Blog: Olsen '14 Sets Out to Discover Russia Beyond the Headlines

NAME Kyle Olsen '14

HOMETOWN Los Angeles

AREAS OF STUDY Political science and Russian double major, College Honors Program

WHERE HE’S STUDYING Russian State University for the Humanities in Moscow

WHY HE CHOSE RUSSIA "I have always been fascinated by Russia’s history, its politics, and its people. In deciding on a study abroad program, I wanted a destination that was unconventional and even a little mysterious. I wanted to live in a country that would challenge my cultural beliefs and provide me with a non-Western perspective on history, politics, and global affairs. Russia seemed to fit this mold."

WHAT HE’S MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO "I look forward to gaining a better understanding of Russian values, culture and language through complete immersion in Russian society."

WHY HE’S BLOGGING "I wish to give others an idea about what it’s like to study abroad in Russia. I also wish to have a record of my experiences there. Lastly, I want to provide others with a glimpse of Russian society. Sadly, the American view of Russia is still shrouded in myth and stereotype, and it is often dominated by images of vodka, a Cold War spy or St. Basil’s Cathedral. I hope to break through that shallow understanding and provide an accurate representation of Russian life."

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