Russia: Amazing history, language, and country! Past Review
By Ian S (History, University of Florida) for
Study Abroad Programs in Russia
My experience abroad was very valuable to me. It allowed me to discover my personal strengths and weaknesses away from my home country and things familiar to me. I realized that learning Russian and about its culture is something I definitely want to continue.
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. |
Intensive language and cultural course; workload moderate. Teaching methods and educational system somewhat similar to my American university. Most students transit everyday to classes however. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
|
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The living situation was not one of the best parts of the program. We were all kept with non Russian-speaking students from the university which did not give us a good chance to practice after class hours. This was one of the only problems I had with the program however. |
| * Food: |
It might be difficult at some places for people with dietary restrictions. However, there are lots of grocery stores where one can buy just about whatever they want. It just takes a little getting used to. Food is very good though and one of the best parts of the trip for me was trying all kinds of different dishes. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Almost everything in Russia is historical in some way so there are far too many to name. All the main tourist areas are things to see however, they are out of this world! Red Square, Victory Park, Sparrow Hills, and the numerous museums are just some of the many things to see. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
|
| * Safety: |
Very safe overall but like any big city in the world, there are some places you do not go and things you do not do. For example, just do not draw a huge amount of attention to yourself |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
|
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) |
|
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
Possibly keep students studying abroad in a hostel or dormitory with native speakers of the language. |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
|
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Please keep an open mind. It is a country where lots of things can go wrong in everyday life so just do not take anything too seriously if it does not go the way it was planned. |
Individual Course Reviews
| Course Name/Rating: |
Moscow: The Crucible of Russianness |
| Course Department: | RUS 4956 |
| Instructor: | |
| Instruction Language: | English |
| Comments: | It was a very interesting course that was primarily meant to make students familiar with the history and culture of Moscow, Russia. The professors were both very knowledgeable and had very good ideas on how to keep students involved. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
| Course Name/Rating: |
Comprehensive Russian |
| Course Department: | RUS 4956 |
| Instructor: | |
| Instruction Language: | Russian |
| Comments: | The course was great for helping me to improve my Russian speaking and understanding abilities. |
| Credit Transfer Issues: |
