Export Project: Russia (A Challenge Worth Experiencing) Past Review

By Tony S (Mba, Illinois State University) for

Study Abroad Programs in Ukraine

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

My study abroad experience was everything I could have ever imagined and then some. I spent a great deal of money, but soon realized that the amount of money spent is nothing compared to the overall experiences I had while living in Russia.

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	I wish that the seminar (January - May 2011) would have better prepared us for our experience in the country. We were simply given basic information and forced to participate in lectures which were not relevant to each project. My suggestion would be to tailor the seminar for each group to maximize their familiarity with the project goals, country environment, and any other relevant information.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	My expectations were met for the most part, but I wish that we had more meetings to attend/partake in while we were in Russia. This would have helped to facilitate a more beneficial experience for all of those involved. I think that pre-internship planning may have been slacking due to the open ended nature of the export project and company selection process. It is my belief that ISU should attempt to make company arrangements prior to the beginning of the internship/seminar.
* 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)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Be very liberal when budgeting for foreign trips. It is very easy to forget about budgeting when submerged in new, exciting environments.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program?	None

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Apartment
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Americans
* Who did you take classes with? Select all that apply	Local Students