Dynamical Past Review
By Jaclyn C (Political Science and Government., SUNY - College at Geneseo) - abroad from 05/15/2012 to 06/14/2012 with
SUNY Geneseo: Moscow - History, Politics, and Culture
I got to see so many things and experience a wonderful 4 week. I also have a deepened appreciation for Russia and understanding their history after seeing symbols and places of the past. I made a lot of new friends whom I look forward to staying in touch with. It was especially worthwhile to go abroad to a country where people are afraid to go and have built up stereotypes about so that I could come home and change people's perspectives.
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? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The program was packed with activities so there was a lot to experience through Culture, History, and Politics. Excursions to the Duma, the American Embassy, meeting the Ambassador, seeing Restored Churches and Architecture were absolutely exciting. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
We were housed in the main building of the University and it was Soviet style housing with wooden floors and small rooms but some rooms had nice views overlooking courtyards and the self individual rooms were nice. I got to see the sunrise and set every day from my window, not to mention the history simply associated with the Main Building as an iconic symbol of the University. |
| * Food: |
I am a vegetarian so that was difficult but the cooked lunches for us were delicious and they took into consideration my dietary specifications. Beside lunch, we ate out for dinner and that was up to one's own discretion of the food. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
There was definitely a language barrier with some knowing a good grasp of the language and others not knowing any. I fell in the middle and found that the students who aided us were polite in helping us and that people around the department and university were too. However while we may have stuck out as foreigners especially traveling everywhere as a group, I appreciated the students and teachers integrating us into the culture to learn about it and see it from their view not just an outsider's. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Traveling with the group on public transportation and to events, I never was harmed or threatened. However you always have to be safe and when asking a stranger anything for help directions, etc you have to use your best judgement. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
Only lunch was provided and I had saved for the trip so nthat helped. The food in Russia and especially at the University were cheap and you could find student afforded prices by asking the Russian students. |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | No |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Ask a local student about where a good place to eat, shop, etc on a budget is and do some research before you go. Apply for scholarships and just save your money as long before hand as you can. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
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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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Perhaps the language a little bit better and just some cultural things. |
