EducationUSA Moscow by Lindsay Hodge

EducationUSA is a U.S. Department of State network of over 400 international student advising centers in more than 170 countries. EducationUSA is officially a branch in the Office of Global Educational Programs in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Students from South Alabama visit the EducationUSA office a few times during each program. It gives students from South Alabama the opportunity to meet peers from Russia and to provide some advice for those wanting to study in the USA. Lindsay Hodge talks about her experience and the contacts she made.

Education USA is a branch of the U.S. Department of State that works in 178 countries around the world to improve public diplomacy by providing educational opportunities that are enriched with cultural immersion and social interaction. Education USA encourages and assists young adults who are pursuing a post-graduate degree at an American university. For example, they give presentations on college life in America, they conduct standardized test preparatory classes, they find potential financial aid/scholarships, and they serve as a resource throughout the entire application process. The success of this branch helps to create long standing positive relationships with the future leaders and potential agents of change, in each of the 178 countries.

While studying abroad in Russia, my class and I visited the Education USA center in Moscow. This program in particular actively combats the skepticism that exists within our countries, by removing the political divisions and using education to promote better relations. The thought of studying abroad in an adversarial country is quite intimidating, but there is so much to be gained from this experience. Aside from receiving a prestigious education, one can enhance their foreign language skills, expose themselves to a diverse environment, and form international connections. Below, in the fourth story of the building pictured, is where all of these possibilities lie. 

I participated in a networking social at Education USA. The social allowed Russian students to ask my classmates and me whatever they desired to know about the U.S. I enjoyed the time I spent talking with a few different individuals. I met an older gentleman who was formerly a lawyer and is currently an English teacher. He wants to get a doctorate degree in the U.S. The Russian education system does not provide second chances and circumstantial leniency like the American system does. 

I made another great connection with a girl named Marina. She wants to get a graduate degree in Finance. Some of the concerns she expressed to me were the costs of higher education in America and the standardized tests. These fears are just as prevalent for me as an American student. Through our conversation, Marina and I discovered we will be taking the GMAT and/or GRE at the same time and applying to graduate schools this fall. Recognizing that we could be of great help to one another, we decided to exchange contacts. Marina and I have met three times since the social. She has helped expose me to different parts of Moscow and given me an opportunity to use my Russian language skills. During our meetings, we practice for the reading sections of the GMAT/GRE. I am able to explain some of the English words she is unfamiliar with and the reasoning behind the correct answers. This preparation has been very beneficial to both of us. I am happy to know that Education USA fosters friendships like ours all across the world.