The Trip that Gave Me Hope Past Review
By Haley (University of Southern California) - abroad from 06/08/2019 to 08/09/2019 with
American Councils (ACTR): Advanced Russian Language & Area Studies Program (RLASP)
I've learned so many things. From actually taking classes to life lessons and personal development, I'd say that this program is 100% worthwhile.
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. |
At the end of the day, we're all studying abroad to learn, and this program does not fail at this aspect at all. The professors are incredibly caring (especially considering how we're all complete strangers), and there are incredibly valuable things that you learn outside of the classroom that I couldn't have learned studying in America. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
There were some shaky moments, but overall, the administration led fun excursions and handled emergency situations well. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I was genuinely terrified of living with a host family at first, but after arriving there, I quickly felt so welcomed and part of the family. |
| * Food: |
I wasn't a fan of Eastern European food before I left. Now, all I crave is khachapuri. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Traveling anywhere you've never been before is completely nerve-wracking. In fact, every time I ordered, I could feel my heart rate spike up. But eventually, you get over being embarrassed and try your best. After I got into a routine, I felt comfortable enough to consider living in Moscow in the future. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Pharmacy's are very different! |
| * Safety: |
Overall, the city is pretty safe. No one from our program was even pick-pocketed. |
| 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) |
There were definitely ways to save money, but sightseeing was definitely the priciest part! |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $80-$150 depending on the week |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Food is very cheap. Definitely wait for your student ticket, so you can get discounts. |
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? | Russian 5 |
| 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? | Don't be afraid! Everyone is so patient and genuinely wants to help. |
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? | How much necessities cost that aren't included by the program (i.e. metro cards, cell phone plan, etc.) How much walking you have to do. |
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 Avid AdventurerThe wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal. |
