Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Learn Russian in the EU - it's worth it! Past Review

By (University of Wisconsin - Madison) - abroad from 07/06/2015 to 08/15/2015 with

Learn Russian in the EU: Daugavpils, Latvia - Academic Year/Semester Study Abroad Programs

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience was absolutely worthwhile. I enhanced my language skills, experienced a new part of East Europe, and made academic connections that I hope to continue for a long time.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The academic program was excellent. Learn Russian in the EU tailored my courses and instruction to my interests and language abilities. I greatly enjoyed working with all of my instructors, and learned a lot from them.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The support provided by the program administration was prompt, helpful, and compassionate. Although I did not have any major problems while in Latvia, I had full confidence that the administration would do everything to help if any problems came up.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived alone in a studio apartment within a ten-minute walk to the university and city center. The location and the apartment itself were ideal for my needs, and I am very grateful to the Learn Russian in the EU administrators in Latvia for arranging for housing for me. The process was simple, convenient, and stress-free.

* Food:

The central market in Daugavpils had everything that one would expect - and (usually) friendly vendors! Daugavpils is not rich in restaurants, but those that I went to offered a mix of the Russian cuisine I was used to with some Latvian specialties.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt very comfortable while out and about in the city and meeting new people.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have health issues during the trip, nor did I need any vaccines specifically for the program.

* Safety:

I always felt safe in Daugavpils, even while walking around alone at night.

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)

Living by myself, I typically bought lunch (for about 5 euros), but cooked other meals for myself with products bought at the central market, or occasionally the grocery store. I found prices very reasonable, especially considering the generally high quality of food (comparable to an American farmers market).

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

I used Russian 100% of the time; English was not a part of my academic program. The Learn Russian in the EU program staff speaks excellent English; it was easy to interact with them in either English or 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? Fluent
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Individual instruction
  • Academic instructors
  • Small city atmosphere
* What could be improved?
  • n/a
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Outside of Daugavpils, for example, in Riga, some locals are reluctant to speak Russian (others are not at all).

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!