This document provides information about volunteering in Russia through Cross-Cultural Solutions (CCS). It discusses the history of Russia, Russian culture, CCS's program in Yaroslavl including placements and winter opportunities. Alumni praise the life-changing experience and hidden treasure of volunteering in Yaroslavl. Contact information is provided to learn more.

1. Volunteering in Russia:
Fall In Love with Russia

2. Agenda
• Introductions
• Eliminating the Mystery: History of Russia
• Why volunteers always want to return!
(Alumni panel)
• Program Details and CCS Russia Info
• Questions and Answers from Audience

3. Introductions
Cassandra (Кассандра) Tomkin
Director of Operations
CCS Russia alum
Kemper (Кемпер) O’Neill
Program Advisor
CCS Costa Rica alum
Joseph (Иосиф) Reeves
CCS Russia alum, 2002
Janet (Дженет) Drake
CCS Russia alum, 2011

4. Eliminating the
Mystery:
History of Russia “Russia is a riddle
wrapped in a mystery
inside an enigma.”
- Winston Churchill

5. The Romanovs
The Romanov family came to power in 1613, and was the second
& last imperial dynasty to rule Russia.
Catherine the The end of the
Great Romanov Dynasty
1682-1725
Peter the Great
1682-1725

6. The Revolution
A series of revolutions ensued in 1917. In October, the Bolshevik
party, led by Lenin, overthrew the government in St. Petersburg.
They later became the Communist Party of the Soviet Union.
• A 10-hour workday 6 days a
week was the norm
• Harsh discipline, which could
include beatings
• No ownership of land worked
by the former serfs
• Massive overcrowding – a
1904 survey showed 16
people sharing one
apartment on average

7. Soviet Rule
Death of people who opposed (or seemed to oppose)
communism and the new party through mass
executions, death camps, or famine.
Russian Famines
1921 & 1932-33
The Russian economy was destroyed, and the Ruble
lost 96% of it’s value. Cities began to run out of food
due to economic decline. Some reports say that famine
was used as a political weapon of control.

8. The People’s War
Russia was led by Stalin during WWII, who largely ignored the
signs of an impending German attack. In the summer of 1941,
Russia was invaded, first in Leningrad (St. Petersburg).
900 Days & 900 Nights: The Blockade of St. Petersburg

9. The Fall of Communism
After Gorbachev’s failure at perestroika, Yeltsin came into
power and dissolved the USSR.
The 90s: Economic Shocks
• 75% of Russians began
growing their own food to
survive
• Life expectancy dropped
• $1-$2 billion in capital left
Russia each month
• The number of people in
poverty rose from 14 million
to 147 million

10. Russian Culture

11. Russian Culture

12. Russian Culture
“The Russian Soul”
“West and east, Pacific and Atlantic, Arctic and tropics,
extreme cold and extreme heat, prolonged sloth and
sudden feats of energy, exaggerated cruelty and
exaggerated kindness, ostentatious wealth and dismal
squalor, violent xenophobia and uncontrollable yearning
for contact with the foreign world, vast power and most
abject slavery, simultaneous love and hate for the same
objects… the Russian does not reject these
contradictions. He has learned to live with them, and in
them. To him, they are the spice of life.”
- George F. Kennan

13. Russian Climate
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Average High Temperature (°F) 17 21 32 48 64 70 74 70 59 45 32 21
Average Low Temperature (°F) 4 3 16 32 43 50 54 51 43 33 22 11
Average Precipitation (mm) 37 27 26 40 52 65 84 64 55 52 46 43
Rainy Days 10 7 8 8 9 10 11 10 10 11 11 12

14. Why Volunteers
Always want to
Return!
Alumni Panel Discussion

15. CCS in Russia

16. Yaroslavl, • Volunteer and Intern Abroad
Russia • 2-11 Week Programs
Яросла́вль • Lower Program Fee for
2012 Russia enrollments
Quick Facts:
•2010 marked the 1000th anniversary!
•Population: 800,000
•Five hours to Moscow
•On the Golden Ring of ancient
Russian cities
•Modern city but lots of natural beauty
and architectural gems

17. Yaroslavl,
Russia Volunteering in
Яросла́вль Multiple Placements

18. Yaroslavl,
Russia Why Winter Is Better!
Яросла́вль
• Another chance at Christmas!
Russia Christmas is in January
• Two New Year’s celebrations!
• Skiing, sledding and
snowmobile riding
• Theatrical season – classical
musicals or Jazz center
performances
• Visits to a local moose farm

19. “It has changed my life, and
anytime someone asks me
about it I usually find myself
completely speechless. It is
something I wish everyone
could experience.”
“I had the time of my life. I
recommend going to Yaroslavl
no matter how young or old
you are. It is a hidden treasure
in your life waiting to be
found.”

20. www.crossculturalsolutions.org
Check out available start dates:
www.crossculturalsolutions.org/startdates
Next Contact a Program Advisor
1-800-380-4777, Mon-Fri, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. EST
Steps Kemper: kemper@crossculturalsolutions.org
Ask personal questions, request alumni
references, and get fundraising advice!
Next Webinar: Summer Volunteering!
www.crossculturalsolutions.org/webinars
Stay In Touch Upcoming Info Sessions
• San Diego, CA – 2/18
facebook.com/crossculturalsolutions
• Virginia Beach, VA – 2/19
twitter.com/volunteerabroad
• Manhattan, NY – 2/26
ccscommunity.org
• St. Louis, MO – 2/27
youtube.com/ccsvolunteerabroad
• Philadelphia, PA – 3/7
• Toronto, ON – 3/16