We have reached the halfway point in our program. Students continue to make amazing progress in their language skills and their understanding of Russian culture and history. Outside of class, students continue to explore the city with their host families, language partners, and friends.
Last Friday, we visited the Moscow Metro Museum. There, we learned about the history of the Moscow subway system, about the different styles of subway trains that have been in use over the years, and about the evolution of how and how much people have paid for subway rides since the metro first opened in 1935. We also enjoyed displays of subway signs used over the years and tried our hand at a simulator similar to the one used to train subway drivers today.
A collection of subway signs.
Cheyenne tries her hand as a subway driver.
Beck tries her hand as well.
Students look on during Ottilie’s turn at the simulator.
Students took full advantage of free time over the weekend to explore the city. Below are some highlights.
Cheyenne with her host sister, Marina, at VDNKh.
Grace in front of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior with Ottilie and McLeran, not pictured. Grace writes, “We marveled at the architecture and stunning iconography! The Cathedral houses several world-renowned relics such as a fragment of John the Beloved’s skin. It is truly an experience that we could only have in Russia!”
Rebekah with her host mother and family friends in the Orekhovo-Borisovo district in southern Moscow.
Evan, together with a peer language partner, enjoys a local treat at a café after classes are finished for the day.
Beck, Evan, and Shilo take a break from their studies to sample the local fare.
Grace and Ottilie, in front of a map of the Moscow metro, are clearly pleased to be able to navigate it with ease.
Shea, Jacob, Paige, and Mitchell kicking back at Victory Park.
We look forward to more adventures in the coming week! Stay tuned!