It is a unique experience to be here in Russia, teaching my native language. It is a learning experience for all who are involved.

I learn Russian culture while educating in the ways of English.

Communication is the single most important thing in life, aside from food, water, and air. To me it does not matter whether or not you can speak a language correctly. All that matters is being able to convey what you want, and the ability to return a response of whether or not you will help meet these wants.

One gains an interesting perspective on life when travelling. I will be forever changed by my experiences here in Russia.

Indeed, it can be said that most Americans will never leave their country, and very few of those who do leave come to Russia. It must be confessed that inhabitants of the Western hemisphere know little or nothing of this part of the world, which makes this experience all the more valuable, if and when I should return home.

English is one of the toughest languages in the world, but not as hard as learning Russian, in my opinion. Pronunciation is everything when learning any language, but is not to be confused with accent. You will always have some degree of an accent when speaking English, just as I will always have some form of accent when speaking Russian.

There is a huge advantage to learning English that will benefit you for the rest of your life. English can be called a middle language, for example if I were from Pakistan and you from Russia, there is a better chance that we both speak English, and can thus communicate.

Brent Blankenship, Teacher of English, Center for American English "Колумб", Ekaterinburg