Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I love the endless opportunities St. Petersburg provided. Past Review

By (International Relations And Global Studies, University of the Pacific) - abroad from 02/04/2013 to 05/22/2013 with

CIEE: St. Petersburg - Russian Area Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was definitely worth while. I learned how to live and learn in a new environment where I was not fluent in the language.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Take advantage of the student discounts that most museums and some restaurants will give you.

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
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 1st semester
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? Talk as much as possible to your host family, try to make Russian friends at the university and speak in Russian to your CIEE friends.

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

  • 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?
  • classes and field trips
  • helpful staff
  • trips to Moscow, Novgorod and Pskov
* What could be improved?
  • More language requirements/opportunities.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That languages classes were taught in Russian from the first day of instruction. I would not have changed anything, but I wish I had been better prepared.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.