Kazan — summer 2014

The State Department just updated its warning about traveling to the border areas of Russia and Ukraine. Our main office probably already knows about it, but I just sent them this e-mail message.

Kathleen, Marina and David,

I just wanted to bring to your attention the updated State Department warning about travel to the border areas of Russia/Ukraine. Those students who have already signed up for the STEP program will automatically receive a copy of the update, so I wanted to be sure you were aware of it in case you should receive inquiries about it. The link is here.

In most ways it is similar to the March 14th warning, although it also notes that there are irregular troops crossing back and forth between Russian and Ukraine. Since our program is not anywhere near the Ukrainian border, I do not believe there is any need for us to change any summer plans. Feel free to forward this note to any student or family member who has concerns. I am currently in Bulgaria and will depart for Russia on Monday, arriving there on Tuesday. At that time I will check out the feel of the city, but so far none of my local informants have sensed any need not to come to Kazan.

All the best, Don Livingston.