-- The academic program is excellent, challenging even for those who have studied Russian for many years.
The teachers were very educated, experienced in teaching foreigners, tactful and dedicated. The groups
were small and worked well together. The reading materials were chosen to fit the individual interests and
abilities. A special pleasure for me were the excursions because they provided a welcome "day off" during
the week and, more importantly, they were conducted by teachers who know the city, and its culture
marvelously well.
-- I was in a home stay. My host family was wonderful. They went out of their way to help me and show me
around the city. I would recommend the home stay option to anyone participating in either program.
-- I have gained a new appreciation for Russian culture and language - a true love of this country and its
people. It has opened my eyes, heart and soul to so many wonderful things. I can't begin to put into words
how much this trip has meant to me.
-- It is difficult to to summarize the importance or benefit of living in a foreign culture even for only
a month. I have gained a great deal from living here. The courses themselves were very well taught. I
appreciated the division into small groups (which was well done, I thought!).
-- I can speak faster and with more complexity. I have increased my vocabulary!
-- Actually living in Russia is the only way one can gain a full understanding of the language. My
vocabulary has been forced to expand just so I can get by each day. The courses bring all this together
since in them we study the correct way to speak, not just using broken vocabulary.
--I have gained two great advantages from studying in Russia. First, I am now very comfortable in being able
to survive here speaking Russian. My language skills have almost doubled, and I now can get and achieve
what I want. Secondly, my understanding of and compassion for Russian citizens hav become greatly defined.
I feel I can speak about Russians on a very personal level now, and that's important to me!
-- I've gotten a good firsthand look at life in Russia. I've had to use the language and I learned correct
ways to use the language from my teachers. I've also had an opportunity to associate with with Russians
and learn about them as a people. I've been able to see how Russia has changed since the last time that
I was here.