The Russia Youth Environmental Program

The Russia Youth Environmental Program (RYEP) is designed to foster greater understanding between the people of the United States and Russia and provide Russian youth with an international forum to discuss environmental issues. The program will focus on environmental sustainability – which considers how individual, community, corporate, and global practices can better contribute to the health and sustainability of the world. Forty Russian participants ages 18-20 will learn more about environmental sustainability, gain exposure to successful youth-led environmental and community service projects, and examine the topics of community engagement and citizen participation.

The exchange begins with a 12-day Environmental Sustainability Academy at Dartmouth College in New-Hampshire that will end with a 3 day Appalachian Trail backpacking trip. The Academy will develop participants’ understanding of concepts related to environmental sustainability as well as communication, critical thinking and project planning skills. Participants will then move to Vermont to take part in environmental community service activities and visit local environmental organizations, colleges and sustainable businesses to observe their operations and become familiar with green projects.

At the end of the program, students will have cultural time in Washington, DC, and New-York City.

RYEP covers the participant costs, including international travel, ground transportation, lodging and meals in the U.S.

As a participant in the RYEP program, you will:

• Participate in pre-departure online classwork which will introduce you to the program, host organization, your fellow RYEP peers, the meaning of environmental sustainability and you will receive guidance on how to prepare for travel to the United States.
• Travel to the United States for a four-week program consisting of training seminars, interactive group activities, site visits, and community service opportunities related to environmental sustainability. The program will include cultural activities and a two week homestay with an American so you can learn about the culture and everyday life of the American people.
• Return to Russia to implement a project that focuses on improving the environmental sustainability in your community, educating others and inspiring them to act.
• Attend a RYEP alumni conference in Russia to present on your project and network with Russian experts and your RYEP peers at the end of the year.

Application for participation in RYEP is open to candidates who meet the following requirements:

• 18 – 20 years old (applicants must be 18 years of age by June 1, 2019).
• A citizen of the Russian Federation.
• Residing in Russia at the time of this application process and through the end of 2019.
• Involved in environmental projects in the local community and willing to participate in or implement ecological community projects upon returning to Russia.
• Proficient in spoken and written English.
• Eligible to receive a U.S. J-1 exchange visitor visa.
• Available to travel to the United States for 4 weeks between June-September 2019.
• Willing to live with a host family in the United States.
• Committed to returning to Russia immediately after completion of the progra

To apply, please, contact the International Department.