I assure you, all the worries and efforts are worth it! Traveling in this format offers a multitude of benefits that vary depending on the participant's goals. Here is my list of reasons to go to America:

First, I have never been to another continent. This might seem funny to some, but I have a checkbox on my pre-thirty bucket list (yes, I have lists like that) to visit every continent. So, I really hope this trip will be the first step on the ladder to achieving that goal, and I will see many places in this country.

Second place goes to improving communication skills and the practical, everyday application of a foreign language. This is great because, no matter how much headlines from various language schools shout that they will get you to a conversational level, no school in Russia (or in the CIS, I suppose) can provide such practice. Moreover, I haven't lost hope of teaching some American a couple of obscure Russian words. Or I'll try, that's fun too.

I confidently give third place to observing cultural differences. I have never experienced a so-called "culture shock" (probably because I am very loyal to my surroundings), but I have always been interested in observing the behavior and traditions of another country, and it is even more pleasant when it is a developed country with its own values.

Number four – working in another country. WOW, this will truly immerse me in one of those American TV shows where some girl works in a cafe and then finds a ton of adventures. Well, at least I hope it will be like that. I will also include potential trips to concerts of my favorite bands in this point: it would be a crime for me to miss them. Of course, I'm not young enough for partying until dawn anymore, but I'll try to find the strength to attend a couple of heavy metal concerts.

Number five – a different climate will, of course, be a reason to update my wardrobe. Although I'm not an avid shopaholic, I think I can find the strength to walk around a couple of malls for a nice handbag.

And is it worth saying that participating in this program is perceived by me as a completely new, different stage in life! Exactly the stage about which people usually say "all doors are open." I can't wait for my trip! I want to believe in the best, and that everything will definitely work out!

P.S. Since the site format does not allow attaching videos in MP4 format, just in case, I am attaching a file with a link to Google Drive with the video (it is also available in zip format on the first page)!