Reflections by Julia
Written by Julia Kiseleva, a Junior at MSAU
Hello! My name is Julia. I want to tell everyone about my experience in the Russian-American Study Abroad program. I found out about this program two years ago from my friend who participated. Since she had such good experience I decided that I would like to also take part in this exchange program, if I had the chance.
This program was very exciting for me, because something was always new and interesting for me. This year we welcomed four students and three professors. They came in the middle of January. This is the time of the year that we usually have very cold weather and this year was no exception. When our Americans friends arrived they were surprised with the unusual weather. We had unusual volume of snow and cold wind. But the weather was not a hindrance for our program. We had a very great time. We skated on the Red Square. It was so sweet! I could not skate well and the guys always helped me. It was very funny. During the program we had many good days , for example, St. Valentines Day, February 23 (Men’s day), March 8 (Woman’s Day), and St. Patrick’s Day. So in this way we celebrated holidays from both countries. I found out a lot about American traditions and customs during the program. American student’s life is very different from life of Russian students. For example, we learned about strong tradition of American football and how important this is. Also we learned about how grades are awarded as the top grade in our system is a “5” as opposed to an "A". American students also have more freedom to select their curriculum. In addition, we had good professors, such as Dr. Buffington, Dr. Layfield, and Dr. Bruening.
We learned and worked together for four months. During four months my new friends became a part of my life. For me it will be very difficult to see them leave Moscow. During our time together we had skated, walked, shopped, and did many other things together. My advice for future students who are planning to take part in this program -Russia is waiting for you!!!! -In Russia you can meet our culture -taste Russian food -enjoy Russian holidays I hope to see my new friends again maybe in America!!!
Also in this Issue...
- Building Bridges Between Two Cultures by Maria Mihailova
"Also, I increased my English language skills, I learned many new things about American culture and people, etc. We were also able to celebrate holidays – Russian and US holidays, together. These were very good experiences for both groups of students." -
Friendship...by Nadezhda Laevskaya
"John, he is very close to me as he is an artist too, very kind and sympathetic guy, when I was going to fast (for Russian Orthodox purposes) he wanted to join me, and he fasted for a day!" -
Time with my new friend, John... by Irina Korotaeva
"But in one day I realized that my Dad and John understood each other without any words. It was really crazy to see how they try to understand each other by gesticulation. It was so funny to see…"
Building Bridges Between Two Cultures
Written by Maria Mihailova, a Junior at MSAU
Hello, my name is Mary Mikhaylova, I would like to express my opinion and attitude towards this program.
When I found out about this program I said to myself: “Mary, you must do it!” I spoke to Dr. Valery Chumakov and he agreed and invited me to take place in this program. I was very glad!
First of all I found new friends – Allison J., John W., Glen A., Dustin P., and I became acquainted with professors D. Buffington, D. Layfield and T. Bruening.
Secondly, we visited a lot of not only interesting, but also very attractive, wonderful and beautiful places: we went to see a lot of museums, theater, circuses, MosFilm, exhibitions, etc. I liked our excursions, but best of all I liked the excursion to the Kremlin, where I spoke to American students about Moscow’s history, I also enjoyed Mosfilm, where we saw where films are shot, the Kremlin Palace where they saw ballet and we enjoyed it very much.
Russian students and I, of course, tried to tell as much information as possible to American students about our country, culture, customs, etc.
Moreover, American students visited Russian families, where they lived with MSAU students for several days. There they tested Russian food and they liked it very much (especially, crab salad and “borsch”). They also learned many new Russian words, such as “banya”, “dacha”, “blini” and other.
Also, I increased my English language skills, I learned many new things about American culture and people, etc. We were also able to celebrate holidays – Russian and US holidays, together. These were very good experiences for both groups of students.
In conclusion, I want to say that I was very, very glad to spend this time with American friends, who refer to me as “mama Mash”. They explained to me that I’m like mom and took care of them. Maybe it sounds strange, but I liked it.
I want to say THANKs to everyone – Dr.: D. Buffington, D. Layfield, T. Bruening, who taught me to create websites, told me much and useful information about biological – engineering systems, interesting information of digital technologies, etc. I also want to express my appreciation to Dr. Valery Chumakov and Konstantin Malashekhov, who invited me to participate in this program!!!
