Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Incredible Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 02/02/2018 to 05/21/2018 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Moscow

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My language skills improved quite a bit, and I learned so much while living in a country so contrary to the US, and different in mind and spirit from the West and the particular way of living and thinking that I have been used to. It was absolutely worthwhile to finally gain some first-hand insight on the way in which the world works.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

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

The program was perfectly suited for my language abilities and really encouraged me to make the most of my time immersed in the language. The courses were perfectly designed to be rigorous, but just enough that the student would not be discouraged, too stressed, or miss out on any other opportunities to learn through experiencing the country. The professors and on-site staff were all incredibly helpful and supportive people.

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 ate with my host mom twice a day which was included in the housing fee, but was not able to eat lunch very often, in order to be able to pay for other things like flights, transportation, etc.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50 (transportation, etc)

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? Intermediate
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?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Commit to the language pledge immediately, and try to get the bulk of work you might have to do in English online (i.e. applications, etc) done before the program begins. The best is to use the target language in everything you do. I read some YA and simpler literature in Russian which definitely helped.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
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?
  • Staying with host family
  • Independence
  • Language
* What could be improved?
  • Add a literature course
  • More freedom on excursions, OR activities other than museums.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew there would be no literature class. Unfortunately because of this, I won't be able to major in Russian as planned.

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!