If you are already receiving in some way information about the US-Russian Exchanges Symposium, please excuse this additional message. It is hard to know precisely who has received it and we don’t want to be guilty of not informing all interested parties.

The US-Russia Exchanges Symposium is a unique networking event for US and Russian education and exchange institutions interested in making new contacts, discussing opportunities for new bilateral partnerships, and learning about the latest developments in US-Russian education exchanges. Organized by the US Embassy in cooperation with the Russian Ministry of Education, it is designed to respond to the needs and interests of the participants. If your institution is involved in US-Russian exchanges, or if you would like to be, I hope you will consider attending or sending a representative.

What does this symposium offer you?

• The opportunity to meet US and Russian government officials involved in exchanges, as well as representatives of many Russian institutions of higher learning. (Representatives from over 30 institutions in 20 cities have already registered their intent to participate.) There will be no registration fee for those who register before April 1st.
• The possibility of hosting a booth presenting your institution at an "Expo" at the conclusion of the conference.
• The inclusion of your institution’s description, statement of interest, and contact points in a website and booklet that will be provided to all participants several weeks prior to the event. This will allow participants to plan in advance meetings with specific participants.
• Professional interpretation for formal events and free access to interpreting assistance for informal discussions with Russian participants during the event.
• A keynote presentation by Russian Minister of Education and Science Andrey Fursenko (invited).
• A reception at historic Spaso House, residence of the U.S. Ambassador, where you will have the opportunity to talk informally with Russian government officials, educators, businessmen, including many alumni of U.S. universities (many of whom now occupy important positions in business and government).

A preliminary schedule and list of tentative panel sessions for the two-day event is attached.

Additional opportunities in Russia

Other services available on an optional basis in connection with the Symposium, including:

• 2-3 day cultural tour of Moscow and the Golden Ring following the symposium. Details will be finalized based on interest. A visit to St. Petersburg for the White Nights is also possible through a local travel agent.
• Additional visits to and discussions with educational institutions outside of Moscow may be arranged.
• Travel Services:
• For academic institutions, visa letter provided by Ministry of Education
• Special hotel rates

A comprehensive list of information and website information follows this letter. There is a separate Russian-language version also available from the website.

Why participants should register early

• There will be no participation fee for those who register before April 1^st.

Sincerely,
Laurence D. Wohlers
Minister Counselor for Public Affairs

Dear Russian and American Participants:

As we continue our planning for the May 26-27 Exchanges Symposium to be held in Moscow, we would like to share this information with you. This bulletin contains information concerning:

• Symposium Schedule
• Summaries of proposed panel sessions – and how you can participate in a particular panel!
• Expo!
• List of invited speakers and participants
• Travel Information –reduced hotel rates in Moscow, Russian visas, tourist excursions, and excursions to regional institutions of higher education.
• Deadlines for participation

We already have received a great amount of feedback from both American and Russian participants. We are in the process of creating a web-based forum for participants to discuss various panel topics with one another prior to the symposium or to ask general questions. Additional information on this forum is forthcoming. In the meantime, we would like to encourage you to register on our web site. There will be no conference fee for those who register before April 1. (http://www.usembassy.ru/bilateral/symposium2_form.php)

Deadlines to Remember:

March 15 – Deadline for Educational and Tourist excursions

April 1 – Proposal submissions for panel sessions.

April 1 – Expo participation registration

April 1 – Visa support information

April 1 – Travel stipend application

April 30 – Participation registration