Aislinn Stahl is a senior Russian and International Studies major. She is entering her third month of study on the Dickinson-in-Moscow program for the fall 2019 semester.
1. What is your favorite course in Moscow?
Praktika rechi (практика речи), which focuses on everyday language use. I am able to learn and practice new phrases for different situations such as requesting for a Russian visa, asking what documents are needed to apply to study in a college, and exchanging money in a bank.
2. What has been your favorite experience studying abroad thus far?
So far, my favorite experience was the International Military Musical Festival (Международный военно-музыкальный фестиваль). I saw marching bands from many different countries like Japan, Egypt, and areas of the Russian Federation.
3. Tell us something about your host family.
My host family consists of my host mom, host sister, and her husband. I live with my host mom in a small apartment and my host sister lives with her husband in a different apartment. On the weekends, my host sister and host brother sleepover at my host mom’s apartment. I look forward to talking with the whole family on Saturday and Sunday evenings.
4. What has surprised you most about life in Moscow?
One thing that surprised me was how many free festivals are held in Moscow multiple times a month. As of writing this, there is a festival on Red Square called “Golden Fall” (Золотая осень). There were many pumpkins on Red Square and a truck full of red apples. I had a ton of fun walking around Red Square during this festival and I would encourage future students to take full advantage of these fun free festivals.
5. What would you say to students considering studying abroad on the Dickinson-in-Moscow program?
I would say to students who may be unsure or nervous to study abroad for a full year or semester to try the Summer Study abroad. Some students may feel they will be alone, but they are surrounded by fellow students who will be on the same program as them and there is a strong supportive network through the on-site director. There will be many excursions and while there are not excursions you will be in class. Once you get your schedule for classes, time flies by each week.
