Study Abroad in Russia Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

On-site administration of your program

Although the administrators were knowledgeable, they were not very accessible at all. They did the minimum required of their job, seemed disinterested in the welfare of their students, and served more as scolding parents (be there exactly on time, dont do this, this or this, etc) than anything. As soon (if not sooner) as 400 rolled around, they were out of the office.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Lived at IMOP in the academicheskaya area. It's an old place, facilities and amenities are in need of repair, but its quaint, and after a while you learn to love it in a twisted sort of way. The security is a bit overdone and seems like it interferes with student social life more than actually providing protection. Guards were often obviously drunk during after hours, which can be either funny or disconcerting, depending on how you look at it. <br /><br /> Neighborhood is relatively safe by Russian standards, although a fellow program participant was mugged and beat up by four hoodlums just a few blocks from our dorm. The area was pretty boring, there's some shopping, a McDonalds, a couple of expensive beer houses, and a 24/7 casino that i am positive is rigged (avoid black jack!) Its far from downtown (its like the brooklyn of st. petersburg)

Good, quality food is expensive or not readily available in Russia (esp. produce). For my vegetarian friends, it was something of a nightmare. Was told to avoid street food (esp. meat) for health reasons, but I never had a problem, it was much more affordable compared to restaurants, and very tasty.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The nightlife is out of control. St. Petersburg never sleeps. Be prepared to learn to drink a lot if you want to keep up with Russian party goers. (If you dont drink its not a problem, but make sure you have an excuse...saying you just dont drink to a russian is not enough, and he/she will be offended and think yr weird) If you are an artist/literary/history/classical music type, then there is a wealth of cultural attractions to explore. Its really almost too much for one semester, I wished I had stayed the whole year.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Safety is always an issue in a big city, so just be aware of your surroundings and you will be fine. As far as health--given the weather and poor food quality you will inevitably get sick...just dont end up in the hospital. It was a nightmare for me, although my program was pretty good about assisting me and the facilities were nice since its a private clinic (not a state hospital). It was very expensive though.

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

It is important to be prepared for the fact that very few people speak English well in Russia. In day to day activities, like going to the grocery store, a restaurant, or mall, speaking Russian, even if its at a very basic level (with lots of hand signals) is essential. Don't be intimidated by what at first appears to be unfriendly non-English speakers.

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• Dorm

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• Americans