After four days in Russia people may think they could write a travel article about what they have seen.  Those who visit the country for four weeks may assume they could write a travel book educating others.  But those who stay four months realize they will never have the words to describe all they have seen and learned.  The more you delve into Russia, the more you realize there is more to discover.  Taste humility as you submit to the gentle tutelage of the Russian people. 

Life in Russia
An integral aspect of any cross-cultural experience is time to interact with citizens of the host country. The Russian Studies Program includes excellent opportunities for interaction with Russian citizens, especially students, host families and service project personnel.

Housing
During the first half of the semester RSP students are housed in the University of Nizhni Novgorod dormitory, which features a dining room as well as medical and health facilities.  For the remaining six weeks students live with Russian families. 

Community Life
The Russian Studies Program emphasizes life together by providing both formal and informal opportunities for participants to come together for Bible study, worship and discussion of issues concerning the integration of faith, living and learning in the context of Russia.

Worship Opportunities
Participants worship in various churches so as to expand their acquaintance with the family of faith in Russia. Students together attend a number of worship alternatives while in Nizhni Novgorod and are encouraged to choose a "home church" for regular attendance.

Safety
The Russian Studies Program will not invite students for a semester of study in Russia if we do not believe it is safe to do so. If the safety of students is ever in question, all precautions will be taken to insure that they are kept out of danger. Our Russian hosts are equally concerned about the safety of RSP students and work with the staff and faculty to provide a study experience that is as problem-free as possible.

Medical Services
Medical care in much of Russia is poor by Western standards. Fortunately, adequate health care and emergency services are available in the three major cities in which the Russian Studies Program students reside.

PLEASE NOTE: Participants are expected to cover any medical expenses which might be incurred and so must be covered by a family or institutional health insurance policy. All students must obtain an International Student Identification Card which provides supplemental health insurance to cover certain needs unique to international situations (such as emergency medical evacuations).

Transportation
Subways are excellent in Moscow and St. Petersburg and bus service, while often crowded, is adequate. Nizhni Novgorod has bus and trolley car systems to almost all areas of the city. Taxis are readily available and relatively inexpensive by American standards.  Travel between Russian cities is usually done by train, as it is a worthwhile experience. Travel to the cities of the "Golden Ring" is by chartered bus.