For most students, spring break is a time to relax and hang out with friends.  For three fortunate St. Gregory the Great High School students, however, spring break 2010 meant something entirely different: total immersion in Russian culture.  This April, five lucky Greyhounds, teachers Ms. Breanne Goldman and Mr. Frank Egdeworth, and students Brian, Richard, and Phillip traveled to Vladimir, St. Petersburg, and Moscow to study similarities and differences between Russian and American culture, education, history, and food. They were treated to unmatched Russian hospitality and experienced what most students can only dream of doing: sharing an Easter meal with their host families in the Russian countryside; traveling by night train to St. Petersburg and Moscow; visiting the Hermitage art museum; seeing the most well-known ballet in the world, the Kirov/Mariinksy; studying weapons used in war since the 17th century; sampling unusual, delicious foods; seeing traditional Russian folk dancing; meeting people from around the world and forming lifelong friendships.

Ms. Breanne Goldman, a 2008 University of Chicago Fulbright-Hays Scholarship award recipient, and Mr. Frank Edgeworth, a full-time volunteer teach through Inner City Teaching Corps (ICTC), initiated, organized, fundraised, and led the trip. The group lived with host families, went to school, participated in cultural excursions to churches, museums, and restaurants, and learned to speak the language.  This was the inaugural high school study abroad exchange program to Russia led by a Fulbright recipient; eleven Russian students will travel to Chicago in Fall 2010, where they will live, study, and explore Chicago with their teenage hosts and families.  Ms. Goldman and Mr. Edgeworth worked with the American Home, located in Vladimir, Russia, to coordinate their visit; the University of Chicago and Sister Cities International helped publicize this important partnership between the two countries.

Trip organizer Breanne Goldman commented, "This exchange program is a dream. It is not often that teachers are able to share with students their passion for learning through such authentic, hands-on experiences. Prior to this trip, there was little interest in this often misunderstood region of the world; now, nearly all of my students want to learn more about and travel to Russia. My hope is this exchange program will generate greater interest in forming lasting friendships between Russians and Americans, and that my students develop an even greater appreciation for the world in which they live."

While the focus of the trip was to cultivate Russian-American relationships, there were also unintended benefits.  Brian, a senior, reflected, "I wanted to travel to Russia because it would prepare me for college, in the sense that I wouldn't be with my family, I'm in an area that I don't know at all, and I have to make friends so that I know what to do or where to go." And Brian certainly did make friends: "[My host] mother and father were excited to try and talk to me or have me try new things...I tried my best to do the same. I could have stayed with them even longer just to talk with them and show them some American things like food, or games, or music."

When asked what he learned about himself while traveling, Phillip, a sophomore, replied, "I learned once I step out of my comfort zone and embarrass myself a couple times everything becomes easier.  Nothing is awkward and you can really open up.  I [also] met some of the most interesting people I have ever met in my life during this trip."  

Reflecting on his experience, Richard, a junior, said, "I learned that I did indeed come out of my comfort zone and I removed my mask. I acted like I would normally act around my friends and I think we all did, and for that they[Russians] love us.  Another thing is that I learned that I can mature in a short period of time when the occasion calls for it.  For this trip you need to be aware and mature [be]cause we were pretty much alone in big cities, so we needed that maturity to get us through that. I did it."

Mr. Edgeworth's favorite experience was staying with his host family and eating dinner with them. “I enjoyed taking my time while eating the 5 course meals with my host family.  I also loved how present everybody was with one another as we shared the meal together.  Too often this experience is missed in American families and I was comforted to know that these ceremonies were still taking place."

Perhaps one of the most rewarding aspects of this experience, however, was the opportunity for Ms. Goldman and Mr. Edgeworth to witness their students' incredible maturity and growth in a mere two weeks.  Mr. Edgeworth said, "I enjoyed spending time with my students and watching them grow into young men throughout the two weeks we were there.  I saw my students gain confidence and learn some lessons that they would not have learned in school.  It was nice to see three inner-city boys grow as learners, while their friends were most likely sitting at home in Chicago taking part in activities that are not so educationally friendly."  Ms. Goldman noted, "I am in awe of my resilient students.  They challenged themselves, despite hardships, and proved to me, Frank, and most of all, themselves, that they really can do anything if they try.  These kids grew into young adults overnight."

Upon the group's return to Chicago, the questions and comments abounded: "What is the food like in Russia?"  "I'm so jealous; I wish I went to Russia!" The question "Did you have fun?" received an overwhelming, collective YES! from every participant. In fact, there are already plans to return to Vladimir, as early as this summer.  This exchange program has created much more than just good stories and incredible memories; it has opened up an entirely new world of possibilities and has fostered lifelong relationships with friends around the world.  And THAT, says Ms. Goldman, is the purpose (and goal!) of education.