Fall 2016 Russian Area Studies Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

CIEE has been running this program for some time and all the kinks were worked out awhile back. The electives were very interesting and although lacked American rigor, this is by design to allow time to explore the city. The language courses were top notch. My Russian professor was hands down the best foreign language instructor I have ever had. All faculty of my faculty were well credentialed and excellent instructors. I heard of a few who weren't great, but this would be the exception. I should note that as an older student I did not use many resources of the CIEE program after arrival, but I heard the support structure was available and good if needed. CIEE organized events with local students for cultural integration from sports games to cooking classes and ballets/operas. They were also good about encouraging use of Russian outside of the classroom. I strongly recommend CIEE's St. Peterburg programs. If you are having an issue contact the staff and they will quickly and effectively deal with it. The staff can't help when they don't know there is an issue.

On-site administration of your program

Staff were highly competent and very helpful with academic, immigration and random logistical issues. They were also always willing to help find an activity or opportunity for a particular interest in the city. I used them for everything from policy questions to visa issues and restaurant recommendations. The program director and staff are experienced and it shows.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

As an older student I wanted to use the language and experience life with a family, but not have a coddling parent. My host family has had students for almost a decade and was very accommodating without being overbearing. The food was decent, and my host mom was open to suggestions, although I didn't provide much feedback.

The food in Russia can get a bit repetitive, but food is also an excellent way to understand Russian culture, the Soviet past and continuing cultural influence of the Siege of Leningrad. My host mom made decent food and was open to more healthy options for me when asked. The dollar is very strong compared to the ruble and eating out is pretty cheap. Soviet style cafeteria stolovnayas offer cheap food and Obed Cafe chain offers cheap and high quality food.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I put effort into meeting locals outside the program which increased my cultural integration greatly. However, one semester is too short to really integrate anywhere. CIEE offered many opportunities to get involved including volunteering at local museums and SPSU/SPSU English programs, ballet and opera performances, lectures, Georgian and Russian cooking courses, sports games and conversation events with local students and more.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no contact with the healthcare system. CIEE provided clear information on the two recommended clinics and ambulance services.

Like any major city there can be safety issues if one does not take the time to adjust to the cultural norms of their surroundings. In Petersburg and Moscow I never felt unsafe. CIEE and the U.S. Consulate provide excellent safety information, Petersburg is a very western city and is very safe for Americans who show tact and proper decision making. Emergency procedures were clear and tested monthly.

If possible I would've stayed for the year.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

The ruble was very weak. I came in well under budget and started to go out more because I could.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

It is easy to just talk in English. I'm just as guilty as anyone of using English out of class. However, my friends and I would try to use it often and make some days/nights only Russian. My host family did not speak English. Through no fault of CIEE my conversation partner did not work, and I lost out of that opportunity.

Select all that apply

• Host Family
• Apartment

Select all that apply

• Host Family

Select all that apply

• Americans

• Well run and organzied
• Provided many opportunties out of school and connections to the community for those who wanted them
• Amazing staff and professors.

• Short language classes that meet throughout the week
• Dealing with problem professors quicker (one did not show for class most days, it was addressed but too late to salvage the course)

The Nearly Native or Trail Blazer