Overwhelmingly Positive Past Review

By (International Relations and National Security Studies., University of Kentucky) - abroad from 06/12/2014 to 08/11/2014 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Better understanding of Russian people, history and culture.

Review Photos

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

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 200$
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Budget and monitor funds wisely. Buy food and drink from local markets instead of restaurants weekly.

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? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Russian 202
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Take full advantage of opportunities. You will receive what you put into it!

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
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • My stay.
  • Teachers at University
  • City of Moscow.
* What could be improved?
  • No recommendations
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Moscow is a friendlier place than believed.