Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

So much more than a resume booster Past Review

By (Russian, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee) - abroad from 06/08/2019 to 08/13/2019 with

American Councils (ACTR): Business Russian Language and Internship (BRLI) Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My two months in Moscow interning as a translator at CRO I gained valuable insight into the Russian business work culture. I made many contacts and learned how business and work, in general, differ from how we conduct business in the U.S. I was able to enhance my knowledge while during my internship, and after when I could ask questions about differences I was witnessing and certain procedures that don't exist in the United States. It was a phenomenal experience. It is very difficult to find an internship in Russia as an American and the BRLI program provides everything that is necessary to gain work experience and enhance one's language.

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.

This was a phenomenal experience that I would recommend to any student who wants to learn about the Russian workplace and work culture.

* 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

There are very few programs that allow you to gain valuable insight into the Russian Business world through an internship as well as learning business vocabulary and culture in a classroom setting.

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 metropolis, and the budget one needs is comparable to that of Chicago or New York. However, you only have to pay for your lunch and coffee throughout the day. 2 out of 3 meals are provided for you.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 150

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

We were encouraged to use the language as much as possible. With the internship component, I only spoke Russian at my internship.

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
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
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?
  • Internship
  • My professors and classes
  • Excursions
* What could be improved?
  • prior knowledge to internship
  • student grouping by ability
  • Location of host families
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had more prior knowledge about the business culture. I understood it would be different but the overall approach brings forth many things that we can deem as poor, but as an international intern you cannot immediately judge the differences, which is what I did. With more knowledge about the cultural differences, I think I could have had a better approach in the beginning of the program.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.