Shock Therapy--The Best Way to Explain a Semester in Moscow, Russia Past Review
By A student (Political Science and Government., Truman State University) - abroad from 01/14/2013 to 04/26/2013 with
College Consortium for International Studies (CCIS): Moscow - Grint Centre for Education and Culture
It was definitely worthwhile to better understand Russian culture and Russian language. Also, you will never understand Russian without using it in Russia, and this is one of the least expensive programs available to spend a semester in Russia.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The experience is great for those only seeking practice of their Russian language skills and the program is great for beginners and advanced students alike. Also, the staff will work with you, are understanding, and the professors are fantastic and realistic. However, the success of the experience is dependent on the dedication of the student. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration staff is small, but they have done this program for a very long time and understand your concerns and will work with students on any problems. However, this is Russia so you cannot expect things to happen quickly and you have to remind the staff constantly if there is a problem. Also, the administration has not adapted to recent changes in Moscow, but are working toward improving their advice to students. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
At the end of the day, your room is a bed, and hopefully, you can befriend at least one person to make the housing conditions just fine. Don't expect luxurious conditions--there is no consistent Wi-Fi (but there may be soon?), but there is a proxy server connection, American students are usually on the 9th floor of the building with a small elevator, I found bugs in my room, the kitchen is dated, and there is no dryer for your clothes. However, these are the realities of living in Russia, which is typically less-Westernized than other European countries. |
| * Food: |
Russian food is not infamous for a reason, but it is decent and you can usually find something to eat. There is a nice grocery store across the street with a pharmacy for any needs and a much larger store about 10-12 minutes down the street. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Unfortunately, many of the excursions are conducted in English and the American students are not placed with Russians, so unless a Russian visits and introduces themselves or a brave American introduces themselves to Russian students in the dorm, then don't expect to feel really integrated. However, if you do meet other Russian students, which is suggested, it is a great experience and you will learn about modern culture. The program administrators will not hold your hand though. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Honestly, safety is in your hands. Fortunately, we did not have any problems. However, Moscow is a big city and you should take precautions or else you WILL have problems. Always put your money in your front pocket and watch it carefully, Watch your bags and never travel out late by yourself, especially ladies. Also, non-Whites, unfortunately, should definitely always travel with others and always carry their passports. (Everyone should always carry their passports, not copies, but the actual document). You WILL be stopped by the police if you are non-White at least once, and even if you are White, then you will probably still be stopped by the police. |
| 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) |
Moscow is one of the most expensive cities in the world, however, if you make smart choices, then you can spend less than $100 a week. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $100 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | If you focus on spending your money on essentials, souvenirs, and gifts, then you can spend the same or even less than a usual student budget of less than $100 a week. Most of the expense of the city is from premier restaurants or designer outlets. Avoid these or treat yourself rarely and you will be fine. |
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 |
The language course was only taught in Russian and Moscow is not a forgiving city. You must use Russian to see the best parts, master the metro, and more. However, the excursions are not conducted in Russian and sometimes this is disadvantageous. |
| 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 |
| 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? | If you have never studied Russian before, then try to master the alphabet and some basic words and phrases in a guidebook. Check online for correct pronunciations or else Russians will not understand you. If you can do these things, you should be able to get around by yourself. If you have studied Russian, you should also study vocab heavily and consult a slang dictionary. Also, listen to Russian TV online in order to hear more modern vocab that you will actually use on the street and with Russians who are not older than 60. Knowing slang can protect you on the streets if strange, drunk men or even gypsies are harassing you on the street. |
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? | Russia is not the country it used to be and Moscow is indicative of that. It is pretty much like any other big city, except that barely any English is spoken or written. Also, students can get into most museums at a discounted price or even free, just show the cashier your student id that the program will give you. Students can even receive discounted tickets to the Bolshoi Theater! Lastly, if you can, go during the Summer or Fall to experience some Green and warm weather. Russia is beautiful in Summer and Winter, but expect to pack more the Winter and it may be hard on some. If you want a quintessential Russian experience however, study a full year there. |
