Student Exchange to Kazan, Russia [July 2007]

In July, 2007 eleven high school students along with their two sponsors traveled from B-Cs to Kazan, Russia. Kazan is located some 500 miles east of Moscow, in the state of Tatarstan. This group participated in many daily activities during their home stay including visits to art museums, the Kazan city hall which is closed to local residents, and the University of Kazan founded in 1804. Other highlights include visits to the Raifa Monastery, ancient Bulgar, the Kazan Kremlin and a river cruise on the Volga with multiple stops to ancient villages along the way. When in Moscow the group toured Red Square and St. Basil's Church.

Our students served as outstanding ambassadors from B-CS, many of whom formed lasting friendships with their counterparts. Sponsors remarked with amazement with the numerous similarities among the students despite living half a world away.

The Russian brothers and sisters visited B-CS in October, 2007 for a two week stay. In addition to visiting Texas A&M University and local Brazos County sites the students experienced a Texas rodeo, a county fair, and a traveling circus. Several state parks were included to allow a flavor of the diverse landscape that we take for granted. Delightful fall weather provided a backdrop for visits to San Antonio and the River Walk, Austin, Fredricksburg, and Marble Falls.

The Russian delegation left both happy and exhausted from this two week introduction to Texas and the USA!