Dear Students,

I am in Moscow at a time when we might say that a new page is being written in Russia's history. We all expect the news this year to revolve around politics. That is true and it will continue. It certainly does not feel as "wild" as prior election years and there is a feeling that with each round of Duma elections, democracy is taking root and Russians are beginning to understand that the fate of the country lies very much in their own hands.

Probably the most exciting news, which came last week, is economic. Moody's raised Russia's (sovereign) rating to investment grade, causing an immediate jump in the stock market and a general "buzz" in the business community. This news comes at a time when Yukos and Sibneft (albeit amid political scandal) are in the process of merging to become what may be the world's largest oil company. But it doesn't stop there. Rumor has it that Exxon will now also be buying in as well. Danone, one of the world's largest producers of yogurt and other dairy products, has long been active in Moscow and is now planning to purchase a significant stake in Wimm-Bil-Damm, a Russian competitor in the local market. Starbuck's, Walmart, rumors abound. From an economic standpoint, there are a lot of strong reasons to study Russia - the language, culture, politics, economics, and more.

I welcome you to contact us about the many options for study in Russia, including language, internships, and a growing number of specialized courses offered in English.

Sincerely,

Renee Stillings
Director

If you are planning to study with SRAS during the Spring 2004 semester, note that we have extended the deadline to November 1 for Moscow and November 15 for programs outside of Moscow. If you are in the process of completing your application and have any questions, contact us.

As this year is really a year of economics and politics we are bringing your attention to Moscow International Higher Business School (MIRBIS).

MIRBIS is an international business school aiming to meet the challenges of management in the 21st century. Founded in 1988 as one of the first business schools in the former Soviet Union, it provides business education, research, consultancy and partnership links with organisations in private and state sectors in areas including accounting, finance, banking, marketing, economic development, human resource management, law, management, and foreign languages.

Our Feature Study Abroad programs at MIRBIS (Language of Business I, II) offer you the option to take Russian language (including business language) as well as business courses offered in either Russian or English.

Dates for the Summer 2004 "Russia in the 21st Century" seminar series have been set. This is a great opportunity for an intensive introduction to politics, business & economics, the press, and culture in Russia. Plenty of field trips and cultural outings make this program one not to miss.

Lectures are in English and are appropriate to undergraduate and graduate students, as well as professionals looking to improve understanding of Russian in these fields. This program is scheduled such that it can be easily followed by a full summer language course.