Why did you pick this program?
I chose AIFS because it seemed like the most all-inclusive program that was offered in Russia. I loved how they took care of flights, accommodations, etc.
when traveling to Russia so I didn't have to worry about anything. They also had a lot of great excursions to different places in St. Petersburg as well as trips to Moscow, Finland and Estonia. The classes that were offered also really sparked my interest.
What do you tell your friends who are thinking about going abroad?
Don't hesitate and do it now! It is one of the best decisions you could ever make. You not only learn so much about an entirely different culture and country, but a lot about yourself as well.
I became much more independent and self-confident after my semester abroad and that new attitude has done wonders for me since I have returned. You mature a lot when you push yourself out of your comfort zone and I encourage everyone to study abroad for that reason.
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
Have an open mind. Russia is a place that is very different from the US in ways that you won't fully understand until you experience Russia for yourself. It can be frustrating at times but you will learn to appreciate it the more you go out and experience the country and its people. It is a surprising and unique place that not many people have the opportunity to visit in their lifetime so take advantage of it and fall in love with Russia like I did!
What's your favorite story to tell about your time abroad?
My favorite story to tell from my time abroad is about the time we went to Catherine's Palace in Pushkin, a small suburb of St. Petersburg. Catherine's Palace was the summer palace of the tsars and it is by far one of the most extravagant and magnificent places I have ever seen.
I took a minute to just soak it all in and appreciate how absolutely gorgeous this country is. While it may seem like a small moment to some, that was the day that I realized I had made the right decision to come to Russia and I am so grateful I did.
I took a minute to just soak it all in and appreciate how absolutely gorgeous this country is. While it may seem like a small moment to some, that was the day that I realized I had made the right decision to come to Russia and I am so grateful I did.
I don't know Russian very well. Will that be a problem?
I didn't know Russian very well when I first arrived in St. Petersburg. At first, it was very overwhelming not understanding what anyone was saying to me and not being able to read anything.
But the program has a Russian course that all students are required to take and you are split up by your level in the language. I was in the beginner class and my teacher, Inga, was wonderful and she helped so much during those first few weeks. By the end of the first month, I was much more comfortable with Russian and was able to understand and speak some!
At the end of the semester I had improved so much and am continuing to take Russian courses back in the US. So don't worry if you don't speak it when you first go there. You will learn it but you have to put in the work. Russian is difficult, but it can be really fun to learn if you go out and expose yourself to it every day. That's the best way in my opinion!