139 reviews
4.35 / 5 based on 139 reviews

Useful |
1
aeidlin
Housing
Type of housing: On campus
Arranged by: Home university
If returning, I would choose: On campus
Why?
Living on campus at Moscow State University have the opportunity to easily meet and interact with Russians living in the dorm giving you more language practice, and cultural exposure.
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Personal comments
I feel that the Moscow State University dorm is incredible. It is a massive building filled with culture and history. The dorm rooms were a perfect size, and access to the humanities building easy for classes. The neighborhood was safe, it was kept clean and we had a contact for any possible issues that could arise. I really could not have asked for anything more.
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3
aeidlin
Student life
Describe host city:
Students equally interact with the local and student community
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Activities, Nightlife, Travel: Takes place both within and outside of the university/student environment
Personal social experience
Personal comments
It is impossible to give just one spot to go for each of the sections above in Moscow. This city has so much to offer, and so many different places to visit that are equally beautiful, fascinating and fun. Some highlights were the Kremlin, Red Square, Ismaylovsky Park, Discouria (an incredible Georgian restaurant), the Tretyakov museum, all of the Churches and parks. The circus, ballet, symphonies were all incredible events!
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0
aeidlin
Overall
I wish I had known...
The only suggestion I had was that I wish that I had known more about Moscow State University as a school before arriving.
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In my opinion:
Most people loved it.
Important factors in my choice
(1) Unimportant – (4) Very important
Personal recommendation
I think that Moscow State University has done an excellent job receiving international students through the program I participated in.
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During my experience abroad, I ...
(1) Never – (4) A lot
Became familiar with another culture
Met people from other countries
Experienced a change in life
Advanced my studies & career
Final comments
I truly believe that my experience in Russia changed my life.
Don't bring traveller's cheques
Have an open mind
Learn the alphabet, and have fun learning the language!
Maximize your time, and see it all if you can.
If you can, stay a minimum of 1 month. Going for 2 weeks just doesn't capture the true essence of what the experience of Russia is about.
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0
aeidlin
Expenses
Main source of funding:
Other
Other sources of funding:
Personal savings
Work opportunities:
I worked during my study abroad experience
Personal spending habits
Living expenses in Russia are cheaper than in Canada.
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Food, Telephone, Housing, Nightlife, Travel, Overall:
was less expensive than at home.
Accessibility of student needs
Second-hand household items
Personal comments
No surprises, we were well informed before departure.
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0
aeidlin
Academic
My academic experiences
Interaction with teachers
Interaction with international students
Interaction with local students
Personal comments
The only thing that I did suggest, since I was also the Candian Group Leader, was more of an introduction to Moscow State University before the students arrive.
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My opinion of the university assessment
Exams throughout the course
Essays and/or projects at the end of course
Essays and/or projects throughout the course

Useful |
4
aeidlin
Languages
Language of instruction: Russian
Was learning Russian a key decision factor?
No, it wasn't.
How much did you improve your Russian?
My level before: Did not speak it
My level after: At ease in most situations
Language difficulties
Administrative / Institutional
Personal comments
I actually studied Russian two different times at Moscow State University. First from May to August 1997, then again in 1999. The language and communication aspect of each time was incredibly fascinating! The first time I went, I could not speak Russian nor could I even understand the alphabet. When I arrived, I could barely buy bread at the corner store because I just had no clue what was going on. The most incredible part of this language experience is looking back after three months and seeing for yourself what kind of progress you made. The second time, what was incredible was the initial fear of having forgotten some of the language, but once back into it you realize again how much you learned the first time. I was amazed at the fact that I could discuss philosophy with Russians by the end of my sixth month. This kind of gratification does not come along everyday, and I will appreciate that always.
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