St. John’s Students and Faculty Explore Russian History, Culture and Media during Study Abroad Program

September 14, 2008

“I leave Russia feeling grateful for the friendships formed, the knowledge earned, and the lessons learned,” wrote junior journalism major Gloria Pazmino, in her travel blog during this year’s Study Abroad in Russia Summer Program. On July 5, twelve St. John’s students and faculty members departed to Russia to learn about the media and communication industries in Moscow and St. Petersburg and experience the history, language and culture of the Eastern European country. The program was created by Assistant Professor of Division of Mass Communication (College of Professional Studies) Alla Baeva in conjunction with Global Studies, and was the first time St. John’s students traveled to the “upcoming hub of media and film.”

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“The Mass Media in Russia course is a perfect hands-on exploration of Russian culture and Russian media. It was a very fascinating trip,” said Frank Brady, Ph.D., Chair of Division of Mass Communication and one of the faculty members that accompanied the students on the trip.

During the fifteen day trip the group visited various media outlets, such as the Moscow Bureau of The New York Times and famous Russian film studio, Mosfilm. They also attended lectures by notable advertising executives and professors from the School of Journalism of Moscow State University and from VGIK (National Institute of Cinema). As part of their assignments for the course, the students were required to update daily travel blogs, create videos and take pictures to document their experiences in Russia. All of these can be found on the Mass Media in Russia Web site.

The group also visited various historic sites, such as Red Square, Kremlin, Hermitage and Pushkin Fine Arts Museum. With a schedule packed with field trips, lectures and sightseeing, the group returned with a new appreciation for Russian culture and media practices. “My trip was made unforgettable not only by the things I saw and learned, but also the people I met and the friendships I formed. Traveling to Russia definitely enhanced my education and those lucky enough to do it must take full advantage of it,” reflected Gloria.

To learn more about Mass Media in Russia and other programs offered by the Office of Global Studies, please visit the Global Studies Web site or call the Office of Global Studies:

Queens Campus
Marillac Terrace
Phone (718) 990-6105
Fax (718) 990-2321
globalstudies@stjohns.edu

Staten Island Campus
Rosati Hall, Room 113
(718) 390-4035
intled@stjohns.edu

 

St. John's Students in Moscow during Mass Media in Russia Summer Study Abroad