Russia offers many advantages for students planning to study abroad. The cost of living in most areas is low compared to the U.S. and Western Europe and the huge size of the country means that it offers a wide variety of cultural experiences. Russia has a long history of visual and performing arts and literature, which is represented in its many museums, galleries and theatres.
To make the most of your study abroad experience, use these tips to plan ahead:
1. Decide how to get there. The two easiest ways to study in Russia are through programs offered by their home colleges and through study abroad programs at special institutes, such as the School for International Training (www.sit.edu). Students seeking more immersion may want to study at a Russian university. The cheapest way to do this is by direct enrollment, but facilitating organizations like the School of Russian and Asian Studies (www.sras.org) offer reasonably-priced assistance.
2. Find out about credits. Work with your college or university's study abroad program to ensure your credits transfer. The best time to do this is before you enroll in a study abroad program, since transfer requirements vary from college to college. You don't want to find out at the end of the semester that your credit won't transfer! Be sure to ask how studying in Russia will affect your transcript. Will grades transfer, or just credits? Will your classes count for your general education or major requirements?
3. Choosing accommodations. The two most common accommodations for students are homestays with Russian families and dorms at Russian universities. Many families in Russia host foreign students in their flats (apartments) for extra money. This is an extremely affordable option for students and can be a great way to learn more about Russian culture and family life. If you would rather meet many Russian and international students your own age, then dorm accommodations might be a better choice.
4. Don't forget your student ID! Although prices in Russia are low compared to the West, student ID cards make cultural events like museums, theatre, ballet, and opera even more affordable. Russia is known worldwide for its performing arts scene, and with a student ID, opera tickets can cost only a few dollars! While Russian student IDs give the biggest discounts, foreign student IDs can still open the door to substantial discounts.
5. Relax and try new things. Although the language barrier can be challenging and frustrating, Russia is an exciting country full of opportunities. Remember that most people appreciate your efforts to speak their language, even if you're not fluent yet. While class is important, the experiences of a new country are irreplaceable. Try new foods, go to a concert or holiday celebration with your host family, or visit the priceless treasures in the Hermitage’s Gold Room.
Studying in Russia can be the adventure of a lifetime--take advantage of it, and don't forget to have fun. Your college's study abroad office can help you plan a successful semester abroad, and the internet offers many helpful resources, such as the excellent Transitions Abroad website (www.transitionsabroad.com), which offers many informative articles about studying and working in Russia.
Melissa Barton is a freelance writer and editor, specializing in science and travel writing. Barton studied in St. Petersburg, Russia, at the Nevsky Institute of Language and Culture as an undergraduate. Her travel writing has been published in Geotimes, Transitions Abroad, and other magazines. Visit her online at Rosetta Stones Freelancing (http://www.rosettastones.net).
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Melissa_Barton
To make the most of your study abroad experience, use these tips to plan ahead:
1. Decide how to get there. The two easiest ways to study in Russia are through programs offered by their home colleges and through study abroad programs at special institutes, such as the School for International Training (www.sit.edu). Students seeking more immersion may want to study at a Russian university. The cheapest way to do this is by direct enrollment, but facilitating organizations like the School of Russian and Asian Studies (www.sras.org) offer reasonably-priced assistance.
2. Find out about credits. Work with your college or university's study abroad program to ensure your credits transfer. The best time to do this is before you enroll in a study abroad program, since transfer requirements vary from college to college. You don't want to find out at the end of the semester that your credit won't transfer! Be sure to ask how studying in Russia will affect your transcript. Will grades transfer, or just credits? Will your classes count for your general education or major requirements?
3. Choosing accommodations. The two most common accommodations for students are homestays with Russian families and dorms at Russian universities. Many families in Russia host foreign students in their flats (apartments) for extra money. This is an extremely affordable option for students and can be a great way to learn more about Russian culture and family life. If you would rather meet many Russian and international students your own age, then dorm accommodations might be a better choice.
4. Don't forget your student ID! Although prices in Russia are low compared to the West, student ID cards make cultural events like museums, theatre, ballet, and opera even more affordable. Russia is known worldwide for its performing arts scene, and with a student ID, opera tickets can cost only a few dollars! While Russian student IDs give the biggest discounts, foreign student IDs can still open the door to substantial discounts.
5. Relax and try new things. Although the language barrier can be challenging and frustrating, Russia is an exciting country full of opportunities. Remember that most people appreciate your efforts to speak their language, even if you're not fluent yet. While class is important, the experiences of a new country are irreplaceable. Try new foods, go to a concert or holiday celebration with your host family, or visit the priceless treasures in the Hermitage’s Gold Room.
Studying in Russia can be the adventure of a lifetime--take advantage of it, and don't forget to have fun. Your college's study abroad office can help you plan a successful semester abroad, and the internet offers many helpful resources, such as the excellent Transitions Abroad website (www.transitionsabroad.com), which offers many informative articles about studying and working in Russia.
Melissa Barton is a freelance writer and editor, specializing in science and travel writing. Barton studied in St. Petersburg, Russia, at the Nevsky Institute of Language and Culture as an undergraduate. Her travel writing has been published in Geotimes, Transitions Abroad, and other magazines. Visit her online at Rosetta Stones Freelancing (http://www.rosettastones.net).
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Melissa_Barton
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