What's Not to Miss? Past Review

By (University of Mississippi) - abroad from 01/19/2020 to 05/05/2020 with

American Councils (ACTR): Advanced Russian Language & Area Studies Program (RLASP)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was definitely worthwhile. I learned more about Russian mentality, and it changed the way I think about the world and people in general. I gained a new way of thinking. I feel more open-minded about the world, and I have a new sense of clarity about my plans after I graduate college.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

American Councils made sure we were safe and as comfortable as possible while we were in Russia. We had direct access to our resident director and met multiple times a week to check up on everyone. Honestly, my experience could not have been better. American Councils provides a perfect program. I was able to spend time learning Russian in small, individualized classes, and immediately apply what I learned in everyday life.

Finances

* 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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Less than $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Russia is a very cash based society, and it's easy to lose track of how much you are spending. Make sure to set a budget and write in your phone somewhere how much cash you have for the week and how much you plan to spend or have spent.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

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? Intermediate
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? Speak Russian as much as you can. It can be extremely exhausting at the beginning, but it only gets easier from there!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Host Family
  • Instructors
  • Excursions
* What could be improved?
  • Access to teachers outside of the classroom if possible (this wasnt an issue after we had to go back because of COVID, but it would be nice to receive contact info incase we have questions about tests or homework)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had done more research on Moscow before I left for the program. I did not really understand how the city was set-up or how transportation worked.

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 Urbanite
A 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.