Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing Past Review

By (SUNY - College at Geneseo) - abroad from 05/15/2012 to 06/14/2012 with

SUNY Geneseo: Moscow - History, Politics, and Culture

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Its hard to express succinctly, but I understand so much more about Russia and the Russian people then I ever did before. It opened my eyes to the world and now I don't want to stop traveling! Definitely worthwhile.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: Moscow State University
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Russian bureaucracy was at times difficult to deal with, but all part of the experience!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

No hot water for 2 weeks

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I loved that Russian students were assigned to us. It made it a lot easier to make meaningful connections

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

there weren't any issues to address

* 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
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Go on a trip with lunches included, and always search for the cheapest place! There is usually a better option around the corner

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Hotel
* 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?
  • The people
  • The culture
  • Russia!
* What could be improved?
  • A little more details at the begging, we all went in a little nervous
  • Extend the trip! We loved all the activities, but would've liked a free day or two to explore
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Bring a bigger purse, study some Russian, it will rain a lot and people wear really nice clothes in Moscow all the time.