From engaging with Russian students to studying Russian politics, economics and culture, 11 students and two alumni experienced a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity through Wittenberg’s Russian Area Studies program, May 23-June 13.

Joined by Professor of Political Science and Director of Russian Area Studies Gerry Hudson, Professor of Geography Olga Medvedkov and Wittenberg President Mark Erickson and his family, participants in this year’s trip included Alexa Bourquin of Blacklick, Ohio, and Kathryn Volk of Blissfield, Mich., both class of 2006; Ryan Deutschendorf, class of 2007, from Northville, Mich.; Kara Clunk of Radnor, Ohio, Nathan Devers of Edgerton, Ohio, Karl Fazli of Indianapolis, Ind., Troy Meyers of Cincinnati, Ohio, Seth Morgan of Chevy Chase, Md., Mark Preston of Naples, Fla., and Peter Rahal of Glen Ellyn, Del., all class of 2008; and Cody Grindle of Perry, Ohio, Angela Painter of Pearisburg, Va., and Ozge Sayginer of Mersn, Turkey, all class of 2009.