ISU in St. Petersburg
When You Get There
Before you leave the states, it is a good idea to have a hard copy of the addresses of the host homes of other students in the program. Also, if you are able to acquire a street-level map of St. Petersburg, preferably in Russian, do so. Keep the map and the list of contacts in your carry on so that they are readily available. Prior to arrival in St. Petersburg, flight attendants will distribute migration cards that need to be filled out before arriving at customs. If you happen to not get a card, there will be extra cards just outside the customs gate.
When you arrive at the Pulkovo Airport (Аэропо́рт Пу́лково), there will be someone there from Nevsky Institute waiting for you. This person will have the addresses and phone numbers of your host families. You will be taken directly from the airport to your new home. If you are flying with other students in the program, you will each be dropped off at your homes. Flying as a group is a good idea. First off, it’s a long flight so you may want the company. Secondly, it will give you an opportunity to see how close you are living to one another. On the way to the host homes, have your map and list of contacts out so that you can follow along. Start getting yourself oriented to the city as quickly as possible. Don't be surprised if the Nevsky representative does not speak English.