Summer In Russia

Like many other international cities, the historical architecture is beautiful, business and commercial activity is expanding rapidly, and the streets and subways are mobbed with people rushing in different directions. But beneath the surface, life is so different here. The dramatic changes since the Soviet breakup create a sense of chaos with systems not in place for democracy or free enterprise and corruption prevalent. For example, to arrange for our hotel, we booked our rooms through an agent and then met a woman on the street and paid her in cash. To understand life in Russia today, we’ve had the opportunity to be fully immersed in Russian politics, business, and culture. For me personally, this has been an incredible learning experience and a fabulous trip. We have met Russians and Americans from diverse backgrounds–entrepreneurs developing business opportunities in Russia, leaders of political parties preparing for the 2007/08 elections; students from a local university; a Russian Orthodox priest who dared to pursue priesthood in Soviet times; the chairman of an NGO increasing educational opportunities for orphans; and professors with expertise in geography, sociology, political science and more–all sharing with us their personal experience living and working in Russia before and after the Soviet breakup. I cannot imagine a more powerful way to learn, and our students are taking full advantage of networking with new friends and contacts to explore further their areas of interest. I have particularly enjoyed meeting Witt alumni in Russia who are doing extraordinary things here — taking the energy and passion for their professions developed as undergraduates at Wittenberg to make a difference in the world.

Special thanks to Olga and Papa Gerry!