As we stated earlier an American girl Nikki Lohr had worked as an English language assistant at the department of English and Chinese. Two more American girls arrived at Minin University within the framework of Fulbright program, and we managed to interview them.
We talked to Abigail Miller and Paola Pineross Medina, Fulbright participants, about their objectives, first impressions and plans for the future:
Why did you decide to take part in the program?
Abigail: Our main goal is to teach English. We are also interested in the study of the Russian language, culture, various aspects of life. We would like to try to integrate ourselves into the environment of some other country and culture. I love Russian culture, museums and galleries. I would like to work as a volunteer at Arsenal and Futuro, as I already have experience of working in museums of Moscow.
Paola: I have a friend, a Fulbright student, he taught children in elementary school. This experience inspired me, because I also enjoy working with children. And that was my first job when I was 16.
What have you already seen in Russia? What are the first impressions?
Paola: We walked, visited the main sights of Nizhny Novgorod. We arrived in Nizhny in the middle of September. It is my first time in Russia. The first thing I paid attention to was that the food is very tasty and people are incredibly responsive, friendly and always ready to help, especially at Minin University.
Abigail: I have already been to Russia, I studied in Perm and Murmansk. It was a short Russian language program for 4 weeks. I also lived in Moscow and worked at the School of Leaders in Skolkovo last summer, as well as in several galleries in Moscow (the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art and the Pushkin Museum). But, to be honest, Russia never ceases to amaze me. In each city, I continue to discover many new things.
Are you still students or have you already graduated?
Paola: I graduated from Columbia University in New York where I had studied art history and linguistics.
Abigail: I graduated from a university in Nebraska, I studied Russian, art history, and political science.
Why did you take the decision to take part on the program?
Paola: I like learning new languages and discovering new places and other cultures. This is a great opportunity to visit other countries where you have never been before. Despite the difficult political situation, we want to dispel the American myths about Russians, and, conversely, to establish a dialogue of two cultures as well as long –term ties.
Abigail: I love Russian culture and art. The main goal is to establish intercultural relations
What are the first impressions of Nizhny Novgorod? Have you heard anything about the city before?
Abigail: I heard about Nizhny when I was studying in Perm. Nizhny Novgorod is the cultural center of Russia, so I really wanted to come here. The Kremlin is just awesome.
Paola: I have never heard of Nizhny Novgorod. My family watched the World Cup every day, my dad recorded every game that took place in Nizhny Novgorod. It is beautiful here, all people are friendly and kind and I received a hearty welcome. I am feel at home here.
You already know that d a Fulbright student has been here with a visit. Did you manage to communicate with her?
Paola: Yes, I met Nikki in New York, she told me about Minin University and asked to tell that she was missing it, that she enjoyed teaching there. Nikki recommended us where to go and gave a couple of tips. She said that she was well supported here when she experienced some difficulties in learning Russian.
What are your expectations for this year?
Paola: definitely this year will bring me self-development, new acquaintances; I want to learn more about Russian culture and history.
Abigail: I would like to compare study and education in the USA and Russia. And, of course, I hope that my students will get useful knowledge from me, I will be able to teach them a lot in the language.
