Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Worthwhile Past Review

By (Trinity University) - abroad from 09/01/2017 to 12/17/2017 with

CIEE: St. Petersburg - Russian Language

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My oral proficiency improved by two levels.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Overall I found it rigorous, but I had regressed quite a bit before I went. Resources weren't very helpful (tutor, books, & wifi).

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I moved host families in the middle of November and the second host family worked out great.

* Food:

The food my host family prepared was delicious .

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I never felt integrated in Russian culture and found it difficult to meet Russian students.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Tuberculosis, Giardia, and HIV/Aids are very prevalent

* Safety:

I would try not to go out alone, very often.

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)

I spent around 150-200 a month.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 40
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Come prepared (proper clothing & medicine) and it shouldn't be a problem, especially since almost meals are included in tuition.

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? Advanced Russian II
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? request a host family that speaks minimal english

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
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Excursions
  • Electives
  • Phonetic
* What could be improved?
  • Language Partner Program
  • Wifi (on campus)
  • Grammer classes
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It's a very low-context culture (so you may get your passport returned or itinerary the day you leave).

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!

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Traditional Russian Visual and Performing Arts
Course Department: RLP
Instructor: Irina Genadeevna Gylyakova
Instruction Language: Russian
Comments: It was challenging and our course work often overlapped with excursions. Teacher was very knowledgeable, well prepared, and engaging. You were called on alot more than lecture based classes in US. Exams were difficult, but weren't graded as strictly (spelling, declension). The focus was more on content (do you understand this issue/concept).
Credit Transfer Issues: N/A (transcript hasn't been received yet)
Course Name/Rating:

Phonetics (B3)
Course Department: RLP
Instructor: Anna Olegovna Fedotova
Instruction Language: Russian
Comments: It was very challenging and difficult, but my pronunciation improved significantly. Class was very interactive with numerous speaking exercises.
Credit Transfer Issues: N/A