Snow covered houses and icy sidewalks January 30, 2024
By A student (Russian Studies, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/04/2023 to 12/22/2023 with
Learn Russian in the EU: Daugavpils, Latvia - Academic Year/Semester Study Abroad Programs
I bettered my speaking and got to see many new places and meet new people.
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. |
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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
It was nice living in a Russian speaking city I would’ve preferred St. Petersburg but that isn’t an option anymore. Wish the city of daugavpils was more exciting but I enjoyed living a more relaxing life and spending time with the friends I made. |
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 provided and lunch was only $6 |
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 80 |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Business lunches are easy fast and cheap, also mego or rimi for groceries |
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 |
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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 |
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Russ 377H |
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? | Talking with host family and locals |
Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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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? | How small the city is |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |