Dallas Delegation to Russia
As part of Richland’s on-going international education program a delegation comprised of Susan Barkley, Mary Darin, M.T. Hickman, Martha Hogan (team leader), Fred Newbury (also representing Dallas/Saratov Sister City Committee) and Jeana Remington participated in an international educational program in Russia from June 27 - July 5, 2009.
During their visit to the Saratov Region the group met with educational leaders and discussed existing programs, explored new areas of cooperation, and led a day long seminar for 180 English teachers. For the past three years, Richland has been enrolling students from Saratov State University in economics, history, and journalism classes via the internet. This innovative program is attracting students from many parts of the world and offers the unique opportunity of international education without the usual student expenses.
In addition to visiting Saratov State University, the group also met with leaders from Saratov State Technical University, Moscow State University, and Gymnasia 3 (secondary school) to discuss possible on-line enrollment in areas such as international management, business communication, ESOL teacher training, sustainability, travel and tourism, intercultural competency and the Model United Nation project.
While in Saratov the delegation was formally welcomed by the Mayor of Saratov, the Governor of the Saratov Region, and the minister of education. In return, a letter of formal greeting and congratulations for these innovative programs was presented on behalf of Mayor Tom Leppert.