Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Spring in Moscow Past Review

By (Russian Language, Literature, Truman State University) - abroad from 01/10/2015 to 04/26/2015 with

College Consortium for International Studies (CCIS): Moscow - Grint Centre for Education and Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Deeper insight into varying perspectives on complex international issues and the ways in which different cultures view and interact with one another. Absolutely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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)

At the time of the stay the local currency had taken a substantial hit, so my experience may have been distorted.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50-60
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Watch and try to take advantage of changes in the local currency months prior to going.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

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? Advanced Russian I
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? Try to meet and make friends with Russian students in the dorms, especially those that speak no or little English. Language clubs are also a good way to meet conversation partners.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Program adjusted to suit language needs of individual students
  • Great variety of interesting activities
* What could be improved?
  • Immediate exposure to Russian students is lacking
  • Instructors, while helpful, can sometimes come off as brutal
  • Preparation guidelines provided by program were somewhat outdated
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Russian pedagogy is harsh. I wish I knew more about the visa process going in.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!