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Student Information Booklet
JanPlan in St. Petersburg offers three academic courses: RU125j, Introductory Russian Language; RU113j, Literature and the Arts of St. Petersburg; and RU114j, Russia´s Transition Economy. The successful completion of RU113j or 114j earns 3 ungraded JanPlan credits. RU125j earns 3 graded credits. RU113j , 114j do not fulfill any of the requirements for the Russian Language and Culture major or the Russian Language and Literature minor.
RU125j -- classroom instruction is divided into three segments: grammar, phonetics, and reading and conversation. The class will meet 4-5 hours per day, five days per week. Students must purchase the textbook, Russian Alive, and the workbook, Welcome to Divnograd, at the Colby College Bookstore during the fall semester. Other instructional materials will be available in St. Petersburg.
RU113j-- classroom instruction includes readings, lectures, and discussions on the history, literature, art, and architecture of St. Petersburg. The classes will meet 3 hours per day, 5 days per week, but many of the ÒclassesÓ will be conducted in various museums and historical sites in the city.
RU114j-- classroom lectures and discussions which begin with the examination of the Soviet centralized economy model but concentrate on the new economy of 1970 and after. Classes meet 3 hours per day, 5 days per week. Many on-site lectures and visits to banks and enterprises follow upon lecture topics.
Colby's host institution in St. Petersburg is the St. Petersburg Classical Gimnaziia, which is also host to the regular semester Colby in St. Petersburg program. The Gimnaziia will become your second home in St. Petersburg, as it has for the many Colby students who have studied there in the past.
The academic program is unique in that the class size is very small, ensuring maximum, daily participation from each student. It goes without saying that students' work is very intensive and progress very fast because of so much individual attention. Attendance at every class is essential, and students should notify the Gimnaziia if they are ill and unable to attend class.
In the past, students have noted that they spend more time in class but less time on homework assignments than is the case in American college courses. This difference in study time is deliberate so that students will have more time to investigate the wealth of historical and cultural resources which the city of St. Petersburg has to offer.
Students on this program must be ready to participate actively in the classroom and must be able to take initiative with requests and suggestions for the instructors. The advantages of personalized instruction are many, but the small class size works well only when students are well-prepared for each class, active in each class meeting, and willing to ask instructors for more or less difficult work. The instructors must have ongoing evaluation of materials from the students if the program is to be effective. Students must not sit silently when they don't understand, and students must promptly say when material is too easy or too difficult or presentation is too rapid. Students should, of course, first discuss any problems with the instructor. The Colby staff will be in daily e-mail contact with the Gimnaziia and with the students, and if problems should occur, students should feel free to discuss them with the Colby staff.
SPECIAL NOTE: You must be aware that you are a student in another country and should observe the usual rules of classroom etiquette. You should not eat , drink, or chew gum during classes. Men should not wear hats in class or anywhere inside homes or buildings. Students should sit attentively, not slouch or lean on tables, during classes. While some American instructors are accepting of a "casual" classroom, Russian instructors are not and as a sign of respect for the instructor you should abide by the usual classroom rules. At the conclusion of JanPlan, each student will receive a written evaluation from each instructor. In Ru125j, students are graded by each instructor according to the Russian system, a five-point scale in which 5 is an A (excellent), 4 is a B ( good), 3 is a C (fair), etc. These grades and evaluations will be reviewed by the Academic Coordinator in St. Petersburg and by the Colby Russian staff before Colby grades and credits are recorded.
A special feature of JanPlan in St. Petersburg is the opportunity to live with Russian host families, carefully selected by the Gimnaziia staff. Host families take very seriously their responsibilities for the well-being and security of their guests. Students will take their meals with their families and are encouraged to enter into the life of their families totally and actively. Students should ask to go shopping or strolling with the family and should ask to be introduced to relatives, friends, and neighbors. Family residence is the single best way to get beneath the surface of Russian life, to be a resident of the city and not merely a tourist or visiting student. The sizes and ages of the families differ widely, so students must be prepared to fit in to a family with young children or a family whose children are already grown and away from home.
As in any family, students should come to an agreement with host parents about responsibilities in the family and should be prepared to compromise. Most American college students are accustomed to leading quite independently adult lives in their families, and the Russian habit of over-protecting children, even grown children, can be a problem when students wish to go out in the evening and arrive home very late or don't eat as much as host parents think is healthy. Each student must work out these problems in the families and direct explanation is usually the best policy. Typically, Russians have a high fat diet and have few fresh fruits and vegetables in their diet. It is perfectly acceptable to explain this difference in diet to the family and do some cooking of your own. If there are foods that you don't like, just say so politely and perhaps prepare some food that you do like and share it with the family. Similarly, if the family curfew is a problem, talk about it directly and politely and work out a compromise with parents. If a problem cannot be worked out in the family, talk to the Academic Coordinator and the staff at the Gimnaziia and seek advice from them.
Although all the families are well-off by Russian standards, Americans must be flexible and prepared to adjust to a new culture and a new and struggling economy. Students must be ready for the hardships and the adventures of a different economic life and the unavailability of conveniences which they take for granted at home. It is often inconvenient and sometimes aggravating, but it is an essential part of learning about life in Russia. Angry outbursts and complaining about what should be or could be only make life more difficult for everyone and serve to humiliate Russian hosts who take great pride in their hospitality. Sensitivity, understanding, and politeness will solve more problems and will contribute to learning.
If you have to "get it off your chest," go out for a walk with another American and sound off to your heart's content or write a letter to a friend at home. (Please don't write or phone your parents when you are upset; you will recover, but they will be upset for days!) Do not let yourself become a whining, demanding, petulant American. Do not allow one event or one issue to cloud your perceptions and your appreciation for all the wonders of your visit.
All these words about flexibility and patience, however, do not mean that students should be "seen and not heard." Students should feel free to ask questions about anything that interests or perplexes them; this is the only way to learn about a new culture. And most often the result of such questions is an interesting discussion of cultural differences between Russia and the US. Americans are sometimes put off by what they consider to be impolite questions from Russians -- how much did your house cost? how much does your mother earn? But for Russians these are perfectly normal questions, and they will be quite ready to give you similar information about themselves and their families.
Russians are very interested in Americans and American life and would love to see lots of pictures from the students' family albums, schools, home towns, etc.
A representative from the Gimnaziia designs and coordinates a varied cultural program which is included in the cost of the JanPlan. Students will have many guided excursions to museums and historical landmarks in St. Petersburg which include the Hermitage, Peter and Paul Fortress, Ethnographic Museum, St. Isaac's Cathedral, several memorials to the victims of the German blockade of Leningrad during World War II, and the summer residences of the tsars, located outside the city. There may be other literary tours to the apartment-museums of Pushkin or Dostoevsky. After this initial introduction to the riches of St. Petersburg, students will want to return to these landmarks on their own.
Theater and concert tickets will also be purchased for the students. Students should make specific requests to the coordinator of the cultural program if there are certain tickets they would like to have. Colby recommends that each student see at least one opera, one ballet, and one folk music/dance performance. The Mariinskii Opera and Ballet Theater (formerly the Kirov Company) is world-famous. There's also a wonderful circus in St. Petersburg. It is well worth spending your own money to see additional performances.
The optional 3-day weekend trip to Moscow in the middle of the month costs an additional $100 which must be paid at the Colby Business Office at the time of the November 10 final payment. That fee covers train travel, hotel in Moscow, and two excursions. It does not cover the cost of your food while in Moscow.
Approximate travel dates are January 4-5, 2003, departure from Boston, and January 29-30, 2003, return to Boston. It is the student's responsibility to arrange transportation to and from Boston.
All travel arrangements for the group will be made by Colby. We will also process visa documents, required for entry into Russia, but students are responsible for the visa fee. Students are responsible for obtaining their own passports, which must be valid for 6 months beyond the concluding date of the program, and must also have an International Student ID card (applications available at the Colby Registrar's Office). Students must fill out a visa application form and supply three (3) passport-size pictures. All these documents must be delivered to Sheila McCarthy as soon as possible in the fall semester.
No vaccinations or immunizations are required for entry to Russia. Students must complete a brief medical form with a physician. ( This can be done easily at Colby Health Services). You should carry a month's supply of non-prescription medicines which you use regularly, eg., aspirin, cold and cough medications, etc. It is highly recommended that students consult their home physicians for advice about medications. Physicians sometimes recommend shots for tetanus, hepatitis, etc. Colby also recommends that your physician provide you with prescription medications for severe cough/pneumonia, ear infections, strep throat, urinary tract infections, vaginitis and yeast infections with clear instructions for their use. Your physician should provide you with 3-4 sterile syringes and needles for any injections you may need. Since syringes are regularly sterilized and reused in Russia, you should bring your own syringe and needle with you to the physician and then take it with you after the visit. You can sterilize your own syringe and safely reuse it for yourself. We will try to have a medical pack with these necessities prepared for the group before your departure. More information will follow at our meetings.
Your physician should give you a signed letter in which she/he indicates the content of your medical pack and states that these are personal medical needs. This letter will prevent the confiscation of your prescription medical pack in the event that any Customs officers in any country question the contents or the purpose of your prescriptions. Such inquiry, by the way, is more likely at US or British Customs than it is at Russian Customs. You should pack your prescription medical kit and syringes in carry-on baggage, seal the whole little package completely, and attach your physician's letter to the packet.
FOOD. Students should be alert to the great differences between the typical American diet and the typical Russian diet, specifically the Russian diet is low in fresh fruits and vegetables, high in fat and dairy products, and lacks the daily variety that Americans are accustomed to. The dietary differences make it necessary that students, perhaps for the first time in their lives, pay attention to healthy eating. Buy fruits and vegetables at markets to supplement your diet. Cook foods that you like in your family. If there are foods that your family cooks that you do not like, tell them in a polite way that you do not like/ cannot eat that food and offer to cook something American for them . A typical complaint from Americans is that Russian "mothers" insist that young people eat constantly and in great quantities. Eat as much as you want, and then politely decline extra portions. Your families may be perplexed at first, but they will get used to your having smaller portions. Be adventurous in your diet and try Russian foods, especially the food that is well-prepared for you at home. Remember that food is a major part of Russian hospitality, and Russians can be offended by impolite or insensitive remarks about meals.
DRINKING WATER. in St. Petersburg should be carefully and completely boiled or treated with water purification tablets which you must bring with you. Most families boil drinking water as a matter of course ; if your family does not boil its water, be sure that you boil water for yourself. When you make tea or coffee, be sure that you boil the water well and for a longer than usual time. Some people also recommend that you brush your teeth with bottled/boiled water as well. Many Americans have trouble with the bacteria and parasites in St. Petersburg water; you may not have trouble at all, but better safe than sorry because a long bout of cramping and diarrhea is far from pleasant. Russians drink large quantities of bottled mineral water, but many Americans do not like the salty taste of mineral water. You may buy bottled spring water everywhere around the city.
ALCOHOL. is another matter of recent concern because of the very high cost of vodka and the resulting proliferation of "home brewed" vodka. If you drink alcohol, be sure that it is factory produced and not made in someone's back room. Do not buy vodka in sidewalk kiosks, which may be selling "home brew." Drinking these home brews is very dangerous and the poisoning can have fatal results.
PHYSICIANS. In St. Petersburg the Gimnaziia has excellent personal contacts with private physicians who handle general medical needs such as allergy injections, ear and throat infections. In the event of very serious medical needs, the Gimnaziia will immediately contact Colby and, if possible, the student will return home to the US.
HEALTH PRODUCTS. Students should take a full supply of a favorite soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, dental floss, razor blades, talcum powder, moisturizer, bath oil,-- all your usual toiletry articles. All these items are available in St. Petersburg, but often at very high cost.
If you take a hairdryer, electric shaver, or any small electrical appliance, you must have the appropriate wall plug to fit the Russian current which is 127 & 220 volts. European plugs and convertors or dual voltage appliances are required. You may purchase these plugs at some electronics stores or at larger hardware stores.
RELATIONSHIPS. In all sexual relations students are strongly advised to be extremely careful and wary in order to protect themselves against all sexually transmitted diseases. It is assumed that you are mature and smart enough to take necessary precautions at home; in Russia multiply your caution tenfold because you are ten times more vulnerable as a foreigner, particularly as an American. You are in Russia for a very short time, and there are, unfortunately, in Russia as everywhere else in the world, people who would take advantage of your "visitor" status. The best advice is to avoid any personal and sexual intimacy. If the new relationship is honest, you will have lots of time in the future to develop a naturally evolving relationship with a Russian acquaintance.
Because the currency situation in Russia is in constant flux, Colby recommends that students carry spending money in cash and a lesser amount in traveler's checks. It is virtually impossible to have money wired to you in Russia, and money should never be sent via mail, so students should take care to make arrangements in advance. American Express cards entitle you to obtain money in dollars at the St. Petersburg American Express Office, and American Express Travelers Checks can be cashed in tourist hotels and other hard currency locations. Major credit cards are accepted at all large hotels, stores, restaurants, theaters, etc. But the inconvenience of having to travel to a ÒtouristÓ location to get cash is so great that carrying cash is the best solution.
In St. Petersburg you will probably find yourself carrying more cash with you than you are used to. You must be extremely careful about security. A money belt (worn under clothing) is very secure. It is all right to leave a small amount of your personal money at home in your host family's apartment, but be sure to check with your family first and take their advice. You should not under any circumstances leave your money anywhere in the Gimnaziia (coat room or classroom or cafeteria, etc.) and when you are traveling you must carry your money on your person in a money belt at all times. Never leave money or any valuables in hotel rooms or train compartments, even if you just leave the room for a few minutes. Keep in mind that foreigners, Americans in particular, are targets for anyone with an inclination for robbery.
You will be living with two currencies, rubles and dollars, almost daily. Currency exchange rates are posted in every large store, in every tourist hotel, and at all the many official exchange offices in the city. PLEASE TAKE CAREFUL note of the fact that ,due to severe monetary difficulties, it is at times impossible to receive dollars at ATM machines. We recommend, therefore, that students carry cash and travelerÕs checks. Initially you should change perhaps $30-40 into rubles to handle daily needs such as newspapers and metro, and then after a few days you will know your daily ruble and dollar needs. Given the exchange rates, it is best to buy in rubles whenever possible, but there are many items that are available for purchase only in dollars.
Efficient and accessible communication within Russia and between Russia and the US is, while constantly improving, occasionally erratic, so students should inform their families in advance of these difficulties to prevent needless worry. Do pay attention to the fact that your families are accustomed to almost instantaneous communication with you and will worry that they can't just pick up the phone and talk to you. Talk to your families about this in advance to prepare them for the lack of communication. When you arrive in St. Petersburg, call your families immediately to tell them that you have arrived and give them your home telephone number. And as soon as possible after your arrival in St. Petersburg, set up some regular channel of communication with your family at home.
Please be very considerate about your families at home during the month. Don't call home to complain; don't call home if you've had a bad day. Remember that your family is far away and cannot see you or talk to you later that day or the next day when you have recovered your equilibrium. Do, of course, tell you families what is boring and terrible and what is exciting and inspiring, but don't use your families as a shoulder to cry on.
Here are some recommendations from Colby and previous student participants.
1. Particpants have access to the FAX machine at the Gimnaziia only for business communication with Colby and for emergencies. Gimnaziia FAX number from the US is 011-7-812-235-1302. Colby FAX is (207) 872-3805, attention Sheila McCarthy.
2. E-MAIL is set up for reasonable student use at the Gimnaziia. In Russia, Colby must pay for every message you send and for every message you receive. The costs have risen drastically in the last two years, so Colby has had to place some restrictions on e-mail use. You may certainly conduct all your Colby business via e-mail at the Gimnaziia. You may not use e-mail for frequent personal communication; you can't, for example, carry on daily e-mail with family and friends in the U.S. Be sensible about e-mail use and help us while we are trying to adjust this big expenditure. Your E-MAIL address at the Gimnaziia is colby@gym.spb.su To send e-mail to Colby, address and I will forward any correspondence.
The group will share a computer in St. Petersburg, so be sure to establish the rules for the computer. The computer should stay at the Gimnaziia all the time.
3. International phone calls are sometimes hard to make because the lines are too crowded. You may want to make an arrangement in your host family about calling the US, and if you do, be sure that you pay the family for each call that you make. The easiest and cheapest arrangement with your family is for them to call you because they can direct dial your St. Petersburg home telephone, and a call from the US to Russia costs a fraction of what a call from Russia to the US costs. Students often set a time and a day of the week -- every Saturday at XXX o'clock-- and then wait at home in St. Petersburg for their family's call. Your family can get all information from its phone service about charges and direct dial codes. You must be aware, though, that lines are often clogged, and it is not unusual to have to place calls over and over again before you get a free line. Remember that depending on the time of the year, St. Petersburg time is 7 or 8 hours ahead of US East Coast time. Dial 11 (International) followed by 7 ( country code for Russia) followed by 812 (area code for St. Petersburg) followed by your family's phone number.
Please read carefully all these security precautions. The purpose of all these items is not to scare you or indicate that you are entering a crime zone, but rather to tell you what are normal precautions in any large city.
Russian cities remain relatively safe as compared to large cities in the US and Western Europe, but it goes without saying that you must adopt the normal daily habits of large cities. Keep a Xerox copy of your passport information pages, your international student ID card, and the address and phone number of the Gimnaziia in your pocket at all times. You should not under any circumstances deal with black marketeers, even if they are people whom you know. Do not exchange money on the street and do not buy things from persistent dealers who will accost you on the street. You should not travel, particularly at night, to areas of the city which you do not know without first consulting your host families or other residents. You should not take "unofficial" taxis by yourself unless you are accompanied by Russians who know their way around. You should not display large amounts of money openly on the street or in stores. You should not "pick up" friendly Russians on the street; it is far safer to meet Russians via introductions from your host family or Gimnaziia staff or other people known to you. Do not give out your address or phone number to any new acquaintance. If you want to see each other again, arrange a meeting in some public place -- a museum, park, restaurant, cafe. You must remember to lock doors and close backpacks and purses all the time. In short you should behave as you would in New York City.
Do not take with you any expensive jewelry or other treasured possessions which you will have to worry about. Valuables which you need and your important documents such as passports and visas and money should be secured either with your host family or at the Gimnaziia. Colby recommends that money, travelers checks, passports, and visas which you carry on your person are best carried in a money belt worn around your waist under your clothing. Get into the habit of wearing your money belt and do not become lax about security.
As in any large city in the world, there are some unscrupulous people who prey on foreigners in order to get money or other personal or economic gains. No matter how hard you try to blend in, to the experienced eye of such people you are conspicuously American because of your clothing, your glasses, your shoes, by the very way you walk down the street. Unfortunately, as a result of the bad economic situation in Russia now, there are people who make their living in illegal or quasi-legal dealings with Americans. They are often very attractive young people who speak good English and offer to take you here and there, show you museums,etc. Sometimes their persistence is just irritating as they follow you around a museum and want to sell you something. Sometimes, however, their attention is seriously unwanted, and you must be prepared to be extremely rude and tell them in no uncertain terms to "get lost." Don't be afraid to shout or yell if the pestering gets to be unpleasant.
DO NOT BECOME PARANOID. Ninety nine percent of Russians who strike up a conversation with you are just what they seem -- nice people who are intrigued to meet an American. Despite all the increasing contacts and exchanges, you are still a notable novelty to most Russians who have hundreds of questions about the US. Be yourself and enjoy the conversation. If new acquaintances invite you somewhere, make it a group with other friends. If you want to invite new Russian acquaintances, invite them into a group outing with your known friends.
You will also see many beggars on the sidewalks and at Metro stations. If you spend time in New York or have traveled in European cities, you will be accustomed to this unfortunate urban scene. At first it will seem cruel and degrading to you, but do not fall into the trap of giving money to anyone. Say a firm "›‹¥"and keep walking. Gypsy families and children are everywhere on the streets, and the children will tug at your clothing, even spit at you, when you decline to give them money. When you are with Russians, let the Russians handle it (which they ordinarily do swiftly and loudly); if you are alone, do not say anything and keep walking.
Finally, a word to women about living in Russia. Many American women find the traditional chauvinism of Russian men bothersome, at times offensive. You will , no doubt, see evidence of this chauvinism in your host family's daily life in who does the shopping, cleaning, and cooking. You may have discussions in your family and with your friends about chauvinism and feminism, so be prepared to debate the issues. In social situations women may be put off by Russian men's behavior and women must assess the situation on the spot. Is this man merely following usual social patterns or is this behavior truly offensive? Speak your mind and let the man know if you find remarks or behavior insulting. Women will also discover that their host families will put more restrictions on them about going out in the evenings and will insist that a man or men accompany them home in the evenings. Previous students suggest that male company on the walk home at night after a party or theater is a good idea.
Be a minimalist in your packing. When you have to carry your bags or worry about personal items, you'll be glad that you traveled light. And remember that on international flights the usual baggage allowance is 70 pounds.
Essentials:
1. Passport and visa
2. 2 Xerox copies of the information pages from your passport and 2 copies of your visa. Keep each copy in a separate place, eg. one copy at your apartment, one at the Gimnaziia.
3. Airplane tickets
4. 2-3 copies of the name, address, phone number and FAX number of St. Petersburg Classical High School, and the name of the School's Director (below). Store these sheets in separate places.
RUSSIA 197198
St. Petersburg
Malyi prospekt P. S. 9/6
St. Petersburg Classical High School
BURYACHKO, Sergei
Telephone from the US: 011-7- 812- 235-40-14
FAX from the US 011-7-812-235-13-02
E-mail: svbur@gym.spb.su
5. Addresses and telephone numbers of friends and family in the US.
6. Colby FAX is (207) 872-3555, attention Sheila McCarthy. E-Mail: smccaarth@colby.edu
7. Prescription medicine kit with physician's letter
8. Non-prescription medical supplies.
9. Toiletry supplies, including facial tissues.
10. Electrical plugs, current is 127&220 volts.
11. Camera and LOTS of film. Kodak, Agfa and Fuji film is available, but the prices are exorbitant, so bring a huge supply.
12. At least one roll of pictures of your family, your home, your hometown, your college, your friends.
13. A few nice, well-chosen special gifts for your host family and your favorite instructors at the Gimnaziia. Tapes of popular music are wonderful for young people. Something special from your part of the country is a nice gift from your family to your host family. If you know of crafts that are unique to your area, those gifts for the household would be thoughtful and personal. Picture books of your state or the US are also good. Calendars with local flavor are nice. Small gifts from Colby-- note paper, calendar, keyrings, etc. -- are good. Current bestsellers are wonderful if your friends know English.
CLOTHING. Student dress in St. Petersburg is very informal, similar to student dress in the US. Jeans, T-shirts, sweaters, sneakers are the norm. When packing, keep in mind that your laundry will probably be done by hand in the kitchen or bathroom of your home, so choose clothes accordingly. Do not take fussy clothes that require lots of care. Choose clothing that does not show every little spot and does not require ironing. Choose clothing that is sturdy and comfortable and clothing that you like to wear because you will be wearing the same 4-5 changes of clothes day in and day out.
You should have one "dress-up" outfit. For men this means slacks, shirt, sports jacket, and tie. For women this means a skirt, sweater or blouse, and jacket, or a dress, if you prefer. There will not be many occasions for dressing up, but if you are invited to a celebration of any kind in someone's home or at a restaurant or to a big theater evening, you will feel more appropriately dressed if you have something nice to wear. You may want to travel to Russia in this outfit to save space in your suitcases.
You will need warm clothing for winter months. A parka/ski jacket, woolen cap, scarf, and gloves/mittens are good outer wear. (The hat, by the way, is essential; every Russian wears a hat in cold weather and will accost you on the sidewalk with a lecture about your health in the cold if you do not wear a hat.) In St. Petersburg the problem is usually dampness and slush rather than extreme cold, so take particular care with good boots that are waterproof and warm socks. A set of thermal underwear is a good idea.
EXTRAS WHICH ARE NICE TO HAVE. Pocket calculator; hairdryer; electric shaver; Walkman and your favorite tapes; short wave radio; Tang and powdered soups for a quick snack; gum and life savers; umbrella; some leisure reading paperbacks just for relaxation and as good gifts for English-speaking friends; a collection of little souvenirs to give out here and there, such as college stickers or note pads, funny buttons or pins, postcards from home town and favorite places, US stamps, cush balls, blank audio tapes if you plan to record your pupils or friends or concerts, and other things you think of.
The best source of information about packing essentials are the students who have recently participated in the program. Do arrange to talk with them here on campus or by phone because they will give you the best and most-detailed information.
If you forget something, don't despair. There are many high quality specialty shops in St. Petersburg which cater largely to the Western business community. The prices are high, even very high, but you can make emergency purchases in these shops.
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