The past seven days and the next three are considered the orientation part of the program. During this time the 8 students are living together in a hotel ("Anoo-Jiin") and attending intensive language class every day. We have running watter, however a main hot-water pipe is being replaced in UB, leaving half of the city (including us) without hot water.

Now, I was not expecting a shower to be apart of my daily routine in Mongolia, however it brings up an important misconception with which I entered this country. I planned to be a back-packer for the entirety of this study abroad. I figured the less I brought, the better, and certainly did not waste precious space on luxury items concerned with appearance. I planned to shower little, live out of hiking boots, and trust that those I meet along the way would be living (or at least respecting) the same lifestyle.

Wrong.

So far.

Ulaanbaatar residence are nothing short of obsessed with appearance. While it is definitely a different tone than that of USA (less consumerism, more respect), it is just as unforgiving. At this point, I am so thankful that my mom snuck a suit into my suitcase as I was walking out the door.

On the same note, I am surprised by the weather here. Again, the two sleeveless shirts I almost talked myself out of wearing have been my only appropriate clothing for the warm weather. Obviously, that will change soon enough!

Language class has been the most intense experience so far, however I feel it is the most important thing I can be doing in these first few days. I am also lucky to be with a group of people who are completely dedicated to learning the language. Apparently Mongolian has been labeled the most difficult language to learn...


Our classroom is really a two-story apartment type building. It is a good 30 minute walk from our hotel. Class usually starts at 9. We have a tea break around 10:40am, lunch at noon (cooked by an SIT employee in our building's kitchen...this is definitely the best meal of the day) and then more class. We have had several lecturers come who give a presentation on various topics.


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6 Days ago, we went to the SOS International clinic in UB. I have not decided exactly what I think about this international, for-profit health clinic group, but it the medical facility that we will use while in UB. We had a briefing from the director about the services available to us and general advice on staying well in Mongolia.

While there, I really realized the prevalence of rabies and the serious risk of contracting it in the country side, and not being able to receive medical attention fast enough to do something about it.

Three of us, including me, had not received the vaccination for rabies in the US. I remember deciding not to when I realized the cost would be over 900USD. After hearing this talk, we all decided to get the three dose vaccination from this clinic. The good thing about it all is that it will cost less than 300USD here, since the vaccine is regularly stocked in this part of the world.