Dear friends,
It is hard to believe that six weeks have passed since we arrived in Moscow, ready to embark on the experience of a lifetime. As our program comes to end, I would like to share photos submitted by the students themselves in response to my request for images that best represent their experiences in Moscow this summer.
“Above is me in front of the ‘Friendship of People Fountain’ in the center of ВДНХ park. I enjoyed an afternoon there walking around and seeing the different pavilions representing countries from the Soviet era.” -Andrea
“In Moscow I witnessed gorgeous architecture, humble acts of kindness, and the wonderfulness of блины. When I saw this beautiful mural I knew right away that it captured the spirit of Moscow that I had witnessed during these six weeks.” -Katie
“The image above shows that I love both Russia and America.” -Jacob
“This picture is of Marshal Zhukov, who was a war hero during the twentieth century. My experience in Russia taught me a lot about Russia’s history and its society. This statue represents Russia as a whole and what it has gone through during its long history.” -Elizabeth
“Here is a picture of me at the Space Museum where I was able to learn more about Soviet and Russian involvement in space. It is something that is very interesting to me, so I am so grateful that my host mom took me.” -Ava
“This image above shows how beautiful the Moscow metro is, and how it is able to take you almost anywhere.” -Jacob
“This photo was taken during my first time in Red Square. It’s a bit cliché, but it happens to be the only photo I have from my trip. It’s really hard to get me in a photo, so the fact that I’m voluntarily posing for one has to say a lot. So, just like this photo, this trip was one of a kind. All joking aside, this image captures that day I realized I was pursuing my dream of studying the Russian language.” -Jordan
“Here is a picture of Andrea, Megan, Zoe, and me at VDNH. I am so happy that I was able to meet people who have a passion for learning about new cultures and languages just like me.” -Ava
“Victory Park.” -Darius
“A very fun moment. During my first week in Moscow, one of the Russian language peers took us to see the Bolshoi Theatre, which was truly beautiful!” -Andrea
“I was grateful enough to live within walking distance of ВДНХ park, and some of my favorite memories from this summer are the trips I took there with my babushka. The architecture, fountains, live music, and ice cream at ВДНХ have a special place in my heart, right beside my babushka.” -Katie
“The photo of me in from of the Red Square captures one of my favorite places. For as long as I could remember, I had wanted to see the Red Square and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. The first time I saw it, I was speechless and couldn’t believe I was actually there. Although the photo wasn’t taken the first time I went, I think it still shows how excited I was to see it again.” -Megan
“Felix Dzerzhinsky” -Darius
“The U.S. Embassy was everything I expected. The U.S. flag printed on pillows, a bright red sofa and just about every famous American landmark on the walls. Made me miss home just a little bit.” -Marilyn
“The photo I took of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior captures another of my favorite places in Moscow. I visited the cathedral several times, and fell in love with it more and more each time I went. I appreciate its beauty as well as its history and importance to Russian culture.” -Megan
“Here is a picture of me and my amazing host mom when she took me to the river to watch a light show on the bridge. It was such a fun evening and one of my favorite memories here.” -Ava
“The picture attached is of ВДНХ. This was one of my favorite experiences in Russia because I felt as though I was actually walking through history. The atmosphere there was incredible and my time spent there is something I will remember forever.” -Zoe
“My host grandma was so excited about the beautiful flowers at the shop. Her excitement was contagious! I spent the entire evening learning about her favorite flowers. This is just one of many amazing moments I’ve had with her.” -Marilyn
“This is me in the Moscow Metro. This was how I went every day to and from school. It is a part of my routine that I will miss.” -Xavier
“Here I am with my host mom (right) and host grandma (left). It was the first time I went to VDNH. It was absolutely incredible! My host family made this experience even greater.” -Marilyn
“These are my host mom’s two dogs. This picture will always remind me of the experiences I had and how open she was in letting me stay with her this summer. I will always appreciate the things she has done for me.” -Elizabeth
“Tsar Cannon.” -Darius
“Looking down at such a pretty view of Moscow was such a surreal moment for me. I remember how lucky I felt to be there, with new friendships and memories that I will cherish forever.” -Katie
“St. Basil’s is a very iconic part of Russia, and this picture will show how happy Russia made me. It will also remind me of the new friends I have made while here, because I was with friends when this picture was taken. I was able to explore Moscow and enjoy it with friends and myself. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I truly enjoyed it.” -Elizabeth
“The first picture is of me with my host brother. I enjoyed the six weeks that I was able to spend with him. The host family undoubtedly contributed to my superb experience in the program.” -Xavier
“The photo of the fountain at ВДНХ captures one of my favorite places I visited in Moscow. I had never been to a park as beautiful as ВДНХ in my life. Each former Soviet republic’s buildings were incredible. I wish I could spent an entire (sunny and warm) day there.” -Megan
“This is a picture of the Kremlin. In my opinion, this picture portrays Russia because this is where the president works, and it is an undoubtedly recognizable symbol throughout the world.” -Xavier
In closing, I will add three photos of my own that represent this summer’s experience for me.
“Here I sit among sculptures in the courtyard of the Moscow Museum of Modern Art. Moscow boasts a vibrant contemporary arts scene.”
“Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure is among the most beloved and well-known parks in the capital city. I have watched Gorky Park change over the years, and I encounter something new there every time I visit. Notice the rainbow on the left side of the photo. It was a treat to see a rainbow that evening.”
“On the facades of buildings in Moscow (and in other cities throughout the former Soviet Union), you will find memorials to famous people who lived or worked in those buildings. Here is a memorial to Korney Chukovsky, famous for his poetry for children. I have a great fondness for these memorials, and I try to stop and look at them as I go by. I love that Russians remember their artists, actors, and writers with such affection, and I believe that these remarkable individuals who have passed away are happy when we keep the memory of them alive in such a tangible and intentional way.”
It was a privilege and a pleasure to work with such a fine group of young people. I hope you have enjoyed following our program in Moscow, and I wish you all the best!