Study abroad in Russia changed helped me see the world through a new perspective. Past Review
By Alejandro R (Linguistics., Truman State University) for
College Consortium for International Studies (CCIS): Moscow - Grint Centre for Education and Culture
Yes, definately worth while. I learned so much about the situation in this country as well as history and culture I knew so little about before. I definately gained many skills other then language that with stay with me for life.
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. |
Lots of work, but good for language studies. The grading system is a little different and each teacher has thier own method that seems to work great for thier class. Lots of one on one attention. I definately learned a lot. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
My expectations were definately met, and everything went well. There was virtualy no interaction with the host institution however. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The situation at the dorms was fine. everything needed is provided, but you may need to buy certain things if you are not used to sharing. |
| * Food: |
Good food, and they cater to vegitarians. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The trip to St.Petersburg was life changing. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
You just have to play it smart when in Russia. It is ok to travel alone, but do not attract extra attention to yourself, and be considerate of your surroundings. I had no issues. |
| 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? | expect to spend a good amount on food and things. Russia is very expensive, so definately safe if you expect to pay more. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Spend fruglly |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | N/A |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
I spoke Russian with everyone, from teachers to friends, and even the ladies at the supermarket. Yes Russian was needed to do just about anything. |
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? | "pofterenya mat ucheniya" (Practice makes perfect) - Russian expression. Anyone with an interest in the language or culture will enjoy this program. |
