Truly life-changing introduction to the world of Russia Past Review
By A student (Chemistry / Russian, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 07/07/2012 to 08/11/2012 with
University of Texas - Austin: Moscow - Moscow Plus Summer Program
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to live outside of my comfort zone. In that sense, I feel as if I had learned to live in general. Having to rely on and have faith in yourself to navigate a foreign culture safely matures one drastically. I feel as if Russia made a man out of me. Also, having to actively take advantage of any amount of free time and explore the city taught me to do the same in my own city. Never again will I take my life and the opportunities given to me for granted.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * 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) |
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| * 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? | $150 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Get a fridge so that you can eat dinner in the dorm. |
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? | Second Year |
| 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? | Try as hard as you can to speak only Russian with each other. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? | 0 |
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? | The guidebook provided by the University of Texas at Austin is incorrect about many things. Namely, the type of clothes to wear. Russians wear whatever they feel like. Obviously students shouldn't bring sweatpants or really baggy jeans or anything, but shorts and flip-flops are totally fine. So are SNEAKERS. I was under the impression wearing shorts and sneakers is the worst thing that would call attention to myself, but because I didn't pack them, I really hurt my feet from walking in uncomfortable shoes. Also, studying vocab is the most important thing one can do to prepare for living in Russia. Grammar means nothing if you don't know any words. |
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