St. Petersburg, Russia: The Best Kept Secret! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The workload was fair (on average) as courses taught in English had a relatively light workload compared to my home University, but the courses taught in Russian had a greater amount of reading than I was used to (in a foreign language). One of my professors was excellent, and I really learned a lot from him- he facilitated discussion and made class time productive and interesting. Another was not as good- her lectures were boring and the course set-up was disorganized on the whole. The professors in the Russian as a Second Language program were all outstanding and my Russian improved markedly.

On-site administration of your program

The program directors scheduled excursions for us every weekend, thus there was never a dull moment and we were able to see a lot of St. Petersburg's sites on their dime. It was also a great way of getting our entire group together and we got to eat out for lunch! They were constantly in contact with us about scheduling, events and important news, so we were always aware of what was going on both on and off campus. They were also easily accessible, and I was able to reach them quite easily with questions or just to hang out and talk about my adventures. The program directors are all either Russian, or Americans who went on the program or another abroad program and speak Russian freely, so they are always able to assist us with language complications (and homework) and also understand our situation on a more personal level, since they have been in our shoes. They exceeded my expectations in helping us transition to life here, and everything went smoothly during my first couple weeks here, allowing me to not be anxious.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I personally lived with a host family. My family was incredible and treated me like their own daughter. Bard-Smolny has long standing relationships with most of the host families that they send their students to, thus you can have confidence that your host family will be adequate at the very least. My neighborhood was safe, and quite charming (in a very Soviet way). I was only a short bus ride away from the dorms, so I could visit my friends easily. School was about a ten minute walk to the bus stop, then a 30 min bus ride away, but there is never a dull moment on public transportation, so I didn't mind the trek. I enjoyed walking around the city because (especially in the winter) it is easy to feel like you aren't getting enough exercise. My host family provided me with bed sheets, my host mom did my laundry, provided me with candy and fresh fruit daily and even allowed me access to a cabinet full of books and a television (in my room).

THE FOOD WAS INCREDIBLE! Keep an open mind, and if you aren't sure what exactly you are being served, don't sweat it- just eat it! Try chudo, blini and pelmeny.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Visiting museums, cathedrals and historic monuments is essential to this trip. St. Petersburg is a very historical and culturally rich city, and I highly recommend that you take advantage of the opportunity to see its many landmarks. Go to Savior on the Spilt Blood cathedral, see a ballet or two at the Mariinsky Theater and, if you're a fan, take the Dostoevsky tour! Also, while you're in the country I would recommend you take a weekend trip to Moscow (our program arranged trips to Moscow, Vyborg and Novgorod).

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Just like any big city, St. Petersburg's nightlife comes with its hazards. I didn't have any serious encounters, but I have heard stories of people being followed or verbally harassed. Just as anywhere, be aware of your surroundings, don't travel alone late at night, and use the buddy system in clubs and bars. I did not deal with the healthcare system on my trip. My friend needed to see a doctor, however and our program administrator not only located a doctor and made an appointment for him, but actually accompanied him there.

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

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