Fall of communism to be focus of UVa-Wise study abroad program in Russia and Europe

In cooperation with the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP), The University of Virginia’s College at Wise will offer students the opportunity to closely examine the fall of communism with a study abroad trip in January 2009 to Estonia, Russia and the Ukraine.

The three week-program, “After Empire: The Collapse of Communism and Beyond,” will be offered through the University of Tartu in Estonia, St. Petersburg State University in Russia and Kyiv-Mohyla Academy in Ukraine.

Students will spend one week in each location and attend English-language lectures by local professors, as well as special seminars and meetings with diplomats, business leaders and politicians. Visits to enterprises, government institutions, non-governmental organizations and media firms will also be included.

During the first week of the program at the University of Tartu in Estonia, students will attend lectures and seminars relating to the challenges and roles of Europe and Russia in the world community and in international politics. Students will visit the Estonian parliament and meet with the European Commission Representation Office in Estonia.

At St. Petersburg State University, established in 1724, students will attend lectures focusing on globalization, economy, arms control and energy in Russia.

During the final week at Kyiv-Mohyla Academy in Kiev, established in 1654, students will learn about the history, transition, cultural identity, economy and political system of Ukraine. Students will also visit the Ukrainian Parliament and participate in cultural programs.

For more information about the program and requirements, visit www.isep.org/students/Featured_programs/eru. Information may also be obtained by contacting the Office of International Programs at 276-328-0287 or internationalprograms@uvawise.edu.