Postcard from Abroad
Dear Office of Study Abroad:
The Duke in Russia summer program was my first time being abroad and it was eye opening to experience another culture. I lived on the outskirts of the city with a group of mostly Duke students, so we were able to find our way together.
When I returned in the fall, I was completely on my own. Although I already knew what to expect from the place I had left only months before, it was a whole new ballgame. This time I was living downtown with a Russian family and attending a different school where, as an American, I was in the minority even among other foreign students. Not knowing anyone, the first month was very hard and I quickly grew comfortable doing things on my own. Luckily, wandering around Palace Square and the Hermitage never gets old. I also found it extremely helpful to keep a daily journal to write down all the thoughts that I wasn't able to share with anyone. Once I started that, I slept better!
Eventually I was able to get to know both locals and some fellow student travelers. Some of my favorite memories include tutoring a Russian twelve year old in English (he loved it when I let him try to decipher songs on my iPod!), attending a Russian Orthodox mass at a church in the country, being yelled at on a daily basis for not finishing my tea or wearing warm enough clothes, and having the most memorable Thanksgiving of my life that involved a bunch of crazy Americans, a very big bucket of KFC (it's better there!), and the famous bronze horseman statue.
My experience in Russia was definitely the hardest thing I've ever done, but also a time I look back on with longing. With graduation looming I can't help but think I want to return to such a puzzling and beautiful country.
[Photo is of postcard author in the Czech Republic.]
– Melissa Latham
