An enjoyable information over-load and perspective-changing experience. Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Overall, the material was very challenging, expansive, and engaging. I learned so much about Russia in a short period of time.

On-site administration of your program

This program was online due to COVID-19. However, I can speak to the online administration of the program. While bearing in mind that this was the first time the program had to be remote, there were a few logistical issues. For one, communication was lacking. Although our director was very accessible via WhatsApp if we had any questions, there wasn't a lot of dissemination of information on the front end (ie: no provided overall syllabus or calendar of events). We were also told only a few weeks in advance to watch 10 movies. Everything was administered via Canvas which was helpful because the information was centralized. Sometimes there were issues with the pages being locked though. Overall, I am very thankful for the work of the administrators regardless of the logistical hiccups. Our director was very receptive to feedback and suggestions so I'm optimistic that if the program has to be online again it will be better.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

N/A. I was living at home because the program was online.

N/A. I was living at home because the program was online and did not get to try any food.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The appreciated the efforts of the cultural activities but unfortunately there is only so much one can do within an online framework. We watched videos of excursions around Moscow and Saint Petersburg and chatted with a Russian family and university students. The videos were very information and immersive and the conversations were insightful. However, I did not feel very integrated and felt like I just gleamed the surface of the local culture. I think more interactive activities would have helped, like doing a cooking demonstration or cultural activity.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

N/A. I was living at home because the program was online.

N/A. I was living at home because the program was online.

I think everyone needs to participate in a program like this, even if it is not Russian "politics and public diplomacy" per se. Everyone needs to have their perspectives and preconceived notions reevaluated. Especially during a time when tensions are high with Russia, we need to make an active effort to understand the country and its citizens.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

N/A. I did not have to expend any weekly expenses because the program was remote.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

This program was a hybrid language program, so all academic classes were taught in English but Russian language was of course taught in Russian. Therefore, speaking Russian was highly encouraged during Russian language class but not encouraged elsewhere since we were all at different levels of Russian.

Select all that apply

• Other

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• N/A

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• Americans

• Being taught from the Russian perspective
• Russian language
• End of program round table discussion with professors and students

• Communication
• Structure
• Logistics