(no subject)

[embers.livejournal.com]

So, I plan to study abroad this Fall in Russia. My school doesn't have a program so I'm looking to go abroad through CIEE or Bard/Smolny (though I'm open to other suggestions/locations). Has anyone heard anything about or experienced either of these programs? I'm just curious as to what people's feelings are about them.

Bard/Smolny looks cool, but I really don't think I'm good enough at Russian to take regular academic courses in it & I don't have the money for the summer prep program. CIEE is way cheaper but has homestays which is something to be navigated, for sure. Eh?