Semester of a lifetime Past Review
By finn c (Russian, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee) - abroad from 01/20/2019 to 05/15/2019 with
American Councils (ACTR): Advanced Russian Language & Area Studies Program (RLASP)
My experiece was worth while. I learned a lot about myself but I learned even more about the Russian langauge and culutre. Living with a family allows you to see how Russians live and you can pick up on the differences of how the language is spoken at home and in the classroom. It provides you with amazing resources to learn about the deep and complicated culture of Russia, meet and talk to people you would never get the chance to, and make huge strides in your language ability.
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 |
The professors and staff at KORA are helpful and amazing resources. They truly care for you and help you in and out of the classroom. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
In Vladimir you stay with host family. They treat you like you are part of their family and make the experience of being Russian amazing. They understand that it is difficult being in a foreign country, but their kindness helps ease the frustration. It also gives you an opportunity to increase your language ability out of the classroom |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I felt very integrated. Part of the program includes weekly excursions and cultural events. Through these excursions you gain a better understanding of Russian culture and see a side of the country you would not normally see. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Vladimir and Moscow are extremly safe. There was never I time I felt in danger. In fact, I felt safer in Russian than I do in the U.S. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I truly believe that KORA institute in Vladimir, Russia is one of the best places in the world to learn the Russian language. The professors are so kind and make sure you are understanding everything they are teaching until you move on to the next topic. From the minute you wake up to time your head touches the pillow you are speaking Russian. There are few full immersion programs that can compare. |
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) |
2.5, Russia is relatively cheap when compared to the United States. You do not have to pay for food and housing which frees up your budget. Most of my money was spent on personal activies and the gym. $100-$150 is more than enough to live in Vladimir. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $50 I always had the option of eating at home but if I went out with friends I would spent about $7-$12 a meal |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Try and have an idea of what you want to spend your money on and what expenses you might have before you go. |
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 |
5. There was rarely a time I was using English. We did not speak English at the university, nor at home. It was true full immersion. |
| 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? | Russian Reading and Composition |
| 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? | The best way to enhance your language is by using it. Even if you are making mistakes it is the only way to get better. Try and talk to everyone and anyone. Who knows what a conversation can lead to. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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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 know how rigorous the course load would be. If you are going to Vladimir it is not a study abroad trip to hangout and travel, you are there to learn the language. I also wish I knew a little more about the culture going into it. There are some things that are unacceptable, you can hear and learn about them before but it is completely different when you actually in a situation where you have to quickly acclimate to a new culture. |
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 Outright UrbaniteA social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country. |
