Language and cultural immersion January 31, 2021
By Ashley (Georgetown University) - abroad from 08/31/2020 to 12/11/2020 with
American Councils (ACTR): Eurasian Regional Language Program (ERLP)
This program was absolutely worthwhile, even though it was virtual due to the pandemic. I improved my Uzbek language skills and learned more about the local culture.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The academic program is excellent. Classes are usually quite individualized, and I was the only student in my class. I came in with zero knowledge of Uzbek and placed at an intermediate-mid level after just 4 months of studying the language with ERLP. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The American Councils staff is wonderful. They are incredibly helpful and responsive. The program was virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but they helped it run smoothly. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Even though it was a virtual program, I felt connected to the local culture. My professor regularly incorporated culture into our lessons, and I also had weekly conversation lessons and virtual cultural activities which connected me to Tajikistan and Uzbekistan culture. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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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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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 |
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| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
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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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? | n/a |
