Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The best experience I could have imagined Past Review

By (Mount Holyoke College) - abroad from 08/28/2019 to 12/13/2019 with

Middlebury Schools Abroad: Middlebury in Moscow

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Besides the immense progress I made in my classroom and daily use of the language, it was a hugely rewarding experience to return home knowing I was capable of living daily life in a foreign country and a foreign language

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

It was the resident coordinator's first semester in that role and thus some administrative details could have been smoother. I'm sure that will improve with time and experience

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had the most wonderful host I could have imagined! We still text and talk almost daily and I look forward to staying in touch with her for many years to come

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I made an effort to be involved in the local community and feel like I succeeded. If students are passive and don't seek out involvement, they might have less rewarding experiences

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I experienced no health issues, did not need any specific vaccines, and had no specific concerns about health issues within the region

* Safety:

I felt completely safe in Moscow, even when walking home alone in the dark. While the residents may feel more distant than Americans, they were quick to help out strangers - I witnessed many people helping strangers navigate icy roads and one person who felt ill on the metro was surrounded by helpful grandmothers who assisted her.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I absolutely loved the academic rigor of the program, based on the Language Pledge, the support of my host mother, and the local opportunities available outside the classroom

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)

The cost of living was quite manageable, as I only spent money on public transit fares and occasionally food.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $30, at the maximum
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Find cheaper food stores off the main streets, ask for student discounts

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? Second-year/intermediate
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • 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?
  • Academic rigor
  • Host family
  • Opportunities outside the classroom
* What could be improved?
  • On-site program support
  • More consistency in quality of professors
  • Communication about internship opportunities
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? People in Russia are excited that you're learning their language! In general, everyone is thrilled to speak with Americans and help you improve your language skills. Most people won't care about small mistakes

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!