Past Review
By Christine H (Biology and Russian Language, SUNY - Binghamton) for
Study Abroad Programs in Russia
Being in Russia was worthwhile, but I would have enjoyed it more if there was not so much drama to deal with regarding the logistics of the program.
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The Russian Language classes were excellent. The teachers were amazing and completely immersed us into the language the very first day. However, we had an art class, which was taught at an elementary school level. One of our assignments was to paint a rainbow. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program was very small, and we were split further into smaller groups based on our language knowledge. It was very easy to get needed attention in the classroom. Outside of the classroom, we went on many excursions that almost always involved going to churches and learning about the Russian Orthodox faith. I respect other religions, but I was unaware of how much time we would be spending learning out their religious icons. The director of the program was often MIA, and was very hostile to us asking her questions. The program would be much better off with anyone else but her as the leader. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
In an apartment in Velikiy Novgorod with my host mother, father, and sister. <br /><br /> My host family was amazing. They treated me like another daughter instead of some American they were renting a room to. I know that I will stay in contact with them for years to come. |
| * Food: |
Food in Russia is very different than at home, but my family was more than accommodating. I made a list of the foods that I would eat, and they never forced me to eat something I did not like. They always prepared a meal that I would like and that was based off of my food list. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Once you get to know a Russian, they are truly the most welcoming people. I have met many people that I will be friends with for a lifetime. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I hardly ever felt safe on the program, especially during our trip to Saint Petersburg. I felt that the program director put us in unsafe situations. She also never gave us enough information to ever feel safe and prepared for any activity. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
No
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | The exchange rate really works in our favor. I hardly spent any money. Most of my money was spent on water. Another thing is that you can always haggle with people, and it is socially acceptable and almost expected. One thing though is there is an issue with cell phones. You can take a cell phone from home except you need a Russian sim card. But in order to buy a SIM card, you need a Russian passport, therefore, your host family or some other native Russian has to buy it for you. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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| Language acquisition improvement? |
My language skills improved the most because I was actually living in Russia and was forced to speak Russian all the time. Living with a host family added to this experience. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | It was a good program for its internships and placement with host families. Other than that, this program was not very successful. |
