The FSU International Programs trip to
Moscow was the experience I needed as a student studying Russian and
International Affairs to take my learning and post-undergrad career to the next
level. I was able to apply much of what I had learned in class at Florida
State, which allowed me to build upon that already solid foundation. The
excursions and activities provided for us gave me a glimpse into the Russian
spirit, its proud, yet somber, past, and its optimistic future. We were privileged
to experience things that a normal tourist visiting Russia would never be able
to experience. I explored the districts of Moscow, studied at the one of the
world’s most preeminent universities, saw two performances at the Bolshoi
Theatre and one at the Kremlin Palace, visited countless art galleries and
museums, climbed the tallest tower in Europe, rode on the train of the
Communist Party Elite to St. Petersburg, stayed in luxurious hotels, saw grand
and historic cities, spent hours meandering about Gorki Park, gazed at historic
and awe-inspiring architecture, walked the path of Dostoevsky, visited
Tolstoy’s estate, marveled at the Russian countryside, ate some of the greatest
cuisine Europe has to offer. And I was treated like a welcomed guest by tour guides
and civilians alike. Any student who plans on specializing in Russian studies
must do themselves the favor of going on the IP trip to Moscow. I am proof that
the program is a sound investment in one’s future – especially if one wants a
career in American-Russian affairs.
When I returned from Moscow, I applied to
the Department of State’s Student Internship Program and Virtual Student
Foreign Service Program. To date, I have received a total of four offers from
both programs in fields pertaining to Russian foreign affairs. I received an
offer from the Embassy in Riga to intern in the Public Affairs office to engage
in outreach to the country’s Russian minority. The Embassy in Moscow contacted
me soon afterwards to offer me a position in the Political Section to assist
the political and military affairs team. Finally, I was offered a position to
work in Washington D.C. with the Department of State’s Bureau of Research and
Intelligence. I ultimately decided to take the position in Moscow because of my
love and knowledge of the city and the fact that the position falls perfectly
in line with what I would like to do as a career. The final offer I received
came from the Department of State’s Virtual Student Foreign Service Program which
allows students to work on different projects through different organizations.
I was offered a position from the Embassy in Moscow to perform outreach to
Russian youth and to provide a cultural bridge aimed at linking our nations
together through mutual understanding and respect. This internship will last
the remainder of fall semester and will continue while I am in Moscow for the
spring. I could never have imagined so many opportunities falling into place
after having studied abroad in Moscow. I can speak with confidence when I say
that going on the trip was not only the greatest decision I’ve made, but also
the greatest experience I have ever had. Thank you, Dr. Efimov, for making the
program what it is. Thank you for convincing me to join, and thank you for
doing what you do for all of your students. We know how much you put into this
program and I hope that I can repay you in some small way in the future. But
until then, you should know that you have sparked a love and an interest for culture,
people, and a nation, and I will continue to keep that passion burning bright
until the day I die.
Written by: Nate Lanaghan
Photos by: Nate Lanaghan
Written by: Nate Lanaghan
Photos by: Nate Lanaghan
