Past Review

By (russian regional studies, Barnard College) for

CIEE: St. Petersburg - Russian Area Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was extremely worthwhile and other than my housing, I was very satisfied with my experience abroad.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: St Petersburg State University
The term and year this program took place: Fall 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everyone at the office was extremely approachable and helpful

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Vasilevsky Ostrov, linea 3 and bolshoi prospect. I lived in an apartment with a host mother, father, and daughter, as well as one other American student. <br /><br /> I did not every feel that I was part of my host family. Merely that I was a border at something like a bed and breakfast. However, in discussion with other program participants, I do not feel that this was a typical situation,

* Food:

I found the food to be perfectly satisfactory, but nothing ever really homemade and few fresh fruits and vegetables,

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We had a good mix of planned and unplanned cultural activities.

* 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

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Traveling was by far the most costly part of my time abroad. Eating at home when possible was a great way to save money.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
Language acquisition improvement?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? GO!