Past Review
By Kelly K (russian regional studies, Barnard College) for
CIEE: St. Petersburg - Russian Area Studies
It was extremely worthwhile and other than my housing, I was very satisfied with my experience abroad.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | St Petersburg State University |
| The term and year this program took place: | Fall 2009 |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Everyone at the office was extremely approachable and helpful |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Vasilevsky Ostrov, linea 3 and bolshoi prospect. I lived in an apartment with a host mother, father, and daughter, as well as one other American student. <br /><br /> I did not every feel that I was part of my host family. Merely that I was a border at something like a bed and breakfast. However, in discussion with other program participants, I do not feel that this was a typical situation, |
| * Food: |
I found the food to be perfectly satisfactory, but nothing ever really homemade and few fresh fruits and vegetables, |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We had a good mix of planned and unplanned cultural activities. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| 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) |
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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Traveling was by far the most costly part of my time abroad. Eating at home when possible was a great way to save money. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| Language acquisition improvement? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | GO! |
