13 reviews
4.64 / 5 based on 13 reviews
Useful |
2
Jesse H
Mansfield University of PA, Mansfield, United States
International Relations, Undergraduate, University Agreement
Student life
Describe host city:
Students equally interact with the local and student community
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Nightlife: Takes place mostly outside the university/student environment
Travel, Activities: Takes place both within and outside of the university/student environment
Personal social experience
Personal comments
There are many things to do and see in Volgograd. Since Volgograd is a very historic city with ties to World War II (formally Stalingrad), any historic sites are a must for the history buff. -There are numerous clubs in Volgograd as well. All of these clubs are very modern and most play good music. Piraña (mostly pop and techno) is a nice club, but a bit on the expensive side. Molotof Garage plays mostly alternative and rock, but (I feel) is much better than Piraña. There are also some other clubs and I'm sure that the Russian students will have better advice as to which clubs are better than I. There are MANY cafes. Most cafes are very cheap and the food is excellent. InTourist Hotel is very nice and inexpensive. You must try Russian icecream (you can get it pretty much anywhere). Another restaurant which is a must see is Nasha Pizza (before you reach the bridge in the center of Volgograd). They have GREAT pizza and icecream.
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0
Jesse H
Mansfield University of PA, Mansfield, United States
International Relations, Undergraduate, University Agreement
Housing
Type of housing: On campus
Arranged by: Host university
If returning, I would choose: On campus
Why?
Living on campus provided me the opportunity to interact with Russian students 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, whereas I could not communicate as frequently as I would have liked if I were living off campus.
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Personal comments
The housing accomodations at Volgograd State University were adequate. Although I did not have hot water for about a month (Russia prepares for the winter season by turning off the hot water), I still was able to adjust to the on campus way of life. There was adequate room space as well as my own shower, bathroom and place to cook. The security in the dorm was outstanding. Trash removal was satisfactory.
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0
Jesse H
Mansfield University of PA, Mansfield, United States
International Relations, Undergraduate, University Agreement
Expenses
Main source of funding:
Family
Other sources of funding:
Government assistance
Work opportunities:
I didn't explore any work options
Personal spending habits
I spent less on telephone expenses because I used the internet to email friends and family. I also spent less on housing facilities because housing facilities in Russia are of lower standards than in the United States. Nightlife was important for me because it gave me a chance to communicate with other Russians. Going to clubs, movies, operas and plays expanded my knowledge of Russian culture, social aspects and language. I spent quite a bit of money on travel while in Russia. Having been interested in different cities rather than just Volgograd is an important factor as one should explore not just one area of Russia.
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Nightlife, Travel:
was more expensive than at home.
Food, Overall:
was the same price as at home.
Telephone, Housing:
was less expensive than at home.
Accessibility of student needs
Second-hand household items
Personal comments
LOOK AROUND FOR A GOOD EXCHANGE RATE!! Many banks offer very low exchange rates. For example, while I was in Volgograd in August of 2003, the exchange rate was about 30.50 roubles for 1 US dollar. In some banks, they only offered 29.10 roubles to one US Dollar, so as you can see it is very important to look around if you'd like to get your "money's worth". As for food items, most Russians know good markets or supermarkets with good prices. Just ask your roomate!
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0
Jesse H
Mansfield University of PA, Mansfield, United States
International Relations, Undergraduate, University Agreement
Academic
Course recommendations
The quality and availability to courses at Volsu are dependant upon your home university. My courses at Volsu consisted of Russian History, Russian Philosophy, Russian communication, Russian grammar and Russian phonetics.
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My academic experiences
Interaction with teachers
Interaction with international students
Interaction with local students
Personal comments
Although I enjoyed my Russian profesors, my academic schedule was somewhat disorganized. I would advise anyone who will be studying at Volgograd State in the future to confirm any classes that they would like to take WELL IN ADVANCE of departure.
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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 |
5
Jesse H
Mansfield University of PA, Mansfield, United States
International Relations, Undergraduate, University Agreement
Overall
I wish I had known...
Before leaving for Russia, I wish I would have brough certain items with me for example a small swiss army knife for countless things, pictures of my family (as most Russians LOVE to see pictures of your family), etc.
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In my opinion:
Everybody loved it, you will too!
Important factors in my choice
(1) Unimportant – (4) Very important
Personal recommendation
I HIGHLY recommend Volgograd State University for anyone who would like a grasp of the Russian language and culture. I also recommend traveling to Moscow and or St. Petersburg if one has the time and the money. These are two beautiful cities in Russia (especially during the winter months). I guarantee that you will make long-lasting friendships and have the experience of a life-time.
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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
After having visited Russia, my own personal viewpoints about life and people have changed drastically. It was hard for me to imagine, before leaving for Russia that there were actually people that were so different from Americans.
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0
Jesse H
Mansfield University of PA, Mansfield, United States
International Relations, Undergraduate, University Agreement
Languages
Language of instruction: Russian
Was learning Russian a key decision factor?
Yes, I wanted to improve my Russian
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
Language and communication experiences are only improved if one lives on campus. Having been emerged in the Russian language with no English forces one to learn the host language.
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