Russia was interesting but pleasantly challenging Past Review
By Lauren T (International Relations and Affairs., The University of Texas at Austin) for
American Councils (ACTR): Advanced Russian Language & Area Studies Program (RLASP)
Yes
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Professors were great, workload light |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
Russian food is fattening - lots of mayonnaise and sour cream. Being vegetarian in Russia might prove difficult because there are meat components in many of their vegetable dishes. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
St. Petersburg weekend trip, Tretyakov gallery, Kremlin |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Some people got pick-pocketed/had things stolen, but as long as you don't get drunk in public you should be okay |
| 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) |
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Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
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| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Bring cool clothing for the summer -- there is little air conditioning. |
