2008
International Education Week Forefronts the Value of Exchanges
On November 17-21, Public Affairs Vladivostok coordinated a week-long series of activities in celebration of the International Education Week, in collaboration with the local American Councils office in Vladivostok. The week included a discussion about the value of exchanges at the American Corner, where Ambassador John Beyrle and his spouse, Jocelyn Greene, met exchange program alumni. The Ambassador gave a lecture on exchanges and addressed the U.S.-Russia relationship and foreign policy issues at both the Vladivostok University of Economics and Service (VUES) and Sakhalin State University, engaging in a lively Q&A with students from all major universities. The remainder of the week included presentations by Senior English Language Fellow Allyson Kellum, Fulbright English Teaching Assistant David Kessel, Vladivostok Consulate staff, held at VGUES and the American Corner. On Friday, the final events included an Educational Fair at the American Corner. The week gave dozens of students many opportunities to learn more about the value of exchanges, future options for study in the United States, and first-hand experiences from Russian and American exchange program participants alike.