You're probably wondering what the heck my blog title is about. Well, if you were not already aware, I'm leaving January 26th to go to Voronezh, Russia to teach English to kids. I received an information packet about Voronezh, about the program and other random facts. I noticed a list of things that you can't get in Russia. Peanut butter I expected, but I was surprised by some of the other things on there. For example: Lined paper (you can only get graph paper), duct tape, and marshmallows.
Marshmallows? What kind of country doesn't have marshmallows?! You can get all kinds of American name-brand products there, but no marshmallows? For some reason, I find that really funny, hence, the naming of my blog. No peeps this Easter--I'm gonna miss those little guys.
Anyway! Let me answer a few questions I keep getting with a little Voronezh FAQ!
Q: Why Voronezh?
A: That's where I was assigned! I originally planned on going to Kiev, Ukraine, but I was switched to Voronezh, which I'm actually really looking forward to. Voronezh is on the south western side of Russia, kind of by Ukraine, so it's not nearly as cold as, say, Moscow or St. Petersburg. In fact, the weather isn't much different from Utah.
Q: How do you pronounce Voronezh?
A: Your guess is as good as mine.
Q: Do you speak any Russian?
A: Not a word. The program offers free language classes though, so I'm definitely going to take advantage of that. I'll be living with a host family who most likely won't speak English and I'll be going to a Russian branch out there, so I have the incentive to learn it. They actually told us that the missionaries in Voronezh can translate for us at church. I'm really looking forward to learning some Russian.
Q: Won't it be hard to teach kids whose language you don't speak?
A: Yep.
Q: What is this program?
A: It's called International Language Programs (ILP). They send volunteers to 4 different countries (Mexico, Ukraine, China, and Russia) to teach English to kids in schools. It is volunteer work, so no, I do not get paid, but the program cost (about $2,500) pays for my airfare and all food and housing while I'm there, plus language and culture classes. The only things I have to pay for is entertainment costs, like traveling and going to performances and things like that. I found out that most ballets and shows you can get into for about 60 Russian Rubles--about $2 in the U.S.! I'll be living with a host family that lives near the school I'll be teaching at and they'll provide most of my meals.
If you have any other questions, let me know! I'll update as I get closer to leaving, and I'll try to be good about posting while I'm there, but I'm sure I'll be pretty busy, so no promises. I'm very excited to go, but I'll miss all of you!
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Michelle!!!
ReplyDeleteWe are SO excited for you!!! What an awesome adventure! You are going to be such a wonderful teacher!! Those kids are really, really lucky to have you coming. You are so sweet and so creative. I bet your lessons will have them all captivated. I'm really happy you are going to blog about your experiences there. We'll be so happy to hear all about it! Good luck with all the preparations :)
Michelle, It was so fun to have you come out to Oregon and see the family. We are sure excited for all the great things going on in your life. This will be quite the adventure for you. I've always been tremendously fascinated with Russia. It is a country and culture that is rich, and yet we generally know little about it.
ReplyDeleteOn a related note, make sure you take all safety precautions and obey all the rules that they give you, curfews, travel partners, safe zones, etc.