as much of an experience as I could have hoped for! Past Review
By Logan H (Photography, Russian Language, Brigham Young University) - abroad from 05/01/2012 to 06/23/2012 with
Brigham Young University: Nizhny Novgorod - Russia Study Abroad
I learned better how a Russian views America and how Russians view themselves. It was the best way I could have spent my summer.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
They pushed me to learn a lot. I really feel like I have gained quite a bit from the classes and people I lived with. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They were very intelligent and accommodating. They were helpful in difficult situations. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived with a great family who really cared about me. They were eager to help with the homework every night, and they would teach me whatever they could as well. |
| * Food: |
I ate more and better than I have ever eaten before. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We were at a school for Russians, The family I lived with let me participate in parties and in their life, the LDS ward we went to asked us to participate and was our friend outside of church. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I never had a problem. |
| * Safety: |
I never had a problem. |
| 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) |
I did not have to spend very much money except for my own personal travel and entertainment. |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | Yes |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | About $20 if I stayed in the city, and about $40 or $50 on average if I went on a personal trip. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | It was a pretty inexpensive study abroad. If you want to save money, get your food at stores and not restaurants. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
I spoke Russian for hours every day. |
| 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? | 202 |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | 10+ |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | I had pictures to show my family and I would talk with them at every meal. Also, I made friends with people in the ward and would walk around the city and talk with people when I had free time. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | That people in Russia are really excited to talk with students from other countries. |
