Language Immersion In Eastern Latvia Past Review
By Carey Neill (University of Denver) - abroad from 09/01/2017 to 05/31/2017 with
Learn Russian in the EU: Daugavpils, Latvia - Academic Year/Semester Study Abroad Programs
Over the course of the program I dramatically improved my language level. The picturesque, sleepy town was the perfect location for me to focus on language learning and academic work.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I have had an excellent time studying Russian in Daugavpils. Coming in, my language level was decent, but I lacked confidence. Living in a Russian-speaking city, with a Russian-speaking family has given me the push I needed to feel comfortable in any speaking environment. At the same time, my courses at the local university have greatly improved my faculties across the board. I have been particularly impressed with the quality of the professors. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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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) |
It is very easy to live comfortably on a budget. |
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 |
My program was truly immersive. |
| 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 |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? |
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? | I wish I had been aware of Russian Banya. I would have spent even more time in the sauna. |
