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Bard Abroad
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Student Orientation

Student Orientation

The Bard-Smolny study abroad program begins with a comprehensive online predeparture training. Students fly as a group to St. Petersburg, where they undertake a two-day orientation that focuses on program expectations (academic and behavioral), health and safety information, cultural adjustment strategies, and an introduction to life in St. Petersburg. On the final day of orientation, students move into their semester housing. 

Housing Options at Smolny

Students may choose from two housing options:

Host family: Homestays foster language acquisition and provide a support network outside of Smolny. Most families hosting Smolny students have hosted international students before, and each semester potential host families are reinterviewed by members of Smolny staff in their homes. Our host families know that language acquisition is important to students and are often ready to spend time talking with them, answering their questions, and sometimes even helping with homework. Students have a private room, with access to a washing machine, and are provided two meals a day on weekdays and full board on weekends. The host family also provides clean linens.  

Local hostel: Students may instead opt to live in a dorm-style apartment in local hostel near Smolny’s main academic building. Students will have access to a kitchen area where they can prepare their own meals. The hostel does not have planned activities for residents or have many opportunities for cultural interaction. Students have a private room and are supplied with towels and bed linens. The local hostel also comes equipped with WIFI. 

Student Activities and Clubs

Smolny has a student-run Social Committee, which organizes student get-togethers and parties throughout the semester. Past events have included a fall party, a New Year’s Eve party, Cosmonaut Day, and end-of-semester events. Students are also invited to participate in the numerous lectures, seminars, and conferences that take place at Smolny College. Visiting students can also start new clubs and organizations. In the past, students have created a collaborative journal, a student newspaper, and various sports clubs. In recent years, Smolny has seen clubs centered around intramural soccer; KVN, a sketch-comedy team that represents Smolny in competitions against other institutions; a discussion group on globalization; a human rights–awareness group; a film club; and SmArt, a student art and literary journal founded by Russian and American students.

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