[CivilSoc] Intensive Russian Study Opportunity in Vladimir

[susieann.pope@verizon.net]

Please post this study opportunity for interested persons to access:
Thank you,
Dr. Ron Pope
INDIVIDUALIZED INTENSIVE RUSSIAN PROGRAM
Sponsored by Serendipity-Russia
Working in Russia at the Grassroots level since 1992.
Experience Ancient Rus in Modern Day Vladimir
The picturesque city of Vladimir is an ideal setting in which to become immersed in Russian language and history under the auspices of Serendipity-Russia.  Serendipity built the American Home in Vladimir and has taught English there since 1992.  (See our updated web site:  http://www.serendipity-russia.com  We are now offering an intensive Russian program in Vladimir.  
This 1,000 year old city of nearly 400,000 is located approximately 120 miles northeast of Moscow.  Students are met at the airport 
in Moscow and driven past vast birch forests, through villages and small towns to this former capitol of ancient Rus.
During your stay you will travel to a number of surrounding communities, in addition to touring the historic sights of Vladimir.  These include the magnificent Assumption Cathedral and tsarist-era Vladimir Prison where U2 pilot Francis Gary Powers was a "guest" in the early 1960s.  You will become intimately acquainted with the increasingly modern shops and outdoor markets, 
and visit your new Russian friends in their Soviet-era apartments.
PROGRAM FEATURES
� Room and board with a Russian family (2 meals a day)
� Well-educated native speakers trained to teach Russian to  foreigners
� Intensive, one-on-one or small group lessons 3 hours a day, 5 days 
a week
�  Lessons conducted on the trolley bus, in an open air market, and 
elsewhere in the community
� Classroom lessons in the well equipped American Home where you will meet Russians studying English
SET YOUR OWN DATES
Dates: Open between May 1--August 30 (fall and winter dates possible)
Cost: Approximately $3,100 (plus airfare and visa) for an eight week individualized program.  Shorter or longer stays are also available, as are side trips to St. Petersburg and other cities.
Signup: At least two months prior to departure with a $500 deposit required.  
Balance due at least 30 days prior to departure.
WHAT OUR STUDENTS HAVE TO SAY
"The time I spent in Vladimir was the best summer of my life.  The American Home's family atmosphere facilitates a smooth adaptation to Russian culture and way of life.  The instructors were very knowledgeable and caring.  This created a learning experience that was informative and challenging.  However, learning was not confirmed to the four walls of a classroom.  The 'classroom' 
at the American Home has no boundaries. In this intensive Russian program you not only learn Russian, you live it."  Peter York, University of Pittsburg
"I speak better Russian than 99% of the foreigners I know in Moscow.  My decision to live in Vladimir is the best one I've ever made." Matt Plischke, Miami University, Ohio
"The 3 1/2 months I spent in Vladimir were absolutely invaluable to me in understanding Russian language and culture.  As a graduate of the Defense Language Institute, a qualified Military Language Instructor, and participant in four intensive language refresher courses, I feel that studying Russian through Serendipity vastly improved my language skills."  Staff Sergeant Christopher Higgins, Illinois State University
"Vladimir and the American Home are ideally situated.  Here, you have all the advantages of Russian city life, with all the charm of the nearby dachas.  The American Home really is the meeting and mixing point for two cultures.  The Russian lessons and the Russian homestay give you a chance to improve your speaking abilities while experiencing Russian culture firsthand."  Erika Boeckler, University of Wisconsin, Madison
"Living in Vladimir is the best thing I have ever done to improve my Russian and learn more about Russian culture."  Rachel Lu Owens, University of Montana
For complete application materials, please contact:
Dr. Ron Pope
Serendipity Russian Program
1403 Kingsridge Drive
Normal, Illinois 61761-2860
Phone:  (309) 454-2364-Tuesdays or Thursdays
FAX:  (309) 452-6332
pope@serendipity-russia.com