Posted October 21, 2011

A few of the students who traveled to Russia this past month as part of the Shaker-Moscow exchange program.

For two weeks beginning in late September, a group of 16 Shaker High School students traveled to Russia to take part in the Shaker-Moscow exchange program designed to immerse students in the Russian culture.

During the majority of the trip, students had the unique experience to live with host families, something that many of them had to adjust to rather quickly.

"My host family was very nice," junior Katie Green said. "I learned a lot about their culture and family lifestyle. It's different from what we're used to in the United States."

One of the traits that many of the students' host families shared was the importance of dinner time.

"It was just non-stop food," senior Greg Wayne said. "I think the thing I said the most when I was there was 'I am full'. 'Are you hungry?' isn't a question over there - it's more of a statement."

The SHS students and their host students had a relatively easy time getting to know each other and took advantage of social media networks to talk with each other prior to the trip.

"It was exciting when I first made contact with my exchange student," junior Annabel Lewis said. "We were able to talk on Facebook before going over there. It really helped to take a lot of the anxiety out of the initial face to face meeting."

The students were able to connect over many similar interests including music and movies.

SHS students had the opportunity to attened school with their host students during the day. While there were many similarities between education here in the United State and in Russia, a few differences stood out to the students.

"The teaching style was a little different," Lewis said. "The scheduling was more of a block style and students stay together as they advance in each grade level as opposed to here where we're in different classes with different people each year."

Sightseeing was also in the plans for students as they visited renowned cultural and historical sites including Saint Catherine's Cathedral in Moscow. Many of the students came away impressed by what they saw and experienced.

"It's such a rich culture," junior Gabriella Morelli said. "The architecture...it's like going back in time. The city has such a cultural identity."

"Russia is different than we are in so many ways," Lewis said. "It's defined by its culture. I enjoyed seeing something so different."

"Moscow is unlike any city I've been to," junior Brittany Egnot said. "There are similarities to our cities here in America but the streets are cleaner and more well-kept. For an older city, that is really impressive."

Next week, a group of students will arive in Albany from Moscow to begin their two-week stay with their American host families. The Shaker students are more than excited to renew acquaintances with their Russian friends.

"We clicked and just grew into each other," senior Mollie Schwartz said. "It's going to be fun having them here so they can experience our culture now."

Shaker students only hope their Russian counterparts learn and enjoy themselves as much as they did while in Moscow.