By KMorris117
Hey there!
You are reading Kelly Morris’ Study Abroad Blog. If you meant to click on someone else’s and your computer has now frozen on mine-welcome! Every week, I will write a short post about my time and experiences in St. Petersburg, Russia. I will be participating in CIEE’s Russian Area Studies program, living with a host family, and learning loads about the Russian language and culture.
Unfortunately, I don’t have a lot to contribute right now because I am still in the States! My program does not begin until February 2nd, but until then I will be preparing for my semester abroad.
Since I have had a longer break than most and still have some more time before I leave, I have had the chance to do a bit more preparation. This has included listening to a children’s song of the Russian alphabet on repeat and watching YouTube videos on how to say simple phrases such as “Hello”, “Thank you”, and “Do you speak English?”
I believe the language difference will definitely be one of the more difficult and frustrating challenges I will initially face. Once classes begin, I will be taking two different language courses: one focusing on conversational and oral communication skills and the other focusing on grammar and the written language. Even then, there will be a pretty large learning curve. From what I can tell thus far, most other students in my program have at least some experience with the Russian language. We are expected to speak Russian every day with host families, Russian students, and each other. It’s a bit nerve-wracking to think about now, but I’m sure if I continue working on it, I will adjust just fine.
But until February 2nd, I will continue reading Dostoyevsky’s Crime and Punishment, asking the Amazon echo for the daily weather in St. Petersburg, and spending as much time with my family as I can before I head out!
Can’t wait to fill you in on all my adventures- Пока!