experience! Past Review

By (International Relations And Global Studies, American University) - abroad from 08/28/2012 to 12/19/2013 with

American Councils (ACTR): Advanced Russian Language & Area Studies Program (RLASP)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned not only how to express my thoughts, ideas, and emotions in another language, but also learned how to better understand the Russian people. Definitely a worthwhile experience!

Review Photos

American Councils (ACTR): Advanced Russian Language & Area Studies Program (RLASP) Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

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?

My host mother was incredible - being a teacher herself, she always made sure I was learning from our conversations.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I was not sick once the entire semester I was there.

* Safety:

I felt incredibly safe in Russia, more so than I usually feel in the United States.

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)

Food is cheap, clothing was expensive

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Advanced
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • St. Petersburg as a host city
  • My incredible professors
  • My host family placement.
* What could be improved?
  • I should have pushed myself more to integrate with Russian Students.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Nice sneakers are acceptable to wear in Russia, and they will not automatically reveal you as an American.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!