From Russia to America: A Year of Cultural Insights and Journalism Education
Applying for an exchange program in the U.S. was both exciting and challenging experience for me. The process of submitting my portfolio, along with going through the interview, pushed me out of my comfort zone, but it ultimately opened the door to valuable international experience. Over the past two semesters, I studied mass media with a focus on film and video at Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas. While I thought I was prepared for the cultural differences, the reality was eye-opening. On my first day on campus, I met many new people and began navigating the American education system, which I continued to explore throughout the year. I’d like to share some of the cultural aspects that greatly influenced my adjustment.
Indirect Communication:
One significant cultural difference I encountered was the indirect communication style used by American professors. Unlike the direct and straightforward instructions I was accustomed to, my professors in the U.S. often framed requests in a more subtle and polite manner. For example, rather than saying, "Bring your laptops to class," they would phrase it as, "It would be great if you could possibly bring your laptops..." Guess who was the only one showing up without a laptop on the first day? This softer approach to communication required me to adjust, as it left more room for interpretation and demanded greater awareness of context. Fortunately, studies in cross-cultural communication back in Baikal School of BRICS provided me with the tools to navigate this difference.
Communities:
The multitude of communities on campus was a pleasant surprise. There were countless student organizations, and everyone could find a group that aligned with their interests. I had the freedom to explore electives outside my core field, which allowed me to develop a diverse skill set. I joined the adventure club, went hiking in Nebraska, and participated in dance, French, and international student organizations. I also took part in International Cuisine Day, where I baked "blinchiki" and shared insights about Russia's rich multinational culture. This vibrant campus life kept me engaged throughout the year and underscored the importance of student organizations in education.
Personal Space:
The respect for personal boundaries in the U.S. had both upsides and downsides. While it promotes politeness, it can weaken the sense of close friendship that I was used to in Russia. In Russian universities, classmates often feel like a "brotherhood," whereas in the U.S., the dynamic is more individualistic, with different students in each class and less personal interaction.
During the last year, I participated in several media projects, including working on a short film called Getaway as a sound designer. I also edited movie trailers, performed in a theater play, and tried my hand at screenwriting. My program offered numerous opportunities to apply classroom learning in real-world settings, from working with campus media to interning at local outlets.
Looking back on my year of study abroad in America, I realize that the most valuable aspect of my experience extended beyond the classroom. The exposure to a rich diversity of cultures, perspectives, and lifestyles, including traveling to 16 states and interacting with locals broadened my horizons. I pushed myself to new limits - solo traveling, skydiving, and couchsurfing - all while studying at two universities. Balancing such a packed schedule was challenging, but it was worth it. I believe that experience is a treasure, and the more we accumulate, the more we have to offer the world. These opportunities enhanced my journalism skills, resilience, adaptability, self-confidence, and made for an incredibly enriching year. As I look forward to my media career, I feel well-prepared to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
- Celebrating Homecoming
- Visiting “Skovorodka” restaurant in Brooklyn, New York with friends from Japan and Korea
- Volunteering as a math teacher in Whitson Elementary School in Topeka
- Meeting russian students in Washington
- Grand Canyon, Arizona
- Visiting my relatives in Monterey, California during winter holidays
