Study Abroad in St. Petersburg, Russia: Semester or Academic Year

As I always tell people when they come to me with questions of studying abroad, it was the best decision I've made in college.

I went on the summer program to St. Petersburg after my freshman year of college. Having never taken Russian before I was placed in the beginners class with 5 other students and we had a wonderful teacher who was very patient. I also took the History of Saint Petersburg which included some extra excursions like a tour of Smolny Institute.

The cultural excursions were the best part. I had been dreaming of seeing the Hermitage and the Church on Spilled Blood. My favorite place to visit ended up being Peter and Paul Fortress where my new friends and I would sit with our feet in the Neva.

I can't say enough good things about the AIF St. Petersburg program. St. Petersburg is so rich in history and culture. After my program I was surprised how useful my knowledge of St. Petersburg and Russia was. With Russia constantly staying in the headlines of foreign policy and politics it's worth getting a closer look at this country.

On my first day of college, I told myself I would study abroad in Russia. I went the summer before I graduated earning my last credits towards my B.A. I didn't know any Russian before going, other than the formal hello/good bye. But with AIFS and the St. Petersburg State Polytechnic University, my 5-week excursion helped me develop some great language skills! The courses were interesting and incorporated frequent trips to cultural sites, a welcomed bonus to the many trips provided under the AIFS program. Each day we had tons of opportunities to speak Russian with our fellow classmates and native Russians. In the short summer term, I saw all the major sights in St. Petersburg and several great spots in Moscow. My only wish is that I went for a full semester!

I decided to go to Russia for several reasons.
1. I know how much studying abroad will enhance my resume
2. I love Russian history.
3. I am a history major.
4. I love traveling.

I didn't know a lick of Russian before I left and I wasn't going to let that stop me. No other provider my college has a program to Russia so I was extremely thankful for AIFS.

1. The mini trip to London is a lot of fun and you get so much within the tours that are provided. I have never been to London and felt like I was there for days.

2. Not knowing the language was not a problem. The class that was offered helped out a lot. All of my friends/roommates knew Russian and helped. It is true when they say that learning a language in another country is easier.

3. I never realized how much of a difference and impact it made to actually see historical buildings, sites, and museums would have on my learning. The classes were fun and took you on trips.

4. AIFS provides you with a transportation card to get anywhere which was TOTALLY convenient. We were constantly out and about. When you are are abroad you have no time for the computer and to stay in. It is so amazing to explore a foreign area.

5. Russia is so exotic compared to other European cities. It's really interesting to see the dynamic between Saint Petersburg and Moscow.

6. AIFS provides you with SO many fun cultural excursions to theater performances and museums. Plus they help you get around the first few days. If you ever need a suggestion of where to go or how to get the there staff is right on your side.

7. I met some of the best friends I ever had on this trip and wouldn't take back any of my experiences for the world.

I loved being in Russia, and because of the experiences I had with this program I cannot wait to return one day! Academically I was taught very useful information and the teachers were always open to helping you with understanding topics and situations that may otherwise be confusing. The living situation was unlike anything I had ever experienced before. It definitely wasn't a standard that most of the Americans on the trip were overly comfortable with, however, those with open minds and a willingness to adapt will be comfortable in no time. Never did I feel like I was in any danger or even feel unsafe. Petersburg was a beautiful city and was so exciting to explore. Our trips to other cities were just as exciting and a great learning experience. Any students serious about learning about Russia, the culture or language, will enjoy there experience here.

Russia is known for being both vast and mysterious. It is the largest country in the world yet many people know very little about it. This is one reason I choose to study there. Before my study abroad experience, I only had a vague picture of what day to day life in Russia consisted of. For centuries authors and adventurists have noted Russia's mysteriousness as part of its beauty. Russia has long been known for its introverted or "cold" mentality, so I was curious just how true this stereotype was. The Russian language, like the country itself, is also something of mystery, especially to the western world. I was drawn to discover what Russia was really like. So January 2011, I began my Russian journey. Russia, unlike many study abroad destinations, require an extensive visa process. At first the pages of questions can be overwhelming but with help from AIFS, it really wasn't too much of a hassle. AIFS took care of all the hard work I like to imagine. So I recommend not getting freaked out by the long process, it's worth it. Deciding what to bring is also something that takes time but not difficult if you prepare. The weather while I was there was mainly winter with a few weeks of spring towards the end. Most days, until early April, were white with snow yet still sunny. I experienced temperatures below zero degrees but was prepared so that wasn't a problem. I recommend bringing many layers. Bring long underwear and wool socks. Bring shoes that are somewhat waterproof, I actually bought a pair of rain boots in St. Petersburg that worked great for me. I've always had the mindset where if my feet are comfortable, then I'm comfortable. So with some long underwear, some thick pants, a sweater and a winter coat, I was comfortable enough to trudge through the layers of snow. Day to day life in St. Petersburg was a fascinating new experience. I choose to live in the dorms my whole semester and didn't regret it once. I made friends with students from all over the world. The dorms are also connected to the university classrooms so you don't even have to get all bundled up before class everyday. When I left for Russia, I had only one semester of Russian under my belt so I tested into the second lowest Russian language class. This worked out well for me because I had, in my opinion, the best professor and also a small class. But most of my learning, like any language, was done outside the classroom. Often I would meet Russians when we would go out on the weekends. This is where my language really grew and it was nice to interact with Russians my age. Groceries are easy to get and inexpensive, just a walk across the street and you're there. The cultural excursions were also a big plus to the AIFS program and they were all great! We toured museums, went to hockey games, went bowling. You can find something new to do everyday in St. Petersburg. It's also a beautiful city to walk aimlessly around. It is often known as the most European city of Russia but this does not mean they are "European." It's really just the architecture that mimics that of Venice, Italy. The people and culture are still Russian so if it's a Russian study abroad experience you're looking for, go to St. Petersburg! The semester I spent in Russia was honestly the most eye opening and fun I've ever had. I would recommend this program to anyone!