From Russia With Love Past Review

By (Truman State University) - abroad from 01/07/2017 to 04/23/2017 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?
While abroad, my language skills increased four fold and that made it completely worthwhile. Immersing yourself in a different culture is a life changing experience that really challenges your perspectives on your own country and culture. 10/10 would recommend.

Review Photos

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

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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?

The only thing I could complain about was not having very many opportunities to meet locals my age or who shared similar interests.

* 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

The classes and excursions were fantastic! My only complaint is that I didn't meet many local students my age or who had similar interests. Few lasting friendships. :(

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)

I have a shopping problem, but otherwise, food was very cheap. Most excursions cost very little.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 100

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 1
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • Host Family
* 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?
  • Excurisons
  • Classes
* What could be improved?
  • Housing
  • Food
  • Social Aspects
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Plan your tickets better. Triple check every date and time.

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!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Russian Language

Course Department:
Instructor: Luidmilla
Instruction Language: Russian
Comments: Very challenging and rewarding. Graded through informal papers, tests, and homework.
Credit Transfer Issues: