Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Great Program for Russian Language in Latvia May 29, 2023

By (International and Global Studies, Middlebury College) - abroad from 09/01/2022 to 05/19/2023 with

Learn Russian in the EU: Daugavpils, Latvia - Semester Abroad Program in Russian Language and East European Studies

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My language skills improved a lot. I think it was definitely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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

While there are some issues with organization and a lack of connection with local students, the academics of this program are truly hard to match. They customize the program to you, so you can take classes on the subjects that interest you the most. The professors are incredibly supportive and the host families are amazing!

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)

Breakfast and dinner was included in tuition price, so I only had to pay for lunch.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $10
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Go to the grocery stores instead of restaurants or cafes for lunches.

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

All classes were in Russian

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Advanced
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? Senior Seminar
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? Don't just use the language during class. Speak with your host parents/other students in Russian too

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Classes/educational aspect
  • Host family experience
  • Excursions
* What could be improved?
  • Immersion in local community
  • Organization
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't expect many of the other students to want to speak the target language outside of classes. If this is a priority for you, you will have to have a strong will.

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

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Morphology
Course Department: Philology
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Instruction Language: Russian
Comments:
Credit Transfer Issues: n/a
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History of Russian literature and culture V
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Instruction Language: Russian
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Slavic People in the 16th-19th century
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NATO
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Transborder Analysis
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Business Russian Language
Course Department: Philology
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Instruction Language: Russian
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Russian War in Ukraine
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