My Experience Abroad

By Nakita Dziegielewski

Now that I am back in the beautiful U.S.A., it is now time for me to reflect on what I have learned and gained from my trip abroad. This self-reflection is necessary in order to see what I have taken away from this trip. This self-reflection is good because it allows me to see what personal view or attitudes, if any, have changed from being away. It is also necessary because self-reflection will allow me to see what I would/could have changed in order to make my Russian adventure and future adventures successful and enjoyable.

One thing that I have most definitely learned about studying abroad is that immersing myself in another culture was a lot harder than it looks. A person cannot just do one thing to become apart of a culture, but many. From what I have experienced, the essentials that are needed in order to be totally immersed include: learning the language (the most important in my opinion), adopting the clothing, hair, etc. style, knowing the cuisine and actually eating it, knowing the traditions, and in the Russia, the superstitions, and knowing the basics of what drives and motivates the culture. All of these aspects are what allows someone to totally become apart of Russian culture.

I realized from my experience that I didn’t have all of these essentials mastered, but I did try to incorporate them into my everyday life in Russia. I tried to communicate to the best of my ability. I tried to shape my clothing style to that of the Russians, but more times than not, I was not terribly successful in that department. I did eat the local cuisine, and I somewhat knew the basics of Russian culture. Even though I didn’t master the essentials, I still feel as though I was able to be a part of Russian culture and I was able to gain insight from a culture so different from my own.

Now when it comes to self-reflection on changed views or attitudes, I would say that only a few views or attitudes have changed. One is that my experience abroad made me appreciate the U.S. even more. I have always valued my country, but I have made judgments on the faults that our country houses. Now, that is not a bad thing by any means, as U.S citizens we need to recognize our countries faults. But after visiting Russia, I have become much more aware about how much our country does do for its citizens, and I have become much more appreciative of the United States of America. While this trip has provided me with new perspectives, overall my views and attitudes have not changed from this trip.

Lastly, when it comes to self-reflection on things that I would have changed in order to make my trip better, my number one answer is language. I never realized how not knowing a culture's language would tremendously influenced the outcome of my trip. I believe that my experience abroad was great, but I know for a fact that it would have been better had I know the language fluently. I knew the basics, but it definitely wasn’t enough. I hated that I couldn’t bargain at the market in Russian and that I couldn’t have full, detailed conversation with the locals. Besides the language there is nothing else I would change.

My month abroad was filled with mostly positive (and some negative) experiences, but it was an amazing experience overall. I have learned so much about Russian culture, and I have learned a lot about myself. Will I ever visit Russia again? I’m not sure, but I do know that my traveling to foreign lands has just begun.

Finishing Up

By Nakita Dziegielewski

So, I can’t believe that my stay in St. Petersburg is coming to an end. Yesterday was our last day of classes and in seven days, I will be getting on a plane headed back to the states. I can’t believe how fast time flies. Although I’ve been here for almost a month it seems like I just got here yesterday.

I have seen and done so many things, but I know that I have only seen a little of what St. Petersburg has to offer. I have accomplished most of things that I had wanted to. I went to the Idiot Café (more than once), ventured several times through the Hermitage, and in a way became apart of Russian culture.

Even though my time in St. Pete has been short lived, I will carry so much more away with me then I ever thought. Memories made with the friends that I have met here, and things that I have learned about myself. Even though in some ways I am ready to see the States again, I still can’t get over the fact that my last day in St. Pete is only seven days away.

Paka for now!

One of the Most Beautiful Places on Earth

By Nakita Dziegielewski

I just got back from one of the most beautiful places on Earth, Staraya Ladoga. Today, all of us went on a field trip to this beautiful town to learn a little Russian history, have a picnic, and bask in the Russian sunlight. Our trip to Staraya Ladoga has by far been the most picturesque and relaxing day that I have had in St. Petersburg.

We left around ten in the morning, making a few historic pit stops along the way, and finally arrived at our picnic destination around two in the afternoon. This town is not only beautiful, but is very much apart of Russian history and culture. It is known for being the first capital of Russia, and provides an inside look at how things were done in old Russia. The town itself is dated back to the eight and ninth centuries. On our trip, we were actually able to go inside the restored fortress that is located in the ancient town. It contained historical information regarding the formation of the town and of the fortress. The view from the top of the fortress was amazing.

Another aspect of the trip today was the picnic. We cooked kebabs on the grill and relished in the amazing view that Staraya Ladoga had to offer. Today was the perfect day as well because the sun was out and we had a constant breeze to keep us cool. We also had our Russian tutors come along with us. After all the eating was done, some played frisbee, volleyball or badminton, and others just walked around the countryside. I could have spent the whole day there, but unfortunately we had to leave. You know, if I could, I would spend the rest of my time in Russia there. The countryside has my heart.

One other thing that made this trip even better was the little snack that I had before entering the fortress. There were these two guys outside the fortress setting up this table with fish, head and all. So we went over to investigate and found out that these fish had just been caught and smoked today, and were ready to eat. At first, I was a little hesitant to spend money on a fish that still had its head everything attached and was laying out in the open air, but the aroma of the fish tempted my friend and I so we split a fish. When we got it we had to pull the skin back and just the meat straight out of the body. It was amazing — the best fish that I’ve ever had. My friend and I pretty much devoured the whole thing. It was so fresh, and smoked just right. The picture might tell otherwise, but listen to me when I say that if you ever venture to Staraya Ladoga you must, must find the guys that are selling the fresh, smoked fish and buy one. You will never go back to regular fish again.

Paka for now!

My First Solo Adventure

By Nakita Dziegielewski

So, I know they always say that it’s never safe to go anywhere alone when your in a foreign country that you don’t really now, but today I didn’t listen to that safety tip and I went on my first solo adventure.

It wasn’t very far, just to main campus and back, but it was still my first Russian solo adventure. Before I came on this trip I wrote down goals that I wanted to accomplish while abroad, and one goal in particular included going on an adventure on my own. I made this goal because I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone. I wanted to see how far I could go on my own. I didn’t want the safety net my fellow study abroad friends and directors provided. I wanted to truly see if I could, in a sense, mix in with the Russian culture on my own. Like stated before, my adventure only consisted of a walk to main campus, but it was a big step in pushing me out of my comfort zone.

You see, the campus isn’t directly next to IMOP (my dorm). It’s about the distance from Centennial Hall to VSU’s main campus. So, I walked all the way there by myself. Upon arrival, I didn’t just turn around, but I got on several walking trails and ended up in several different places on campus. The campus is kind of wooded, so it provided me with an even stronger sense of a true adventure. After about an hour of walking on campus trails I found this bench and sat and just reflected on my goal accomplished. I sat there for about thirty minutes resting my feet and watching the interactions that happened around me, relishing in the fact that I just did something in Russia all on my own. After my rest, I headed back to the dorm for dinner, where I again got to eat amazing Russian cuisine.

The two things that I loved most about my solo adventure was the fact that I was able to accomplish one goal that I set out for myself, and I got to see a softer side of St. Petersburg.

Paka for now!

Meet Nakita Dziegielewski

Academic Year: Sophomore
GPA: 3.7
Expected Graduation: 2010
Degree Objective: Sociology and Women’s and Gender Studies
Employer: OASIS Center for Advising
Hometown: Dalton, Ga.
High school: Northwest Whitfield High School

Academic Highlights:
United Way Youth Volunteer Award
Visionary Award
Dean’s list

Program chosen: St. Petersburg, Russia
Leave date: May 29, 2008
Return date: July 1, 2008

I chose this program because… It will give me the opportunity to immerse myself in an Eastern European culture; while also allowing me to take classes that I can use for credit. St. Petersburg, Russia will also provide me with a cultural adventure that I have yet to experience.

When I have free time I plan to… Travel within the city. I already have a list of places I want to see and restaurants I want to eat at!


The courses I will take include… Russian 1001, St. Petersburg in War in Revolution, and Russian Language and Culture.

I am most excited about… Being thrown into a culture that is so different from my own, and interacting with the people.

Before I leave the country, I will definitely… Eat at the Idiot Café.

This program will help me reach my long term goals because... I eventually want to work for an NGO/Non-Profit in Eastern Europe, and the trip to St. Petersburg, Russia will benefit me greatly by exposing me to Eastern European life. This trip will also allow me to immerse myself in Eastern European culture, and assist me in deciding if international work is what I truly want to do.

A Russian Adventure

By Nakita Dziegielewski

St. Petersburg has been amazing so far. The “historic heart” of St. Petersburg is so beautiful with all its palaces, cathedrals and museums. So far I have been to the Peter and Paul Fortress, St. Isaac’s Cathedral, Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, the Hermitage, Pushkin, Catherine’s Place and the Russian bayna. My favorite places thus far have been Pushkin, Catherine’s garden and the Russian bayna. For those of you that don’t know what a bayna is it is like the American version of a sauna with a little twist. First you go into the sauna, stay in there until you can’t stand it, and after you can’t take it any longer you go and jump into a pool of ice cold water. Sounds crazy, but it is so amazing. It helps with circulation and detoxifies your body. Definitely something that I recommend to everyone that visits Russia!


I loved Pushkin! It was nice to see a softer side of Russia. Pushkin is located on the countryside of St. Pete and also houses Catherine’s palace and garden. It was so different to see the countryside of Russia. The historic heart is filled with beautiful architecture, but the outskirts are filled with large apartment style buildings. The country was a nice contrast. Catherine’s garden (below right) was amazing! It’s full of long, winding trails, tall grass and wildlife. I could of spent hours there, but unfortunately we had to leave by a certain time.

Classes have been great so far. I like my Russian language class. In only one week I have learn so much. Unfortunately, I’m not an expert at communication yet, so I love the fact that body language is universal! It has come in handy more times than one. One thing that I have become an expert at is the metro. I love it!! I was so happy the other day because I was able to get to Nevsky Prospect without having to look at my metro map. I don’t even need it now, but I still carry it with me just in case. I still can’t figure out the bus and trolley system, but I’m not that worried because I don’t ever use it.

An aspect of Russian culture that I have fallen in love with is the food. It is amazing. Every breakfast, lunch and dinner I am served with a hot serving of Russian culture and I love it. The food is so fresh and good. I just can’t get enough.

Paka (goodbye) for now!!