Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Moskva--Maia Liubov! Past Review

By (History (PhD), Michigan State University) - abroad from 06/10/2014 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?
I was also able to conduct my predissertation research when not in class. Mostly, I loved my host family and speaking to them in Russian.

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.

American Councils and Moscow International University provided the most rigorous Russian language courses I have taken, and greatly improved my speaking abilities.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program director gave us easy access to him, and our professors were always willing to talk to us.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had an amazing host family experience. I loved my host and her granddaughter, who was close in age to me. We would talk almost every night. I learned so much about Russia and felt more comfortable speaking.

* Food:

My host family provided awesome food and accommodated my pickiness. Russian cuisine is pretty awesome.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt fairly integrated, but certainly not a Muscovite. I thought Russians were surprisingly welcoming towards Americans, particularly given the current political climate. Most seemed impressed that Americans were interested in their language and culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I became sick on our week long cruise. I spoke to our program director first, and he told me how to go about insurance claims using the international health care provided by American Councils. When I saw the doctor on board, he gave me free medicine and did not charge for the appointment. He said that even though the Russian and American governments did not get along, he wanted to facilitate good relationships between Russians and Americans.

* Safety:

I grew up in the Bronx, and I am impressed by the overall safety in Moscow. Like any city, I am sure you can find trouble, but I took the metro alone late at night frequently with no problems. I felt safe when I went out after dark, but I caution everyone to be aware of their surroundings.

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)

Moscow is a VERY expensive city, but you certainly can do many different things on a budget. Travel guides and the internet can lead you to affordable bars and restaurants. Student IDs (provided by Moscow International University) usually helped in getting student rates for different activities.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Use your student ID!!!

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

I wish the no English rule was enforced more strictly, but compared to my previous program, Russian was encouraged much, much more.

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? RUSS 441
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Stay with a host family, and don't be shy! They want to get to know you, but they also respect that Americans are more private people. Don't fall back on friends or your program director for help. It might be hard, but it pays off.

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?
  • Cultural Activities
  • Ability to Travel
  • Friends/Host Family
* What could be improved?
  • Moodle Updates
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I can't think of anything in particular. Most of what we went over in orientation, I had learned on my first trip to Moscow.

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!