Amazing, but difficult Past Review

By (Russian and Post-Soviet Studies, The College of William and Mary) - abroad from 05/31/2012 to 07/13/2012 with

Russian Language and Culture Institute, Saint Petersburg State University: St. Petersburg - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Take every opportunity to practice speaking a new language; Absolutely

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50-$60
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to eat lightly so you do not have to spend as much 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

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? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? RUSN 102
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? Study every day and take advantage of speaking the language with your host-family.

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

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

  • 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?
  • Russian cuisine
  • visiting Moscow
  • speaking Russian with my host-family
* What could be improved?
  • classes
  • time available to see the sites
  • more opportunities to speak with locals
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Tap water is not safe to drink in Saint Petersburg.