GREAL - Student Statements
STUDENT TESTIMONIALS TO THE NOVGOROD PROGRAM

Novgorod Memories and Impressions
Contributions by Dan Gray, Jennifer Morrison, Ben Partee, Cathie Sherman, and John Weilnau

"It was a great experience for me to study Russian in the oldest city of Russia that was founded in the year 859! Novgorod is almost three centuries older than Moscow and about five and a half centuries older than St. Petersburg! It was interesting for me to learn that many centuries ago (from 12th to 15th centuries) Novgorod was a Republic (a federal state made up of five territorial powers), governed by a veche, a democratic assembly of citizens and an archbishop."

"On different levels it is possible to experience almost simultaneously three historical moments in Novgorod: the dozens of lovely churches and monasteries of all sizes and the impressive walls of the Kremlin and the great surrounding mounds marking the outer walls of the old city bring alive the medieval core of the city; the Stalinist-era city administration building and boring, utilitarian apartment complexes of the Khrushchev era give a distinct feel of the Soviet period; finally, living in the city and talking with our families brought home a sense of a society in transition... Novgorod and the Novgorod area are considered among the few Russian success stories in the transition from socialism to capitalism. For example, relative to other regions of Russia, Novgorod has experienced both a higher economic output and standard of living. The average per capita income in Novgorod is almost twice as much as its neighboring regions."

"Overall, I was so pleased with my experience in Russia, and I must say that the experience reached beyond my expectations. Not only did I learn quite a bit of the language, I also came to appreciate and love the Russian people and culture. The experience expanded my thinking about and understanding of Russia - limited as my thinking was about its history and relations with the United States. By studying in Novgorod and living with a Russian family, I learned that people in general have similar fears and hopes, dreams, as well as struggles. I would recommend the Novgorod program not only for its challenging Russian language program, but also for the way in which it takes you beyond yourself... to a state in which you understand and come to know another people and another culture, which creates, if you will let it, a love for humanity in general and a more nuanced understanding of Russian people in particular."

"Once I was actually in Novgorod, I liked the intensity of the purely academic program--with classes in culture, grammar, conversation and writing that created a great environment for high-speed learning. The Russian instructors were tough but fair and understanding, and I was amazed at how much I had learned in such a short period of time. In addition to the classes, the priceless stay with a host family and being in a city like Novgorod allows you to totally immerse yourself in the language. In our spare time we had plenty of things to do in the city. There are picturesque cafes, traditional bars and modern dance clubs. There are also many sightseeing opportunities within the historic center of Novgorod that make the city so charming."

"At the very beginning of the workshop we arrived in St. Petersburg, and I was in awe of this city. The greatest architects of the 18th and 19th centuries created magnificent ensembles in the city. There are countless canals - which we explored in a wonderful boat excursion. Seeing all the beautiful buildings and places from the water - as many were intended to be seen - was a unique experience. We visited several world famous museums including The Hermitage and the Russian Museum. We also went to see an amazing Russian ballet at the Mariinsky Theater. Another longer excursion was a trip to Moscow by overnight train. This city is grand and beautiful. The world famous tourist attractions we visited included the Kremlin, Red Square, Lenin's Mausoleum, and the Tretyakov Gallery of Russian Visual Art. At the Bolshoi Theater, we saw an opera written by Rimsky-Korsakov "The Tsar's Bride." Our group was in awe of the colorful costumes and magnificent singing and dancing. We had some opportunity to explore Moscow at night and get a sense of how young Russians spent their entertainment time."

"After graduation ceremony, it was hard to say goodbye to our teachers, families, and friends whom we had grown to know and trust. We all wanted to return someday and see these great people that we had met along the way. It was a trip that I will never forget and would recommend it to anyone interested in Russia or learning Russian. Trust me, it is well worth it!"



Novgorod: It takes you beyond yourself
By: Jennifer Morrison

The Novgorod Program piqued my interest when I switched to the field of Russian history after my first semester at Miami University. Needing to begin my study of the Russian language as soon as possible, I initially began to look at a variety of programs - one at Indiana University, another at the University of Arizona, and of course, the program offered in Novgorod from Miami. After doing some investigation, it was the Miami program which offered the most affordable opportunity to go. I didn't realize, however, until after I arrived and had studied a few weeks in Novgorod, just what an advantage Miami students have by studying at Novgorod State University. The instruction that is provided by the teachers in Novgorod is unique because class size is so small, something that holds quite an advantage over other Russian Language programs. Not only was I instructed in pronunciation, grammar, reading, and translation, cultural appreciation classes were provided in which I learned various Russian dances and songs. It was especially interesting, a bit embarrassing, but truly fun to perform the dances and the songs!

Practicing the Russian I was learning was a challenge due to my staying with a family who spoke a fair amount of English (except my Russian dad!). I am thankful, however, for having chosen such a family because being able to speak a little bit of English helped me become acclimated to my new living arrangements a bit more comfortable and quickly. It wasn't long, however, until my Russian family began to encourage and challenge me to practice what I had been learning. By the end of the month, my Russian mom told me of the improvement she witnessed from the time I had arrived to the place I was, in terms of speaking abilities, a month afterward. This was the greatest of encouragement, for I so wanted to be able to communicate with my Russian family and truly was to a limited, but larger extent. Progress came, indeed, after hard work, constant study, and interaction with my teachers and family. Yet, I must admit there were times in which I did not study! So, I must say something about the excursions...

In addition to going to Pushkin's estate, of all the places I have been to in Russia so far, I love St. Petersburg the most. I cannot begin to describe the feeling one gets when witnessing the many churches and beautiful architecture within Peter's famous city. Visiting the Hermitage Art Museum was amazing, as well as was the boat ride through the canals which were constructed by the wish of Peter himself. Experiencing Moscow was interesting as well, as our group was able to witness a Communist demonstration and converse (albeit in English) with one of the Party's faithful supporters. I can't forget to mention, also, Red Square and the Kremlin! To visit places one has read and heard so much about is truly an overwhelming experience.

Studying in Novgorod near the Volkhov River was very nice because of the history of this ancient city, its closeness to St. Petersburg (3 hours), and its train-ride away from Moscow (8 hours overnight). Going to church services in Novgorod's St. Sophia was beautiful and taking walks in its Kremlin, peaceful. Overall, I was so pleased with my experience in Russia, and I must say that the experience reached beyond my expectations. Not only did I learn quite a bit of the language, I also came to appreciate and love the Russian people and culture. The experience expanded my thinking about and understanding of Russia - limited as my thinking was about its history and relations with the United States. By studying in Novgorod and living with a Russian family, I learned that people in general have similar fears and hopes, dreams, as well as struggles. I would recommend the Novgorod program not only for its challenging Russian language program, but also for the way in which it takes you beyond yourself... to a state in which you understand and come to know another people and another culture, which creates, if you will let it, a love for humanity in general and a more nuanced understanding of Russian people in particular.



Language, Life, and Learning in Novgorod
By: Jacob Patterson-Stein

I knew I was in for an interesting experience when I walked into my classroom at Novgorod State University on the first day and saw one desk with two chairs: one for me, one for the teacher. I had no knowledge of Russian and no idea about what to expect.

The Novgorod Intensive Russian Program was one of the best experiences of my life. Most people, when I told them I was planning on going to Russia for six weeks, were a little confused. "I thought you are an English major" or "What's in Russia?" But, I was looking for a study abroad experience that was more than just touring the sites seen by everyone who goes abroad. I wanted an experience that would leave me with new knowledge and new perspectives. The Novgorod trip did that and more.

My first week in Russia was overwhelming. Although my host family spoke some English, not being able to communicate with people beyond a simple 'yes' or 'no' and trying to figure out what bus to take to school led to some interesting encounters and situations that I look back on now and laugh at. However, being in the situation of not knowing the language and not being very familiar with the culture forced me to study arduously and take in everything around me. Classes were tough at first but became easier as the days went on; and just when things seemed to be getting stressful, we had a Russian folk dance class every Thursday so as to clear the intellectual palate and have a good time moving around.

As I grew and learned more, so did my host family. Although my host family spoke only a little English (my host-sister had spent a year studying in the U.S.) I came to feel very close to my Russian family. I would stay up late drinking tea with my host mom and practice vocabulary or dialogues with her. Just like my family and friends in America, my host family seemed a little perplexed at the fact that I didn't have any working knowledge of Russian. They were very patient and certainly helped me whenever they could and, no matter what, made sure that I was well-fed. I enjoy food. A lot. I don't think I've ever been around people who enjoy eating as much as I do except in Novgorod. On my first morning with my host family they gave me hot dogs (probably in an attempt to make me feel at home), but for the most part I ate what they ate and they ate, often and with gusto. The Novgorod trip introduced me to a new language, new dance, new ice cream, new drinks, and showed me the sour cream can be used for everything.

Our cultural trips to St. Petersburg and Moscow expanded tremendously my view of Russia, and our group got to know each other a lot better while touring and sharing our incredible experiences. We saw some of the world's most famous Russia's landmarks such as the Peter and Paul Fortress, St. Isaac Cathedral, The Russian Museum, Peter the Great's Summer palace and fountain-filled park in Peterhof, Catherine's Palace (where the famous Amber Room is) in Tsar's Village, The Red Square, the Kremlin, St. Basil's Cathedral, Lenin's Mausoleun, The Tretiakov Art Gallery, and many more.

We were delighted to be able to attend great performances in two major Russia's theaters. We saw an opera The Tsar's Bride (this opera, based on Russian history - Ivan the Terrible's times - showed some very interesting and colorful Russian customs, rituals, and folk dancing) by Rimsky-Korsakov in the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow. In St. Petersburg, in Mariinski Theater we saw famous ballet Le Corsare choreographed by Petipa. One of my favorite experiences in Moscow was attending the one and only in the world Cat's Theater. Some twenty plus furry divas were performing like real actors, pushing a baby carriage, jumping in and out of a samovar, balancing on their front legs in a "pawstand," walking tightropes and riding rocking horses.

Whether you go on the Novgorod trip as an expert in all things Russian or are just a curious English-Classics double major looking for adventure, you will find yourself in a wonderful place. No two people had the same experience; and this attests to the magic of Russia. It is fun, intriguing, unknown, and provides an opportunity to let go of the familiar and embrace something new. When I walked into class that first day and saw only two chairs around a table, I knew I was in for something different. The Novgorod trip was filled with days like that first one, days where you see something you've never seen before, but instead of backing away, you jump in and learn, explore, and have a great time.




Why I Chose the Novgorod Program
Dan Gray
Wright State University

I think that I can look at the Novgorod Summer Russian Language program from a different perspective than most other students. I had never studied Russian in a classroom environment before. My university (Wright State in Dayton) did not have a Russian language summer program. I had, however, traveled extensively through Russia on two previous occasions. I looked at different Russian language programs, but Miamis Novgorod program attracted my attention the most for a variety of reasons. Let me explain why. I had in fact become interested in Novgorod and the Novgorod region a couple of years prior. In 2002 I read a very interesting article Can Novgorods Greatness Rub Off on Putin? in the Problems of Post-Communism (September/October 2002). From this article I learned that Novgorod and the Novgorod area are considered among the few Russian success stories in the transition from socialism to capitalism. For example, relative to other regions of Russia, Novgorod has experienced both a higher economic output and standard of living. The average per capita income in Novgorod is almost twice as much as its neighboring regions. The economic success, relatively low crime-rate and safe environment were the fundamental reasons behind the decision of the local government to rename the city Novgorod the Great in 1998. I also learned about the incredible history of Novgorod, the oldest city in the Russian Federation. On different levels it is possible to experience almost simultaneously three historical moments in Novgorod: the dozens of lovely churches and monasteries of all sizes and the impressive walls of the Kremlin and the great surrounding mounds marking the outer walls of the old city bring alive the medieval core of the city; the Stalinist-era city administration building and boring, utilitarian apartment complexes of the Khrushchev era give a distinct feel of the Soviet period; finally, living in the city and talking with our families brought home a sense of a society in transition.

Another reason why I wanted to participate in the Novgorod program was that, in my opinion, it offers a well balanced combination of actually living with a Russian family (with all the reinforcement of language skills that implies) and studying in a safe place (Novgorod does not have many of the problems that sprawling metropolises suffer from), as well as visiting of Moscow and St. Petersburg for cultural trips.

Once I was actually in Novgorod, I liked the intensity of the purely academic program--with classes in culture, grammar, conversation and writing that created a great environment for high-speed learning. The Russian instructors were tough but fair and understanding, and I was amazed at how much I had learned in such a short period of time. In addition to the classes, the priceless stay with a host family and being in a city like Novgorod allows you to totally immerse yourself in the language. In our spare time we had plenty of things to do in the city. There are picturesque cafes, traditional bars and modern dance clubs. There are also many sightseeing opportunities within the historic center of Novgorod that make the city so charming.

After the graduation ceremony, it was hard to say goodbye to our teachers, families, and friends whom we had grown to know and trust. We all wanted to return someday and see these great people that we had met along the way. It was a trip that I will never forget and would recommend to anyone interested in Russia or learning Russian. Trust me, it is well worth it!



Novgorod Program Was the Cat's Meow
John Weilnau
Miami University

During the summer of 2004, I was part of a a group of Miami students who studied Russian language in Novgorod the Great. We also traveled extensively in the Novgorod region and spent a few days in Moscow and St. Petersburg. It was a great experience for me to study Russian in the oldest city of Russia. Novgorod was founded in the year 859! With great pride and respect, Russians call this medieval capital of Russia Lord Novgorod the Great. It was interesting for me to learn that many centuries ago (from 12th to 15th centuries) Novgorod was a Republic (a federal state made up of five territorial powers), governed by a veche, a democratic assembly of citizens, and an archbishop.

On the bus ride to Novgorod, I fee at my Russian greatly improved during the trip. The classes are very well designed to build up students language skills. Whether you were just starting to learn Russian, knew a little of the language, or already were fairly advanced, there was a group for you. In class, we learned all sorts of useful things--how to communicate your needs to your family, to answer a telephone, to get by in the city, etc. At lunchtime, along with the other students in our group, we were served tea in a colorful Russian samovar and ate the generous lunches our families packed for us. Two afternoons a week we learned Russian folk songs and once a week two professional dancers came to teach us Russian Folk Dancing. Living with a host family that spoke little English, I had a natural desire to improve my Russian fast to be able to communicate with them productively. I also had to learn how to get things at a grocery store, how to buy very delicious (and cheap) Russian ice cream at stands on street corners, how to tell a taxi driver my destination, etc.s natural beauty is so amazing that it cant be done justice with words!

We were also lucky to be in Novgorod during its annual festival in which Novgorodians celebrate their beautiful city. This was an amazing celebration of Russian culture art, folk music, and dance where participants, both children and adults, often merged with the public. Hundreds of artists displayed their unique, colorful (and inexpensive) art works in parks and along the streets creating a backdrop for the festival. There were many small tents set up everywhere where people could buy food and drinks. There were even some Russian rock bands and a karaoke place.

Another reason why I liked to study in Novgorod is because we felt very comfortable and safe during our stay there. The city is cozy and quiet, and the people are very friendly. Novgorod is a large enough city to experience Russian life, but small enough to be easily navigable (its population is about 250,000). I often walked to my daily classes, to the Kremlin, and even to a barbershop on the other side of the city. If you'd rather not walk, it is easy to travel by bus or by very inexpensive taxis. In our spare time, the students in our group often met up to play soccer or swim and get tans on the riverside beach below the Kremlin walls or for evening get-togethers. We usually went to internet-cafes, bars or coffee shops to relax and talk about our experiences or dance.

It is interesting that Novgorod is almost three centuries older than Moscow and about five and a half centuries older than St. Petersburg! As I mentioned above, our group visited both of these major Russian cities.

At the very beginning of the workshop we arrived in St. Petersburg, and I was in awe of this city. The greatest architects of the 18th and 19th centuries created magnificent ensembles in the city. There are countless canals which we explored in a wonderful boat excursion. Seeing all the beautiful buildings and places from the water as many were intended to be seen was a unique experience. We visited several world famous museums including the Hermitage and the Russian Museum. We also went to see an amazing Russian ballet at the Mariinsky Theater. This famous ballet, choreographed by George Balanchine, was called The Jewels. There were three parts to this colorful performance, Emeralds, Rubies, and Diamonds, and the costumes of the three sets of dancers echoed these dazzling colors.

My favorite part of St. Petersburg was our visit to Peterhof (), about twenty miles outside of the city. Once a summer residence of Peter the Great, it is filled with beautiful foliage, dazzling gilded statues of mythological figures, and hundreds of eye-catching fountains. Most of these fountains flow constantly; but there are a few so-called clown fountains which have triggers hidden under stones, benches, etc. We saw many children and adults walking on these triggers. The crowds gathered around these fountains laughed gleefully at the sudden showers.

Another longer excursion was a trip to Moscow by overnight train. This city is grand and beautiful. The world famous tourist attractions we visited included the Kremlin, Red Square, Lenins Mausoleum, and the Tretyakov Gallery of Russian Visual Art. At the Bolshoi Theater, we saw an opera written by Rimsky-Korsakov, The Tsars Bride. Our group was in awe of the colorful costumes and magnificent singing and dancing. Even though I couldnt understand every word in the opera, I could still understand what was happening and found it very entertaining. We had some opportunity to explore Moscow at night and get a sense of how young Russians spent their entertainment time. Needless to say, Moscow was an unforgettable experience.

Now it is time to explain the title of my article, which grows out of one of my favorite and very unusual experiences in Moscow. We attended a show at the Cat Theater. The reason we went there was that most of us were real cat-lovers and had read about it in the magazine Russian Life on our way to St. Petersburg: this is the only cat theater in the world. I read in the magazine that it was created in 1976 by Juri Kuklachyov. As any cat lover knows, cats tend to have minds of their own, and the very idea of training a cat to do anything seems almost counterintuitive. As a result this performance made an indescribable impression on all of us: dozens of cats skillfully walked on tightropes, climbed poles, pushed -carts, and took part in all sorts of wacky stunts. There were also a couple of cute dogs who worked very cooperatively with the cats.

Participating in the Novgorod program was certainly the experience of a lifetime, and I know I will never forget it. I left Russia with the determination to learn the language even better and to learn more about this great country.