Saint Petersburg Travel Forum

After weeks of research, hours of telephone calls and a post to this forum etc. the decision has been made to attend a reputable Russian language school in St. Petersburg for two months beginning in August of 08.
Yes, it is far down the road, but this gives me a chance to study the written Russian language and try to get a basic understanding of Russian Grammar (I thought English was complicated – Russian Grammar has left my head spinning – and I’ve only just begun!)

Right – on to my next request for advice – and honestly, I’m just interested in your personal opinions - you needn't back up your opinion with facts! ;-)

What would you recommend; home stay, apartment rental or hotel for two months?

I’m leaning towards a “home stay” so I can practice my Russian but I can’t find any reviews online regarding anyone else’s experiences.

My only concern with this option is that I would feel like I would be intruding in the lives of the people I’d be staying with. It can’t be easy to have a stranger stay in your house for 2 months. Of course I would be considerate, quiet and tidy…but…it just seems like such an intrusion!

An apartment is an option however a seemingly lonely one. And of course the hotel option is there as well, although I believe it to be an expensive one – meaning that I’d have little or no money to do anything other than attend class and sit in my hotel room.

I know it seems as though I’ve made up my mind. I’m just looking for your opinions and if you have a story or have heard stories about home stays, apartment rentals or hotel options in St. Petersburg I would appreciate your thoughts and comments.

Thank you in advance for your time.

Marie

dobri vecher!

I admire your determination and I hope you succeed. Its a beautiful language. I learned at high school/university and still enjoy a Russian poem more than one in french or english.

I lived in France for 9 months, on my own in a studio. It was a bit lonely at times, but living with a family for 9 months would have been too much!

I think you will make friends, so an apartment may be better for you too.

well, my experience was 2 weeks in the hotel as staying in StP :-))) but i agree it will be the most expensive way for 2 months. rent an appartment will be cheaper. besides some youth hostels that belongs to the universities rent the rooms sometimes (unfortunately I am not good in the exact examples and adressess but maybe you'll find smth in Internet).

IMO, the home stay would be not comfortable for you, because typical apartments are very small indeed, with one VERY small bathroom and a toilet, As to the owners of such departments - anyway they will be the people who used to receive guests and this style of life is not something extraordinary for them. But anyway I guess the way to find the room for rent kept by lonely woman of the same attitudes and habits (i.e. smoking, cats etc) -is possible in such big city as Spb)))))))) You still have a time, so try different ways: HOFA, coachserfing, agencies etc)))

Go for a homestay option. It's hit and miss, but: (a) you can practise your Russian; (b) you're more likely to see the hospitable side of Russia as people are particularly friendly to guests and those they know well; and (c) it's bound to be less lonely than an apartment.

I was lucky and stayed with a family who were learning English themselves. They often host visitors and seemed happy to do so. We had a farewell meal with champagne and caviar on my final evening! I have met them since and stay in contact. I'm sure an older person would enjoy the company too.

Hope this helps as an example of one positive homestay experience in St Petersburg!

L

I have been studying Russian for a few years now. Initially my college organised home stays with families in in Yaroslavl and Voronesh. These were both really great experiences. Useful in experiencing both the culture and in developing my language skills.

Unfortunately my college closed the Russian language course, so instead last year I made my own independent arrangements for homestay in St. Petersburg.

I stayed with Tatiana - who offers both homestay and russian lessons. Plus she is also a licenced guide. So I had a combined trip - visiting the main sights of this beautiful city PLUS studying Russian with a family.

I would thoroughly recommend her as a homestay host, guide and russian language teacher.

She has a website www.russianadventure.com where you can read the details of what she provided, and if interested get in touch with her by email or phone.

Either way, I wish you all the best in your studies. It's hard language (at least in my experience), but all the better studied in such a beautiful city as St. Petersburg.

Kind Regards