September 4, 2013
13-243
Erica Even, Student Assistant
Russian Students Tour Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ¹ÙÍø Campus
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VALDOSTA — Nine Russian students visited Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ¹ÙÍø Tuesday, Aug. 27, on their tour of Georgia colleges and universities.
The group was mainly comprised of high school students from Syktyvkar, Komi Republic, Russia, who are interested in attending college in the United States. Before visiting Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ¹ÙÍø, the students visited the University of West Georgia and Georgia State University.
“We are always looking to attract more international students to Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ¹ÙÍø from around the world, as we believe this makes the Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ¹ÙÍø campus more interesting, attractive, and diverse, “ said Irina McClellan, assistant director of Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ¹ÙÍø’s Center for International Programs and Study Abroad Program advisor.
The Russian students visited a Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ¹ÙÍø Russian language class and gave a presentation on their hometown culture. Advanced Russian language students then led them on a tour of the Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ¹ÙÍø campus that ended with a visit to the Observatory.
Natalia Shakina, Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ¹ÙÍø Russian language instructor, said the visit allowed her students to practice their language skills with native speakers.
“It was a great opportunity for the students to see their peers from Russia and to get to know how similar and at the same time how different we all are,” said Shakina. “As their teacher, I could not help but enjoy watching their faces light up when they were able to understand and were understood.”
Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ¹ÙÍø has a long-standing relationship with Syktyvkar and Syktyvkar State University. About two or three students from Syktyvkar apply to Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ¹ÙÍø every year, said McClellan.
Today, Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ¹ÙÍø has 20 Russian-speaking international students on campus; 10 of those students come from Russia.
Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ¹ÙÍø has offered Russian language classes since the 1960s. Students can minor in Russian language or take Russian language to fulfill a foreign language requirement. Additionally, study abroad programs in St. Petersburg, Russia, are also available for student participation.
Contact Irina McClellan at bmcclel@valdosta.edu or visit for more information.
Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ¹ÙÍø’s 2013-2019 Strategic Plan represents a renewal of energy and commitment to the foundational principles for comprehensive institutions.
Implementation of the plan’s five goals, along with their accompanying objectives and strategies, supports Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ¹ÙÍø’s institutional mission and the University System of Georgia’s mission for comprehensive universities.
The story above demonstrates Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ¹ÙÍø's commitment to meeting the following goals:
Goal 1: Recruit, retain, and graduate a quality, diverse student population and prepare students for roles as leaders in a global society.
Goal 3: Promote student, employee, alumni, retiree, and community engagement in our mission.
Ïã½¶ÊÓÆµ¹ÙÍø to learn more.
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