Semester Abroad in Moscow, Russia with ACTR Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Having chosen to go abroad on a program outside of my university's own programs, I was extremely satisfied by what the ACTR program offered me. I felt challenged in my language skills, and made significant improvement in all areas of my Russian language. Although the educational system and some teaching methods were quite different from those at my home university, I adjusted to them in time and believe they were a large part of what helped me to improve. Besides academics, the freedom that the program allowed me to explore the city of Moscow on my own and find my own place in my new home abroad was significant to my development. I felt comfortable living independently and navigating on my own. This became even more apparent when my parents came to visit for a week and I acted as their tour guide around the city.

On-site administration of your program

My program director was very knowledgeable about Moscow, having lived there for many years. While he wasn't the most social person, he was sufficiently helpful when I had questions or concerns. The program size was perfect - under 20 people - and I felt as though I got to know each person in my group. My overall expectations were met by this program and I would recommend it to anyone.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family was one of my favorite parts of my experience abroad. My host mother and host brother are amazing people, and I really felt as though I was a member of their family for the months I was there. The program did a great job of placing me with them. Their apartment was warm and inviting, and I had my own room and desk and plenty of privacy. My host mother provided amazing support (and food!) for me, and my host brother was really helpful if I had any questions about places in the city. My homestay was only a 10 minute walk from the university - extremely close and convenient.

I didn't eat many fruits and vegetables while abroad, and consumed more fat per meal than ever before in my life - but I am not a picky eater and still enjoyed each meal that was made for me. I even brought some recipes back with me to cook for friends and family.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Every week we had one or two group excursions to different sites around the city, some of which would absolutely not have been possible without the connections of our director or his Russian contacts. We had a private showing of a dance rehearsal for a professional Russian folk dance troupe, visited a Russian middle school for the day, and went on a tour of a local beer factory, to name a few. The highlight of my trip to Russia was a week-long cruise our group took down the Volga river. We visited six different major cities along the way and saw a side of Russia very different from the metropolis of Moscow. I wouldn't have traded this trip for anything in the world, it was incredible.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

All health and safety issues were well addressed, if not over-addressed. I had a sinus infection halfway through the program, and the international clinic I visited was very knowledgeable and helped me right away. The program provided their own international health insurance coverage that I highly recommend. Before leaving for Russia I had to have a AIDS test done and the results be sent to the program in order to enter the country. Russia requires a negative AIDS test for those living in the country over a certain period of time.

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

We were not permitted to speak any language other than Russian inside the university as well as on group excursions. All classes were taught solely in Russian, and I only spoke Russian at home with my host family. It also would not have been feasible to speak a language other than Russian in order to function in the city from day to day. Some people spoke English occasionally, including myself, but the overwhelming majority of my time abroad was spent speaking in Russian.

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• Host Family

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• Americans