Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Almaty with American Councils - one the best experiences ever! Past Review

By (Stanford University) - abroad from 06/09/2015 to 08/11/2015 with

American Councils (ACTR): Eurasian Regional Language Program (ERLP)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was so worthwhile. THe support was great, and I loved every aspect of it. My host family was amazing, and the amount of freedom and support balance was perfect. I grew but also felt that I was taken care of and could ask for help when I needed it.

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?

* 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

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Take the metro. Eat not at restaurants, but at bazaars and small cafes. They are great!

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? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+

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

  • Other
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?
  • Living with a Kazakh host family
  • Getting better at BOTH Kazakh and Russian
  • My professor. She is fantastic!
* What could be improved?
  • Can't think of three things.
  • Maybe having been in touch with prior Almaty students.
  • Can't think of anything!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that it would be hotter so I could make my wardrobe accordingly. Otherwise, I learned everything else happily while in KZ.

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!