Crossroads Eurasia

I adored this program. So much so, that after six weeks teaching in the camp, I came back for a weekend visit during a different study abroad program, and then again to help out after that program had ended. I really couldn't let the place go, simply because there's a certain charm to Nerekhta, the camp, and the people in it. It's really hard to describe in words, but here's three reasons why I loved the experience so much:

1) The novelty. Every day was unlike the last, and every two or three weeks, there arrives a fresh batch of kids with their own crazy (and sometimes way too crazy) personalities. Also, Nerekhta, a town of 20,000 people, is the complete opposite of New York City. But that doesn't mean you'll be river bathing and squatting! On the contrary - the house where they put you up is very, very nice. If you like adventure, this is for you.

2) The people, of course. There will be other English speakers (from the UK and America) along with Russian speakers, all with their own quirks. You'll gel with 99% of the them (sad truth), and will share many, many laughs. They are all so caring. I was going to miss a train in Yaroslavl, a town about an hour and a half away, and the parents of a kid I had taught offered to drive me there on a whim. Incredible.

3) Russian. I learned so. much. Russian. But this is largely dependent on you. If you take advantage of the constant access to Russian speakers, you'll make incredible language gains. Likewise, if you don't put yourself out there and start speaking, regardless of mistakes, you will stay at the same level.

Those are just some of the reasons, and this review is already getting quite long. Let me sum it up. In my experience (key word my), what Crossroads provides is a intimate experience in Russia and a streamlined visa application process. You may or may not find this elsewhere. If you think you can handle the visa process alone, by all means! But they do make it easier. I wouldn't trade this experience for the world. Give it a shot.

My time in Russia was amazing. Not only was my internship and time spent in the country absolutely what I was looking for, but so was the support from Crossroads. I was able to truly immerse myself in a work environment that allowed room for growth, contribution, and fun. The response time from team at Crossroads was great as well. Because of this I never had to worry about any hiccups in the program or my travels. The last thing I can say is that Crossroads set me up with an amazing supervisor and organization. I can truly say that many of those that I worked with were like family. Everyone should definitely consider embarking on a Crossroads Eurasia program! You won’t be disappointed.

This summer I had the opportunity to spend five weeks teaching English in Voronezh, Russia. Although I know many classmates who made trips to Russia to take language classes, making the decision to teach English there instead was one of my best decisions when it came to understanding foreign cultures. Not only was the Crossroads Eurasia staff incredibly helpful with the process of taking care of the paperwork necessary for going abroad, but they took care of my living accommodations, food, and internship placement. I was able to teach young Russian Business professionals English and made close relationships with them both in and outside of the classroom, and had a flexible schedule which allowed for me to travel often within the surrounding region. Not many people who travel abroad are able to make friends with so many natives of the region they visit, especially with study abroad trips that restrict your communication to students from your own country. In addition, I became incredibly close with my host family, and they helped me develop my Russian speaking skills and cultural knowledge of Russia to a level I never could have if I read from a textbook all day. If you want an opportunity to develop professional skills by teaching your language to others, travel, learn a new language, and make life-long friends, Crossroads Eurasia is the program for you!

I spent 3 weeks teaching English at a private preschool-kindergarten program in Voronezh, Russia--if anything my Russian improved much more than my students' English did, as children use language very creatively and adults use a lot more imperatives than usual when in charge of children. The host family I stayed with could not have been more open or accommodating and treated me extremely courteously, allowing me relatively free use of all facilities in their house, and making conversation despite not being obligated to. Overall about an 8/10 experience, the -2 being only because Voronezh is unbearably hot in the summer and riding a crowded commuter bus at high noon when it is over 90 degrees outside is not ideal.

I am so grateful to Crossroads Eurasia for giving me the opportunity to live and teach in Ryazan, Russia. They provided an incredible in-country support system that not only made me feel comfortable and cared for, but also introduced me to people who are now some of my closest friends. The people I worked and lived with welcomed me into their lives with open arms and happily shared different aspects of their culture with me.

I would recommend this program to anyone even remotely interested in learning about what it is like to live and work in Russia. The fact that Crossroads offers students the ability to experience life in Russia outside of the major cities (Moscow and St. Petersburg) is absolutely invaluable. Additionally, Crossroads and their partners all across Russia work their hardest to give students the chance to travel around the area and see as many different places and sights as possible.

Working with Crossroads was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life in terms of both language and personal growth.