Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

This experience was one of the most productive 3 months of my life. Past Review

By (University of Cambridge) - abroad from 09/14/2020 to 12/18/2020 with

Learn Russian in the EU: Daugavpils, Latvia - Semester Abroad Program in Russian Language and Natural Sciences (STEM)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was definitely worthwhile. I can now watch videos and movies in Russian, so this experience definitely opened up a new world to me.

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.

I took 3 natural sciences classes (Biochem, Econ, Programming) at Daugavpils University and 3 Russian classes. The teachers made the classes very interesting and gave me enough homework to keep me productive but not overwhelmed.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Everybody was very nice and helpful. The teachers were all very knowledgeable and could answer all my questions thoroughly and clearly. I enjoyed working with all of them.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

My host family, a mom and her 7-year-old, were very nice and interesting people. I was able to speak with them every day usually for about 2 hours total. We ate dinner together every night and usually had tea after dinner. The family made me very comfortable and at home.

* Food:

The mom was a very good cook and made me many new dishes every week. I enjoyed trying new food, and she made sure I never got hungry. She made me breakfast and dinner every day, and they were always delicious. Also, there are plenty of restaurants throughout Daugavpils with very good food for a cheap price as well.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I went during COVID, so I was alone in all my classes, and it was a bit difficult to meet people. However, there was a British student doing an internship there, and together we met people in the city and while traveling around Latvia. Also, I had two speaking partners who were students at the university my age, and it was interesting speaking with them every week.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I ended up getting COVID in my last two weeks. I only had symptoms for a couple of days, and my host family was very kind and helpful during this time, getting me medicine, soup, soda, and other things I needed. Sergei, the program leader, also called me almost every day to check up on me, and he made sure I was alright.

* Safety:

I went on walks around the city very often, and I never once felt unsafe.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Everyone made my stay very nice, the city was very fun to walk around in, and my Russian greatly improved.

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)

My parents gave me $600 for the whole 3 months, and this was plenty, even going to Riga multiple times, Sigulda, and Liepaja.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About $25
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you're only spending it on food, 3 or 4 trips, and a few souvenirs, you should be fine.

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 was constantly using the language with everyone. The only times I spoke English were when I was with the British student or talking on the phone to someone.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
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? I studied on my own.
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? Learn vocabulary often, but learn it in context. Also, take advantage of being able to speak to people in Russian. I've been back for 3 weeks and am already missing speaking to people constantly in Russian.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
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?
  • Russian speaking environment
  • Teachers being knowledgeable and kind
  • Host family making me feel at home
* What could be improved?
  • It would have been nice to have other students in my class, but that was just due to COVID.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? A lot of times I was quiet during conversations because I was afraid of messing up my Russian, but the more you speak, the more you improve. I would recommend myself to speak more.

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!