This webinar talks about what makes Russia, the largest country in the world, one of the most mysterious countries too. We will also feature CCS Russia alumni who will share their photos and stories, and answer any questions you might have about CCS and volunteering in Eastern Europe.

1. Volunteering in Russia: Fall In Love with Russia

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

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

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

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

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

15. CCS in Russia

17. Yaroslavl, Russia Яросла́вль Volunteering in Multiple Placements

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.”