Cultural Connection
Reprinted with permission of
The Herald Journal
Interpreter Boris Leidkin discusses the Open World program at a colloquium Oct. 29 at USU. (Alan Murray/Herald Journal)
By Kim Burgess
Published: Monday, November 3, 2008
Five Russian child development specialists visited Utah State University last week, sparking an exchange of culture, ideas and friendship.
The delegates, all from Udmurtia State University, traveled to Logan as part of the Open World Program, which builds connections between U.S. and Russian leaders.
This was USU's first official participation in Open World, and Edward Reeve, interim vice provost for international education, said he was thrilled at the opportunity.
"Any time you can do these partnerships and build relations, it opens up opportunities for possible student exchanges, faculty exchanges or study abroad," Reeve said after a welcome ceremony held Oct. 28. "It's a win-win situation."
During their time at USU, the visitors learned about the school's early childhood intervention programs and shared their own work with faculty members. The trip also included several days in Salt Lake City before the delegates arrived in Logan. There, they met with organizations like Utah Foster Care and the State Health Department. Interpreters were on hand throughout, including a number of returned missionaries who helped at the USU events.
The group left at 6 a.m. on Nov. 1 for the long flight back to Izhevsk, which is roughly 800 miles southeast of Moscow.
Cherie Martin, the trip's organizer and an adjunct professor at USU-Tooele, said she felt the experience built lasting relationships and cultural understanding.
"(The delegates) got to live with host families to see what an American family is like," she explained. "That connection with the American way of life is one of the important parts of the program. When you've lived in someone's home, you're less likely to feel negatively about them."
The Russians apparently found the trip eye-opening, reporting in evaluations that they were surprised at the number of government services available for children.
"I always like to hear about what colleagues are doing around the world," said Vera Yuryevna Khotinets, chair of general psychology at Udmurtia State University. "I go abroad often and it is interesting to see."
About Open World
Launched in 1999 by the U.S. Congress, Open World has brought more than 12,000 leaders from 10 post-Soviet states to America.
During 10-day trips, Open World participants learn about the roles and interrelationships of the three different branches and levels of the U.S. government. They also examine how the U.S. private and nonprofit sectors help meet social and civic needs. The program builds mutual understanding between the United States and Russia.
Source: www.openworld.gov
