Since spring of 2022, Russian language study abroad has moved to three regions – Central Asia, the Caucasus, and the Baltics. Different factors/characteristics seem to drive students to these regions. In this post, I’m going to explore the draw to the Caucasus and specifically, Yerevan. I will start with Georgia as a more familiar “reference… Read More
Site Visit
Introduction to Karakalpakstan as a Study Destination
When I first arrived in Nukus, the capital of the Autonomous Republic of Karakalpakstan, my immediate impression was that everything was salty. I mean this literally. As my friends and I exited the back seat of the taxi that had delivered us the three hours from Khiva, the first sensation I experienced was a distinct… Read More
The SRAS Landscape: Reflections and Paths Forward in 2022
For months I have thought about the things I want to say about this year, 2022. So much has interfered with just sitting down to write, a combination of worry about friends and colleagues as well as trying to navigate a rapidly changing environment for study abroad and international business. Now, as we find ourselves… Read More
New Perspectives with SRAS Virtual Site Visits
Over this past year, SRAS has developed a growing number of online courses, classroom support options, and free events — all intended to supplement learning about our region. We continue to roll out new courses and we are very excited about our “Perspectives” series. As you all know, study abroad is very much about gaining… Read More
A Journey to Kyiv in the Age of COVID
***Molly will be hosting a briefing on travel to Kyiv on Dec 10th! This will be followed by info sessions on study abroad and language study abroad on the 14th and 17th, respectively. Sign up here. In 1993, I embarked on my first journey to Ukraine. At the time, I worked for an organization which… Read More
St. Petersburg and Moscow: What’s The Difference?
Our two most popular locations in Russia are St. Petersburg and Moscow. Choosing between “the two capitals” can be tough as both are rich in culture and history. We’ve asked our SRAS staff, who have long been permanently based in these two cities to map out some of the differences between them in the videos… Read More
Moscow Under Quarentine: Moods and Measures
The mood in Moscow is calm. We are now entering week four of quarantine. Measures have been gradually introduced. The initial closing of universities, most schools, cafes, bars, and nightclubs, was announced on March 17 and put into place on March 21. Since then, a similar pattern of broadcast-then-implement has followed with closing parks and… Read More
COVID-19: The Mood In Moscow
I spent the day running a few errands in Moscow. This may the last time I can say this for a while. The majority of SRAS students have left or are leaving Russia. In what should be the middle of the semester, I’m already wrapping some things up. Moscow will also close some services to… Read More
Ukraine: Discovering Something New and Very Old (SRAS Site Visit)
I have admittedly not spent enough time in Ukraine, in part because our partners at NovaMova are so efficient and responsive with students, and because we see them regularly at conferences here in the US. I decided to change that and spend some quality time there in early January, getting to know Kyiv better and… Read More
A Russian Homecoming and Introduction to Poland (SRAS Site Visit)
As I embark on spring travel season this month, I reflect on my first year with SRAS and I am beaming with gratitude. I appreciate all the warm welcomes from Russian faculty and other departments from across the US and my amazing SRAS team. I worked and lived in Russia in the 1990’s. After moving… Read More