Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The best experience for learning Russian language and culture available! Past Review

By (International Affairs, George Washington University) - abroad from 08/25/2015 to 12/17/2015 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 a great deal more about Russian culture, history, and politics. Additionally my Russian language developed significantly.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

An amazing experience I won't soon forget

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Our administrator was constantly available and friendly, though perhaps he could have spoken Russian more with us.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Host families were accommodating but still provided a unique experience.

* Food:

Food is provided by the host family mainly.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

From this program, I made life-long friends in Russia.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had a health care concern and, while it turned out to be nothing serious, the administrators were quick to bring me to the resources necessary.

* Safety:

Moscow is a wonderful city. However, harassment of women is more commonplace than in the west.

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

This program was everything I wanted and more. Even after reviewing my friends' experiences in other programs, I wouldn't change it.

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)

I was able to live fine with very minimal cost, but this depends on your host family.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Avoid clothing and other luxury goods and buy souvineers away from the tourist destinations. In these regards Moscow, despite the fall of its currency, remains one of the most expensive cities in the world.

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

All of our classes were solely in Russian every day. We were allowed to talk in English only for program planning and when outside of the university.

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 Russian
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? Make sure that you connect with people your age that will speak Russian, not English, with you.

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

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • The small university (great for connecting with people)
  • The host family system
  • The excursions
* What could be improved?
  • Speaking more Russian with administrators and other Americans outside of class
  • More program efforts to build networks beyond the university
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I took less time to adjust and relax with my host family and more time attending university events with local students. However, I was able to do this towards the later half of my program's duration.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.