A unique cultural experience that gives perspective and life long friends. Past Review
By A student (Wellesley College) - abroad from 06/23/2018 to 06/03/2018 with
Bard College: St. Petersburg - Liberal Arts study abroad at Smolny College
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained perspective and confidence, outside of my overall progress in language acquisition. My ideas and values were challenged by those who thought differently than me, and it was an experience that was certainly worthwhile. If I could do it all over again, I would.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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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? |
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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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $60 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Utilize your host family as much as possible when it comes to meals. The easiest way to save money throughout the semester is by eating at home and not going out to eat for lunch all the time. Use the college cafeteria or take fruit and other snacks that your host family provides to your advantage. It's a great resource you have so use it! |
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? | 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? | RUSS 301 |
| 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 homework dates with friends in a public space and vow to only speak in Russian during this time. This forces you to use the language with someone who you feel comfortable learning and making mistakes with, and to use the language when interacting with other native speakers with whom you are sharing that space. Do not be afraid to practice speaking with a student who you may feel is more advanced than you. This is when you will learn the most, and they often learn from you as well. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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 wish I had known that a credit union rather than just a bank could help with saving money on foreign fees and charges. I also wish I had known about dressing in Russia. Bright colors or patterns will make you stand out to the locals (and not necessarily in a positive way), so I wish I had known to bring a lot of dark clothes to bend better. |
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