I Want to Return ASAP! Past Review
By A student (Russian Language, Literature, Bryn Mawr College) - abroad from 08/26/2015 to 12/17/2015 with
American Councils (ACTR): Advanced Russian Language & Area Studies Program (RLASP)
I exponentially improved my speaking and comprehension abilities, I made meaningful and lasting friendships with locals. It was completely worthwhile.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I had many incredible experiences while studying in St. Petersburg, from classes that exponentially improved my speaking and comprehension skills, a wonderful host who always had suggestions for places to see, and a peer tutor who was always happy to edit essays and show me around the city. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Our resident director in St. Petersburg was experienced and knowledgeable. He expertly navigated the problems that arose with our visas. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I had an excellent host! And although we lived relatively far from the center of the city in Парк победы, the area was beautiful! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
N/A, had no need for healthcare. Prior to departure, an HIV test is needed to acquire a visa. |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | ~4,000 rubles per week (~75 USD in Fall 2015) |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
Speaking Russian on the university was mandatory at all times, as well as on group excursions. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| 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? | Third year (advanced) Russian |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I only wish I knew how much I would enjoy the program, and I wish I could have stayed for a second semester! |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
