Alternative Spring Break in Russia (American Home - Vladimir, Russia)

[Johnson, David Matthew]

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

I would like to remind you that the American Home in Vladimir, Russia, will sponsor two Alternative Spring Break Programs in March 2012.  More detailed information is below.

I hope that you will be able to share information about the programs with your students, colleagues, and anyone who might be interested in helping others in Vladimir and Murom!  Please note that the first application deadline is October 15, 2011.

Please feel free to contact me with questions and for more information about the Alternative Spring Break Program or any of the American Home’s other programs and activities.

Sincerely,
David Johnson
Coordinator, Intensive Russian Program, American Home (www.serendipity-russia.com<http://www.serendipity-russia.com/>)
Lecturer in Russian, Vanderbilt University (david.matthew.johnson at vanderbilt.edu<mailto:david.matthew.johnson at vanderbilt.edu>)
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Alternative Spring Break in Vladimir and Murom (March 2012) - Service Learning in Two Ancient Russian Cities

VLADIMIR
Help paint and fix-up the Vladimir Youth Health and Education Center, work with at-risk Russian children and teenagers, participate in youth club activities.  The Center works with educational, law enforcement, family, and other community organizations to promote healthy living, positive prevention of harmful behavior, provide psychological and pedagogical help to families and educators, and assistance to handicapped children.

MUROM
Work with Russian law students at the Murom Institute to improve their English skills, participate in mock trials, share your personal understanding of Western legal systems.  Help a new generation of legal specialists build a more equitable Russian judicial system.  During the Soviet period Murom was a closed city.  Today it remains isolated from traditional tourist routes.  Foreign language faculty and students are eager for contact with native English speakers.

DATES:                   March 2012: March 3-11, March 10-18, March 17-25
HOUSING:              Homestays (with home-cooked breakfasts and dinners)
EXCURSIONS:        Excursions in each city and to surrounding sights, for example to Suzdal (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
PROGRAM FEE:     $900-1,000, depending on the number of participants; Includes room and board, excursions, transportation from/to Moscow airport, visa invitation, basic Russian language lessons, on-site administrative support; Does not include visa application expenses ($220), airfare, lunches, public transportation in Vladimir ($0.45/ride), health/travel insurance
LEADERS:               In Vladimir – David Johnson (Lecturer in Russian, Vanderbilt University) and/or English language students from Vladimir State University; In Murom – English language faculty and students from the Murom Institute
GROUP SIZE:          5-10 participants (a minimum of 5 participants is required for each group)

Application Deadlines: October 15 and November 1, 2011

To Apply:
1) by October 15 email Dr. Ron Pope, Founder and President, Serendipity-Russia (The American Home), Ron42.Pope at gmail.com<mailto:Ron42.Pope at gmail.com>, and David Johnson, Lecturer in Russian, Vanderbilt University, david.matthew.johnson at vanderbilt.edu,
2) by November 1 mail a $500 deposit to Dr. Ron Pope, 1403 Kingsridge Drive, Normal, IL 61761-2860 and
3) Send a scanned copy of the picture and data pages of your passport to David Johnson (for your Russian visa)

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COMMENTS AND OBSERVATIONS ABOUT THE AMERICAN HOME
“What you've done is truly incredible. The excitement and positive energy that we witnessed was  something that I'd rarely seen before. You deserve hearty congratulations!” (US Embassy Official, visiting the AH (2010)).

“I am extremely impressed by all that I have learned about the program: the educational opportunities..., the enthusiasm of the participants, the careful planning the American Home staff puts into each participant's experience. In the post-Soviet period there are many opportunities for Americans in Russia; I find the Serendipity program one of the most exciting” (Dr. Judith E. Kalb, Russian Program, University of South Carolina).

“Vladimir offers a real opportunity to immerse yourself in Russian language and culture. Such immersion can be very frightening at first, and that is why...the American Home is such a plus. Here I am given the opportunity to work with Russians in an atmosphere that is very familiar, fostering, and comfortable. I would certainly recommend it to anyone who wants to experience Russia for what it really is...” (Matt Plischke, Miami University (Ohio)).

“Galina and the [rest of the staff] made a profound impression with their efficiency and helpfulness. If only everyone we worked with on [our] trips was as reliable and efficient as [the AH] staff” (Diane Ignashev, Professor of Russian, Carlton College).

“You have a fantastic program here. This is cooperation at its finest, and the skills and respect that you are giving your students is invaluable” (Patrick Buzzard, NASA, US Embassy, Moscow).

“The American Home is easily the single most influential American presence in [Russia] outside Moscow and St. Petersburg” (Dr.Nils H. Wessel, Professor of Government, Emeritus, US Coast Guard Academy).


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