Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Opportunity of a lifetime! January 15, 2021

By (University of Notre Dame) - abroad from 06/22/2020 to 08/14/2020 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The experience was definitely worthwhile. I quite enjoyed learning more about the Russian language and its complexities such as verbs of motion and when to use imperfective and perfective forms of a verb. I also gained more insight into the intricacies of Russian artistry and how every form of art is used to express this.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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?

N/A Due to Covid-19 and its travel restrictions I was unable to partake in these aspects of studying abroad in Russia.

* Food:

N/A Due to Covid-19 and its travel restrictions I was unable to partake in these aspects of studying abroad in Russia.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

N/A Due to Covid-19 and its travel restrictions I was unable to partake in these aspects of studying abroad in Russia.

* Safety:

N/A Due to Covid-19 and its travel restrictions I was unable to partake in these aspects of studying abroad in Russia.

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

I would choose the RLASP again due to the program's intensity and the diversity of the courses. With this program I was able to learn a vast amount pertaining to Russia’s language, culture, and people. Having partaken in the vigor and diversity of this program I developed new and better ways to express myself in Russian and really feel that my confidence when speaking Russian is boosted.

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)

N/A Due to Covid-19 and its travel restrictions I was unable to partake in these aspects of studying abroad in Russia.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $0
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I would recommend pacing oneself when spending and sticking to a comfortable but efficient budget.

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

Through this program all student were required to speak in the Russian to obtain maximum speaking and listening experience. Moreover, all courses were taught in Russian which allowed all students to experience how native Russians utilize their 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
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Advanced Russian II
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? I would recommend speaking to natives as frequently as possible and immersing oneself into the culture by listening to music and reading a diversity of materials.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Diverse classes
  • Speaking with natives
  • Analyzing cartoons and films
* What could be improved?
  • Pacing of writing materials
  • More testing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew to not be so nervous about speaking in the initial stages of the program and to just go for it.

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 Linguist
You 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!