Two Unique Opportunities to Study Abroad

W&J offers two wonderful opportunities to visit Moscow, Russia. If you don't know much about the country, I encourage you to read on.

The first opportunity can really help out all those winter sports people who never get the opportunity to travel. This particular travel abroad experience is an Intersession Alternative, which would take place after graduation in May and June of each summer. Intersession Alternative means that you would not have to take the normal Intersession, during the month of January, and you would be traveling after school gets out. This travel abroad trip journeys to the breath-taking city of Moscow, Russia. You would be studying at the International University of Moscow, (IUM) in an Intensive Language Culture and Politics Course, under Russian instructors from IUM. There would be several excursions to medieval Russian cities and also to St. Petersburg. While this trip may seem very new and exciting, the program has been in existence for eight years. Talk about a hidden treasure! The general costs are less than $3000, including transportation, room, board, and academic fees. Lastly, the deadline to decide on this trip is March 1^st with passport in hand.

The second opportunity to travel to Russia is the semester-long program or multi-semester program (two semesters or more). This fun trip would take place in central Moscow (3 subway stops from Red Square and town center). Red Square is said to be the most famous and beautiful city in all of Moscow. Obviously such an opportunity is not presented everyday. The semester-long program is generally a language intensive course, but with possibilities for credit outside of the language. The semesters are available in the Fall or Spring of every year. If you're thinking you don't have the money for this... I'll calm your nerves. Besides airfare, food, and souvenir costs, the costs for this trip are equivalent to attending W&J. Therefore, you could be living in Moscow for a semester by paying about the same amount you already pay. Students who attend will be housed in dormitories or at the homes of Russian families. The University organizes beautiful excursions to many major points in Europe and North Africa. What a range of possibilities! Lastly, the deadline to decide on the semester-long trips are March 15^th (as initial contact) for a Fall semester, and October 15^th for a Spring semester.

The application process for both trips is through the office of Viet Ha in cooperation with a major advisor. Cell and internet access is everywhere students will travel. For further information for either trip, please contact Dr. Dodge, Dr. Scott, AND Viet Ha.

Don't waste any time! Consider this rare opportunity that may only be presented to you during your college years and seize it.

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St. Basil's Cathedral Cathedral of Archangel Michael

Straight to the Facts

Sure, you've heard of visiting Italy, Scotland, or even Ireland, but why Russia you ask? I'll tell you why Russia would not only be a gorgeous travel experience, but also why Russia could help you with future job opportunities.

Russia is extremely important on the world's scene. It is reaching out in a major way, and until recently it was one of the world's two great super powers (and most likely will be regaining that title shortly).

Here are some important statistics on the country:

Russia occupiers nearly 1/6 of the world's land surface, with a population of almost 200 million. An area this massive must be important for a reason!

Russia is extremely important for its military, minerals, raw materials, and especially oil and gas.

The country could potentially house 25% of the world's reserves.

Russia is a dominant military power in Eastern and Western Europe and the Pacific.

Russia is the world's center for Research and Technology. This could be a very important aspect to anyone aspiring for a job that deals directly with these issues.

Russia is a key player in space exploration.

The country is a cultural center, religious center, economic powerhouse, and military force to be reckoned with.

Russia has a significant influence in the United Nations. This is obviously important for anyone going into politics.

Russia has third world developments in Africa and Southeast Asia.

Russia is a key player in the Middle East (especially with Iran).

The country is a major sports power. Any sports lover would be insane to give up the chance to watch these teams play. They are sure to blow your mind!

There is a nearly unlimited market for business, education, and trade.

The artistic and architectural opportunities are simply amazing. Russia houses some of the best museums in the world and now you will have the opportunity to see them!

Russia is globally expanding in enormous ways. This could be a once in a lifetime opportunity that might enable you to get a better job than those you will be competing against.

Personal Narrative

Based on an online interview with Aaron Carpenter, conducted on November 4, 2007

My friend, Calvin Lumley, and I decided that it would be an advantageous experience to travel abroad to Russia. We thought it would be the most beneficial to go on the semester-long study abroad program. So, we set out on August 24^th, 2006 to Moscow.

We traveled all around the city including, but not limited to: The metro system, St. Basil's Cathedral, The Kremlin, Red Square, GUM (shopping centre), Lenin's Tomb, St. Petersburg, Graveyard of the Fallen Monuments, Novodevichiy Convent, Bolshoy Theatre, State Armoury, KGB in Lubyanka Square, and several other sites including parks and museums.

I'd have to say my language and speaking skills improved 100% from when I first arrived in Moscow. I think it's much easier to be with the people, in the culture, and around the cities to learn the language.

There are huge positives about going on this trip: we were able to learn the Russian language by being fully emerged within the culture, we learned to be completely self-sufficient while living abroad, we learned how to function in a totally different environment, and the friendships that we created have lasted throughout the year. This trip really opened our eyes to an entirely different lifestyle that we would never have been able to live if we studied in the states.

Most importantly, I think it's what you learn about yourself that makes these trips the most worthwhile. I learned that I'm a stronger individual emotionally, mentally, and physically than I ever thought I was. The trip taught me how to be more independent and rely on myself for any deeds that need to be accomplished. I also learned that I can withstand the pressure and stress that traveling abroad occasionally poses. I am better able to tolerate different, and more unfortunate, circumstances than I could have if I did not travel. I am also more open-minded to fact that culture's have their own traditions, traits, and lifestyles that are totally different from my own. I'd say that's a lot to gain from one trip!

I would most definitely recommend this trip. You learn so much about the ways others live and how you must adjust and assimilate yourself into a different culture completely diverse from your own. As a study abroad student, you learn about traits of your own that you never thought you had. You become a more-cultured individual and you gain an appreciation for the way you live and exist within your own environment.

I would say: take the trip and see what you learn about yourself, other cultures, and the world around you. There's nothing to lose, only so much to gain.

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Aaron Carpenter '08