Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Dream December 16, 2025

By (Russian Studies, Brandeis University) - abroad from 08/25/2025 to 12/11/2025 with

SRAS: Tbilisi - Identity and Conflict in the Caucasus

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
In addition to academic knowledge, I developed a broader view of the world and myself and grew more independent.

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

It is more rigorous than my Russian classes back home, and I wish I had more time using the resources provided to make my experience better

* 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?

It was fairly difficult to integrate into the local culture, as I felt that locals were more reserved and guarded toward people from my background.

* 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)

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

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The activities
  • The people in my program
  • The location
* What could be improved?
  • More hours on language
  • Better and more resources
  • Longer semester period
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How much free time and independence I will have.

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!