February 8, 2012
I really enjoyed the opportunity to study with professors who have the experience and professional level of US graduate professors, yet with the native background necessary to really understand Russian affairs. The combination is one that will be hard to find in any other graduate program. Another strength of the program is that while it is in Saint Petersburg, with all its economic problems, our university still had extremely impressive access to library resources and to the most up-to-date computer system, internet, scanning and e-mail. At the same time, I was also able to receive first-hand experience in Russian life.
The only drawback was that the program did not focus on teaching the Russian language as much as I had expected. But this does not prevent one from being forced to learn adequate Russian just to get by everyday, buying groceries, waving for taxis, renting apartments, and fending off beggars.
Overall, I really enjoyed the program. The IMARS program is multi-faceted and definitely challenging. I would recommend it to all who find any interest in intercultural relations and who are ready for a challenge.