| Russia offers many advantages for students | | | | education or major requirements? |
| planning to study abroad. The cost of living in | | | | 3. Choosing accommodations. The two most |
| most areas is low compared to the U.S. and | | | | common accommodations for students are |
| Western Europe and the huge size of the country | | | | homestays with Russian families and dorms at |
| means that it offers a wide variety of cultural | | | | Russian universities. Many families in Russia host |
| experiences. Russia has a long history of visual | | | | foreign students in their flats (apartments) for |
| and performing arts and literature, which is | | | | extra money. This is an extremely affordable |
| represented in its many museums, galleries and | | | | option for students and can be a great way to |
| theatres. | | | | learn more about Russian culture and family life. If |
| To make the most of your study abroad | | | | you would rather meet many Russian and |
| experience, use these tips to plan ahead: | | | | international students your own age, then dorm |
| 1. Decide how to get there. The two easiest | | | | accommodations might be a better choice. |
| ways to study in Russia are through programs | | | | 4. Don't forget your student ID! Although prices in |
| offered by their home colleges and through study | | | | Russia are low compared to the West, student ID |
| abroad programs at special institutes, such as the | | | | cards make cultural events like museums, theatre, |
| School for International Training ( Students | | | | ballet, and opera even more affordable. Russia is |
| seeking more immersion may want to study at a | | | | known worldwide for its performing arts scene, |
| Russian university. The cheapest way to do this is | | | | and with a student ID, opera tickets can cost only |
| by direct enrollment, but facilitating organizations | | | | a few dollars! While Russian student IDs give the |
| like the School of Russian and Asian Studies ( | | | | biggest discounts, foreign student IDs can still |
| offer reasonably-priced assistance. | | | | open the door to substantial discounts. |
| 2. Find out about credits. Work with your college | | | | 5. Relax and try new things. Although the language |
| or university's study abroad program to ensure | | | | barrier can be challenging and frustrating, Russia is |
| your credits transfer. The best time to do this is | | | | an exciting country full of opportunities. |
| before you enroll in a study abroad program, | | | | Remember that most people appreciate your |
| since transfer requirements vary from college to | | | | efforts to speak their language, even if you're not |
| college. You don't want to find out at the end of | | | | fluent yet. While class is important, the |
| the semester that your credit won't transfer! Be | | | | experiences of a new country are irreplaceable. |
| sure to ask how studying in Russia will affect | | | | Try new foods, go to a concert or holiday |
| your transcript. Will grades transfer, or just | | | | celebration with your host family, or visit the |
| credits? Will your classes count for your general | | | | priceless treasures in the Hermitage's Gold Room. |