Moscow, I miss you! Best summer of my life Past Review
By A student (American University) - abroad from 06/09/2016 to 08/08/2016 with
American Councils (ACTR): Advanced Russian Language & Area Studies Program (RLASP)
I learned so much about Russian culture and language. I made new friends and shared so many wonderful experiences. I would do it all again tomorrow if I could.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Academically very rigorous and intense. I learned so much in such a short time! But I was never overwhelmed by the course load, and had plenty of time to explore Moscow and experience life in Russia. |
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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? |
Living with a host family was one of the most valuable parts of the experience for me! The opportunity to talk with my host mom everyday helped me improve my conversation skills and vocabulary so much, as well as giving me the chance to experience life in a Russian home |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I feel like I integrated fairly well, after the initial adjustment period. We had a weekly discussion club with Russian students where we talked about our experiences and the differences between Russian and American cultures - this was very helpful |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I didn't have any health issues during the program, but we had access to English-speaking medical providers should we need them. Before I left, I did need to get a vaccine or two specifically, but it was a recommendation, not a requirement. The Russian healthcare system is very different from the US, but our resident director was available to help us navigate them and answer all our questions. |
| * Safety: |
I felt safer in Moscow than I do in the US |
| 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) |
While Moscow can be expensive, the exchange rate is very favorable at the moment and a few dollars goes a long way |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | for food - average of $35-40/week; other expenses - $30-50/month |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't let the exchange rate trick you into spending more than you think - $5/day on lunch should be your maximum, and limit splurges like shopping and expensive meals, and the non-program expenses can be very low. Set yourself easy numbers to remember the exchange rate (ex: 1000 rubles is roughly $15) |
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? | Beginner |
| 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? | Russian Intermediate II |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Talk to your host family!!! If you're out and about, use Russian, even with your friends. Stick to the language usage rules and don't speak English at the University or at lunch, even if you leave the campus. |
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? |
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? | I wish I knew how little air conditioning is used in Russia, because I did not pack properly |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
