Hey folks,
My name’s Nate. I’ve been invited to join the Honor’s College at Appalachian State University, and one of the things they really push is studying abroad. For several years now, I’ve been really fascinated with the Russian language, and I’ve been studying it in my off time. ASU has an exchange program with a school in central Russia, and I’m really excited by the idea.
I would like to know though, how safe is it for Americans in Russia? I think to really push me away from the idea, I would have to be told it was extremely dangerous. I recognize there are risks no matter where you go, but is Russia exceptionally dangerous? Better yet, does anyone have any experience studying abroad in Russia?
In an ideal world, this should not matter, but I am very pale-skinned and I think I could blend in well with crowds, at least so long as I don’t speak.
A lot of it depends where – but overall, it’s not inherently less safe in Russia than in most places. Your study abroad advisors should give you information about the do’s and don’ts in Russia – many of them common-sense recommendations a foreign student would hear about coming to the US. Don’t forget, you won’t be alone - you will likely hang out with other international students, and Russian students eager to practice their English. (In which case, set up a reciprocal opportunity for you to practice your Russian on them.)
Go for it. Study abroad is an amazing opportunity you may not ever have again.
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If you’re any sexual orientation besides straight, definitely hide it :/.
What is the name of the school your U. has an exchange program with in Russia? Are you considering a semester or a year abroad? If you do not have a lot of people going to Russia through the program at your school - visit a Russian club at the nearby larger school. Or just get in touch with them - a lot of people stay involved in Slavic/Russian Clubs after they come back from study abroad. Be positive and do your research!
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