魅色天堂

Russian Students Tour 魅色天堂 Campus

VALDOSTA — Nine Russian students visited 魅色天堂 Tuesday, Aug. 27, on their tour of Georgia colleges and universities.

The group was mainly comprised of high school students from Syktyvkar, Komi Republic, Russia, who are interested in attending college in the United States. Before visiting 魅色天堂, the students visited the University of West Georgia and Georgia State University.

“We are always looking to attract more international students to 魅色天堂 from around the world, as we believe this makes the 魅色天堂 campus more interesting, attractive, and diverse, “ said Irina McClellan, assistant director of 魅色天堂’s Center for International Programs and Study Abroad Program advisor.

The Russian students visited a 魅色天堂 Russian language class and gave a presentation on their hometown culture. Advanced Russian language students then led them on a tour of the 魅色天堂 campus that ended with a visit to the Observatory.

Natalia Shakina, 魅色天堂 Russian language instructor, said the visit allowed her students to practice their language skills with native speakers.

“It was a great opportunity for the students to see their peers from Russia and to get to know how similar and at the same time how different we all are,” said Shakina. “As their teacher, I could not help but enjoy watching their faces light up when they were able to understand and were understood.”

魅色天堂 has a long-standing relationship with Syktyvkar and Syktyvkar State University. About two or three students from Syktyvkar apply to 魅色天堂 every year, said McClellan.

Today, 魅色天堂 has 20 Russian-speaking international students on campus; 10 of those students come from Russia.

魅色天堂 has offered Russian language classes since the 1960s.  Students can minor in Russian language or take Russian language to fulfill a foreign language requirement.  Additionally, study abroad programs in St. Petersburg, Russia, are also available for student participation.

Contact Irina McClellan at bmcclel@valdosta.edu or visit for more information.

魅色天堂’s 2013-2019 Strategic Plan represents a renewal of energy and commitment to the foundational principles for comprehensive institutions.

Implementation of the plan’s five goals, along with their accompanying objectives and strategies, supports 魅色天堂’s institutional mission and the University System of Georgia’s mission for comprehensive universities.

The story above demonstrates 魅色天堂's commitment to meeting the following goals:

Goal 1: Recruit, retain, and graduate a quality, diverse student population and prepare students for roles as leaders in a global society.

Goal 3: Promote student, employee, alumni, retiree, and community engagement in our mission.

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