The SRAS Newsletter
A Resource for Students, Educators, and Anyone Curious about Russia
Join us in Kyrgyzstan this summer for language training, horse trekking and more! |
Welcome from SRAS!
Tomorrow the US votes for its next president. Both candidates have indicated that relations with Russia will be sterner going forward. The question is whether the US will get tough and treat Russia as an aggressor and competitor or open new diplomatic channels and advocate for change via cooperation. Russia watchers (and Russia) are alive with debate over what relations model will develop under the next president. On November 5th, President Medvedev will give his first and much-delayed State of the Nation. Most agree that this address, which Vladimir Putin often used to announce major new government programs, will be used by Medvedev to discuss how the government is dealing with major problems in the financial markets and hydrocarbon prices plunge. Russia watchers are also debating on if these problems could make Russia's foreign policy more open or more aggressive. Some of these issues are covered in the politics section below and will be covered more extensively over future newsletters. Our major focus this month, however, is Kyrgyzstan. This small country at the heart of Central Asia provides a fabulous look at a region that is likely to grow in importance as a hydrocarbon source and transport route. It can also provide exposure to the Russian language and a foreign culture for those on tight budgets. If you have views or material you would like to contribute to the newsletter, please contact us. To subscribe to this free newsletter, send an email with "Subscribe SRAS" in the subject field to jwilson@sras.org. News and Announcements NewsLab Russia is a new online digital archive of Russian television news available for analysis and classroom use. Lisa Horner, a former intern with SRAS, has joined our Moscow team. She will be helping us coordinate student programs and activities and to follow up with students to ensure that their feedback helps us to improve student experiences abroad. The Zirin Prize recognizes the achievements of independent scholars and encourages their continued scholarship and service in work that is pertinent to the field of Slavic Women's studies. Nominations due November 14th. SlavFile, the official newsletter of the Slavic Languages Division of the American Translators Association, has released a new issue. If you are interested at all in Russian<->English translation, you should read this. The 2006 International Association of Universities Survey, 73% of institutions gave internationalisation high priority, 23% medium priority and only 2% low priority. Amendments being considered by Russia's legislative bodies may result in the most massive declassification of state secrets in Russia since the early 1990s. RussiaVotes has added data from surveys about the recent conflict in South Ossetia and Abkhazia and on NATO expansion.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | Обзоры: Learn About Russia and Eurasia through the News | These news reviews strive to paint an accurate and balanced picture of life in Russia and to deliver information on important events affecting Eurasia. | Russian Society
Russian political news; space program gets 200 billion rubles; "baby boom" & population decline; Russian film tops world charts. How the News is Reported in RussiaA look at how major channels covered major events. The financial crisis, the Ukrainian political crisis, the Russian troop withdrawal, and Russia's loss of two islands to China are all covered. News from Eurasia
Financial crisis as seen in Baltics, Central Europe; Aftermath of 5-day war; Belarus seeks IMF loan; Ukraine in political crisis.
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 Kyrgyzstan, A Love Story
I was not only traveling to Kyrgyzstan to study its language, meet its people, and witness its culture, I was also going to Kyrgyzstan to get married.
Home Sweet Yurt
This new resource presents a pictorial showing the major steps of building a yurt, a traditional form of housing still used in Kyrgyzstan. Vocabulary is also given and explained. Kyrgyz Summer Adventure
The Kyrgyz Summer Adventure Program combines three weeks of intensive language study in Bishkek and one week of horse-trekking. Kyrgyz Foodways
Three traditional recipes provided in Russian and English - for those who would like to practice their Russian language skills as well as their Kyrgyz culinary skills! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Faculty Led Travel
Planning to lead a group of students, professionals, or community members to Russia this summer? Now is the time to start planning! Contact SRAS to find out how we can help you make it happen.  SRAS has a full rage of study programs. Click here!
SRAS/Alinga Summer Business Internship
Last year, this special, work-focused internship was very successful. This year, it has been expanded. SRAS Summer Work Study
A new program offering intensive Russian lessons, professional translation and research experience, and a living stipend while in Moscow. Internships Abroad
Our updated internships page now reflects our expanded offerings. Find the internship that suits you - anywhere we offer programs across Russia or Kyrgyzstan. Scholarships and Grants
An updated list of current Russia-related scholarship cycles. Thousands of dollars are available for study abroad. Deadlines are approaching! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ US Elections Come to Moscow
Obama has been working to improve the clarity of vision for relations with the Russians. Obama's book, The Audacity of Hope, was released in Russian translation and his foreign policy advisor, Mike McFaul, met with various Russian officials in Moscow. Music to March By (audio)
The organizers of Russia's "Dissenter's March" have released a second compilation album of songs that "capture the ideals" of the movement. As might be expected, there is a lot of punk and hard rock here, but also interesting commentary on subjects such as Beslan, elections in Russian, and Khodorkovsky. Assessing US Policy Toward Russia (video)
Bob Schieffer, CBS News' chief Washington correspondent and anchor of Face the Nation, moderated an expert panel that assessed US policy toward Russia in the wake of the Russia-Georgia conflict.  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Olga's Blog: Национальная страсть
This time Olga takes us inside one of Russia's oldest and dearest traditions - mushroom picking!
Russian Studies Summer
Russian Studies Summer is designed to provide an educational foundation for students hoping to build a professional career with ties to Russia and Eurasia. It is available as a full 10-week summer program, or divided into two 5-week focus sessions. Death in Russian Folklore and Culture
This month's mini-lesson focuses on Russian terms and folk beliefs associated with death. (Happy Halloween!) If you have views or material you would like to contribute to the newsletter, please contact us. To subscribe to this free newsletter, send an email with "Subscribe SRAS" in the subject field to jwilson@sras.org. | 
