Russia and West Virginia Foundation

Nine Educators from Korolev
Traveled to West Virginia

   Given the increased interdependence between nations in today’s world, the importance of international exchanges, where nations become individuals, is greater than ever. Through these exchanges, the impersonal becomes personal, names are given faces and the "other" is seen to be a little more like us. Stereotypes are undermined, and a more finessed and subtle understanding of one another is fostered. Recognizing the benefits to be gained by such programs, the Russia and West Virginia Foundation has, since 1992, sponsored over 200 trips for Americans to Russia and Russians to America, in order to foster business, educational, cultural and community ties between the two countries.

     As part of the Foundation’s ongoing exchange program, nine educators from Korolev traveled to West Virginia in the spring of 1998 to spend ten days visiting with their American counterparts. The group flew from Moscow to Dulles Airport, and were then driven to West Virginia State College at Institute, West Virginia. During their one-day stay at West Virginia State College, they toured the Charleston area, visiting the Capitol, the Cultural Center, the West Virginia Rehabilitation Center and the Children’s Therapy Clinic. Besides sight-seeing, the group took time out for shopping-- apparently a favorite activity of both Russian and American travelers. The Russian educators met their West Virginia families at a reception at the home of Jim and Ginny Simmons. After introductions and toasts to the leadership of the Foundation, the Russians left with their new families to experience a week of life in Wayne, Putnam and Braxton Counties, thanks to the Fort Gay Elementary School staff, Sally Hazlett, and David McChesney. During their stay, they participated in higher education pedagogical programs, and observed regular, vocational and special education classes. The Russian educators took part in discussions with parents, teachers and administrators

     The only low point of the experience was having to say good-bye to new friends. The sorrow of saying good-bye was lessened by the realization that the threads of friendship that bind our world together are just a little stronger.