2011 World View Russia Tour
RUSSIA: PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR THE 21ST CENTURY EDUCATOR
JUNE 18-30, 2011
“Доброe утро”, or good morning, brushed the ears of twenty-seven North Carolina educators each morning during their 13-day study visit to Russia (June 18-30). As participants in World View’s 2011 international study visit, educators were challenged to look beyond the borders of North Carolina to experience a culture, country, and people different than their own. The participants, from all subject areas and grade levels, 
explored Russia’s significant cultural and historical sites in the large metropolises of Moscow and St. Petersburg including Red Square, Kremlin of Palace of Congresses, the Hermitage, and more. Equally valuable were visits to smaller towns where participants shared conversations, events, and meals with local Russians in Suzdal, Vladimir, Plyos, and Ivanovo. The highlight of the trip was a visit to a local K-12 school in Ivanovo followed by individual home visits with local educators and businessmen.
Upon return, the participants are required to demonstrate how they will integrate this study visit experience into their curriculum. A special thanks to the UNC Center for Slavic, Eurasian, and East European Studies (CSEEES) for their support before, during, and after the study visit as participants prepare their curriculum with CSEEES resources and guidance.
Participant testimony:
“I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed this trip! I will now have a much richer background for my literature students when we study Dostoevsky. I also plan to write an article for our school’s magazine as well as meet with colleagues in the social studies and foreign language to share some thoughts about ways to increase a ‘Russian presence’ in our curriculum.”
–Marcia Jones, High School English Teacher
Article by Carina Brossy, Assistant Director for Curriculum, World View