Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Completely worth it! Past Review

By (Anthropology., Kansas State University) - abroad from 01/14/2013 to 04/26/2013 with

Moscow University for the Humanities: Moscow - GRINT Center for Education and Culture, Direct Enrollment

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a broader view of the world, international friends and connections, and practical and applicable knowledge of the Russian language and culture.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

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

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $40-$50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? This applies mainly to souvenir shopping, but when at a market where haggling is possible, never settle for the seller's 1st price. You can ALWAYS talk them down. And don't buy something from the first stand you walk up to. Browse around, because some sellers will have better deals or be more flexible in how much they're willing to drop their price. Other money saving tips: Always have your student ID with you. It makes entrance to museums, cultural sites etc..., a whole lot cheaper, and often times free. Other than that, money-saving is the same as in the U.S.: be smart with your money!

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

We used it in the classroom setting on a regular basis, but we weren't forced to use it outside of class. It's up to you to be intentional about using it outside of class.

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Russian II
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? Make Russian friends! Don't be shy, and don't be afraid to practice your Russian with them. They love to help you. You have to be careful though, because they want to practice their English and it's easy to slip back into your comfort zone and speak mostly English. Listening to Russian music, watching movies in Russian, and reading newspapers and books in Russian is also helpful. Immerse yourself!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Making Russian friends
  • Experiencing the culture firsthand
* What could be improved?
  • Better integration with Russian students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I felt fairly well informed and can't think of anything I wish I would have known prior to choosing GRINT.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.