Vladivostok is not for the light of heart! Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

On the Russian language classes, I enjoyed the rigor of the courses. However, placement into ones language level was somewhat confusing. There are too few levels between the most difficult course and the moderate course. As for the policy review course, it would help to inform students about necessary prior knowledge of policy briefs prior to the course. It was a very intense course.

On-site administration of your program

The administration staff always worked on time, and were very dedicated to each student. They provided us with information weeks in advance and would remind us of important events and paperwork. They were friendly and welcoming.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We paid around $8000 dollars for the whole semester, but we slept on thin mattresses in comparison to students who paid $1000 and slept in nice rooms. The hot water was shut off constantly, and even Russian students have complained that this is a big issue to them. Finally, the kitchens were closed very early, and the study room was hard to access. Although, the dorm mother was helpful and understanding. My roommate, however, was very accommodating. There was a language barrier since my Russian was limited, but she was very understanding and helped me when she could. For example, getting groceries, doing laundry, and cleaning duties.

There were many options available on campus and around campus! The wait times were minimal, although the prices on some food options were a bit expensive. However, the local grocery store is a 5 minute walk from campus, so one could easily buy groceries and make cheap meals in the kitchens. There is also a good convenience store located in the basement of campus. Food there is expensive. The quality of food was always high. It was delicious, albeit simple.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It really helped to meet local students and walk around the city with them. They helped introduce us to other locals or local culture, such as shopping, living, transportation, and dining. Unfortunately, a language barrier always made it hard to fully integrate oneself into the local culture. Furthermore, there is still existent hostility toward Asian and Central Asian cultures as well as other darker skinned people. I felt welcome, but at the same time felt as if many people's eyes were on me. The older generation was surprisingly easier to talk to. Political opinions were accepted, although not necessarily invited. Gender stereotypes/roles are still in place, but acceptance of change seems to be moving inside the younger generation. I enjoyed the local culture, but feel that a longer stay would help further integrate any student into the city.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I myself only had a physical examination done upon arrival to Russia. The wait was long, and we were sent from office to office to find a doctor available for the examination and to sign the paperwork. However, the doctors were kind and got straight to the point of every part of the examination. The examination was relatively cheap, although I don't remember the exact amount.

I felt relatively safe around campus. However, near the end of our stay, there were a few incidents in and around our city. For example, the arrest of protesters in Vladivostok, the shooting in Khabarovsk days before our arrival in April, and an attempted terrorist attack in Sakhalin. Fortunately, the police department was prepared and took precautions for the city's events like Labor day and Victory day.

I enjoyed my classes and my classmates, but I think that because it was my first time abroad and my language skill was very low, I spent most of my time studying to catch up to the level of most students. Therefore, I missed many other issues, cultural/social events, language opportunities, and opportunities to further enjoy the terrain.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I arrived with $1000 for food/living expenses. Trips and activities offered by the university consumed most of that budget.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

Although there were some places where one could speak English/Chinese/Korean, it was encouraged to speak Russian if you truly wanted to immerse yourself in the local culture. Classes were based on participation, so speaking was highly encouraged and helpful. The teachers were kind and built confidence, which helped improve our comprehension. The textbooks were helpful to understand the basics, but it was the class activities which proved to be the most helpful.

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• Dorm

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• Local Students

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• Local Students
• Americans
• International Students

• Course intensity
• Availability of activities
• The opportunity to make friends

• The dorms
• Program costs
• The water

The Academic or Linguist