Deadline for applications: November 15, 2018
The first application deadline for the American Home’s March 2018 Alternative Spring Break Program in Vladimir, Russia, is November 15 (www.serendipity-russia.com/edex.html).
The program includes community service, homestays, excursions to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, interaction with Russian university students who are studying English, and basic Russian lessons.
Participants do not have to speak Russian to join the program.
“…any expectations I could possibly have had were surpassed. …I participated in a culture without being a tourist…and spent [time] outside of my carefully constructed comfort zone. The experience was nothing short of changing my worldview.” (Vanderbilt University student)
David Johnson: Coordinator, Intensive Russian Program, American Home (www.serendipity-russia.com). Lecturer in Russian, Vanderbilt University (david.matthew.johnson@vanderbilt.edu)
Schedule:
VLADIMIR (March 3-11): Help several community organizations, including the Youth Health and Education Center, Karl Liebnicht Orphanage, Russian Orthodox Church, Handicapped Children’s Association “Light”, Vladimir Regional Veterans’ Home and others, while interacting with Russian university students and experiencing the delight and wonder of provincial Russia.
MUROM (March 10-18): Help university students at the Murom Institute (an affiliate of Vladimir State University) to improve their English language skills; prepare audio and video materials for their English language program. During the Soviet period Murom was a closed city. Today it remains isolated from traditional tourist routes. Foreign language faculty and students are eager for contact with native English speakers.
Blog: http://theamericanhome.blogspot.com/2012/05/our-first-alternative-spring-break.html
OTHER AMERICAN HOME PROJECTS: INFORMATION AND DEADLINES
1)Vanderbilt University’s Maymester in Russia – Application Deadline January 20, 2018
The program includes community service, lectures on topics being explored by student-participants (politics, economics, sociology, culture, history, art, etc.), Russian language lessons, interaction with Russian university students, excursions to Moscow, St. Petersburg, and provincial towns, home stays, and opportunities for reflection.
2) Intensive Russian Program – Applications Accepted All Year www.serendipity-russia.com/studyrussian.html)
3) American English Program Teaching Positions – Application Deadline March 1, 2018(www.serendipity-russia.com/teach.html)
Program benefits: small stipend, room and board with a Russian family, three hours per week of one-to-one Russian lessons, teacher training and lesson planning assistance, a pleasant, well-equipped, and organized teaching environment.
Teacher obligations: Plan and teach four (possibly 5) 1½ hour classes that meet twice a week, hold office hours, present a brief “Saturday lecture” on any aspect of American culture, airfare to Moscow, visa fee, obtain TESOL certification.