Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Tatar Language Immersion with American Councils Past Review

By (International/Global Studies., Indiana University - Bloomington) - abroad from 06/11/2014 to 08/08/2014 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This was a great program perfectly tailored to my language learning needs. I had intensive language classes almost every day of the week, lived with a Tatar-speaking host family, and received amazing support from both the American Councils administration and staff at the local institute.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I was the only student participating in this program for Tatar and so the academic program was quite rigorous. I had around three and a half hours of class a day for four days a week with a single instructor who spoke only Russian and Tatar. Most of the class was conducted in Tatar.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

A great group of people! They were always quick to respond to any questions or concerns, accommodating, and supportive.

* 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? Eat in the cafeterias

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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Beginner
How many hours per day did you use the language?

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?
  • Immersive nature of the program
  • One-on-one language instruction
  • Excursions and extracurricular activities
* What could be improved?
  • More oversight of language partners
  • Greater focus on activities that relate to Tatar culture
  • Can't think of anything else!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I can't think of anything in particular.

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!