Moscow can be tough, but its so worth it Past Review
By A student (History And Russian, Wellesley College) - abroad from 02/01/2012 to 06/01/2012 with
Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Moscow
My conversational Russian improved a lot, as well as my ability to talk about academic topics like art, literature, and history. In addition to that, Moscow is a magnificent (if expensive) city, and I'm already homesick to go back!
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. |
While Middlebury has high demands of its students (language pledge, etc.) the host university in Moscow (RGGU) is lacking. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I would have liked more guidance in the beginning, including a more helpful orientation. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
In this program, it is mandatory to live with a host family. Thus, the experience can very wildly from person to person. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
In Moscow, more than any Russian city that I've lived/studied in, it can be very difficult to become part of a Russian friend group. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The Middlebury staff helped me to find an English speaking doctor when I got sick in Moscow. |
| * Safety: |
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| 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) |
Students planning to study in Moscow should be warned that it can be prohibitively expensive, with the exceptions of public transport and groceries (if you're okay with eating only foods that are often somewhat less quality) |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | Yes |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $50-$150 |
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 |
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| 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? | Russian 301 |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? |
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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| 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? |
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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 wish I had known to take the summer intensive language program at Middlebury. |
