<p>Hello! I’m having a lot of trouble deciding where to study abroad. A lot. I think about it all the time and it’s driving me crazy. So, I’ve gotten advise from all sorts of people, but I thought some anonymous opinions would be really helpful. I thank anyone in advance who offers their ideas…I think my mom is getting tired of me calling with a new “final decision” on a daily basis.</p>
<p>I’m a Politics major with a minor in Economics</p>
<p>Languages I’ve taken: Spanish throughout high school and for 2 years in college</p>
<p>Possible career ideas: International relations, NGOs/nonprofits, international development, foreign service</p>
<p>Study abroad ideas:
St. Petersburg, RUSSIA, in a program through my college
pros:
-good academics/I know and like the professors
-counts towards my GPA
-low cost
-I love Russian literature
-looks like a beautiful city (Hermitage)
-interesting/unique - I’ll probably never go to Russia unless I go now</p>
<p>cons:
-cold and dark
-I don’t speak the language. I’ll take language classes through the program, but it will still be difficult.
-not much opportunity to travel outside of Russia
-I’ve heard it can be a “difficult city” and “not always fun.” I’m nervous about crime and pickpockets and never feeling safe to walk through the city. I think this is actually my biggest concern…just the images that come to mind when I think “Russia” - both mysterious and intriguing, but also off-putting and scary.</p>
<li><p>Spain because I love Spanish and I would probably become fluent quickly, I like the idea of being able to travel around Europe more easily, I love warm climates, seems to be a friendlier culture. </p></li>
<li><p>Peru or another Central/South American country again because of Spanish, lively culture and warmth. Interested in development issues. </p></li>
</ol>
<p>In the process of writing this, I’ve realized that I just have a lot of reservations about Russia. I would love opinions. THANK YOU so much!</p>
<p>You're interested in International Politics, right? Have you considered Switzerland? It's very active in the European and global community, and has a powerhouse economy. Then the location itself is ideal. No matter where you are, you're no farther than an hour from the border to a foreign country. You'll also be exposed to numerous languages; not just the official ones. When I was in Lugano, I could hear Italian, French, German, English, Spanish, and Turkish all in the same caf</p>
<p>I studied in Buenos Aires, and loved it. I've heard great things about Spain as well. Just make sure you do your homework on the location you end up choosing. You'll have a great experience no matter where it is, seriously.</p>
<p>I am a Russian American, originally from Saint Petersburg. Last visit - summer 2008.
I can tell from my own very recent experience that it’s much safer there than in Central/South America. We walked through the city very-very late after midnight and did not see any trouble.</p>
<p>When you make friends at the university they’ll help you with any problems regarding safety/crime/pickpocketing etc.</p>
<p>And just where do you want to travel outside of Russia? St. Petersburg is very close to Finland, Estlonia, Latvia, Lithuania. If you get a multiple entry visa to Russia you can travel wherever you want with your American passport.</p>
<p>And do you have any idea how many interesting places in Russia outside of Saint Petersburg you can visit? </p>
<p>Don’t go to Russia just for politics sake, you need to enjoy your time abroad or there really is no point going. Spain sounds like the better option for you.</p>
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<p>Ummmmmm what?! Hardly anyone in Wales speaks Welsh!</p>
<p>D spent semester in Ecuador and niece was in Peru. Great countries. Try Paraguay for a real change. I vote for South America because, already speaking the language, you can become as involved as you wish. With Europe you have just Spain. With South America you have a whole continent of Spanish speaking countries (besides Brazil, and who knows, you may be able to learn Portuguese to boot!)</p>
<p>I spent last summer in Russia. Never had a problem with crime… It’s really not that bad-- just don’t be stupid (don’t walk alone late, don’t carry large sums with you, be aware of your surroundings, etc.). But I wouldn’t go unless your heart is set on it. You shouldn’t go there in hopes of making real headway on a language you haven’t studied previously. Unless you’re really good at languages in general, you probably will only know a few conversational gambits and simple sentences by the end of three months (Russian is hard!). Besides, fair amount of people in St Petersburg speak English anyway. </p>
<p>I would go, however, if you are really set on learning politics and international relations. Russia is very interesting in these areas (I’m not really into it, but that’s what we spent a fair amount of time discussing in classes).</p>
<p>Traveling to the smaller areas can be difficult-- not impossible-- if you don’t know the language. But, yes, if you have a multiple-entry visa, the blatic states are pretty too!</p>
<p>Hi! You can consider studying at Higher School of Economics. We are located in the center of Moscow and have branches in St.Petersburg, Nizniy Novgorod and Perm. We offer more than 100 courses taught in English most of them certified by our international partners so you won’t experience difficulties when transfering your credits.</p>
<p>If you are seeking for a strong program in Russian Studies, Economics & Finance, Political Science, International relations or simply Russian Language - we will be the best match in Russia. You can find out more at our website: cie.hse.ru</p>