Excellent First Trip to Russia

I'm incredibly happy I decided to participate in a Crossroads Eurasia program the summer after my freshman year. Spending a month in Nerekhta allowed me to improve my Russian language skills and to see a different side of Russia.

In Nerekhta I volunteered as an english teacher at the International Youth Center. Even though I had only studied Russian for one year and had never taught English, I felt right at home in my new environment. My fellow American volunteers were amazing. Lessons were always fun and it was a joy working with determined students.

I also had a wonderful homestay experience. My host parents went out of there way to help me learn as much as possible about Russian culture. We went to the banya, Orthodox church services, and community events. On the weekends I would travel around the region with them. I visited Rostov, Kostroma, Yaroslavl, and Moscow. They always made sure I was comfortable and truly made me feel like part of the family.

Making new friends, experiencing Russian culture, teaching great students, improving your Russian, seeing a different side of Russia – that’s what this program is all about. More ever, Crossroads Eurasia is a family. I still keep in contact with fellow volunteers as well as the coordinators. Nothing but good things to say.