Unforgetable experience! Past Review
By Liam (University of Edinburgh) - abroad from 09/01/2015 to 01/28/2016 with
Learn Russian in the EU: Daugavpils, Latvia - Academic Year/Semester Study Abroad Programs
It was definitely worth it! I learned a lot whether it was about myself, the city, history, the people etc. It was just an all round great time!!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
It was great to get involved with the local university and become a real student there however the work level was quite challenging. It was the first year, that this particular scenario happened so I believe things have evolved to better match the learner since. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Everything was well prepared and was looked after well on arrival. Everything was clear and simple and taken care of by friendly staff. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The host family situation was a highlight of my time in Daugavpils. The family were extremely nice and helpful and it really helped my language improve. |
| * Food: |
Food with host family was great! There were lots of different options around Daugavpils to go for lunch. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
It was easy to get involved with the local culture. Whether that was joining the gym, playing basketball with friends once a week, or just hanging out with friends. I felt very comfortable in the culture. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I felt safe around Daugavpils and felt comfortable to go out exploring. It is like any city, you get to know where you go and don't go and what you do and don't do. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
It was overall a fantastic program. Only thing I might look to change was the options at the university I picked. |
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) |
It is a very cheap place to live for foreigners. The home stay was a more expensive option but it was worth it!!! |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Around 20-30 euros |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Set a rough budget before going. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
It was great! Lots of excursions which all would be in Russian. The university was all in Russian. |
| 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? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Second year university exam. |
| 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? | Make local friends. Take every opportunity to speak. Don't worry about making mistakes. Try not to get frustrated. Home stay really helped language. Get involved in things happening in the city. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 10+ |
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? | I felt well prepared before heading out! |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
