by Maria Jamero ’09

Theresa Anderson’s lifelong dream of going to Russia finally came true during spring semester 2008 as the adult College of Arts & Sciences student left the country to pursue a semester of study in Russian studies. Anderson and her family made great sacrifices to achieve her dream of studying overseas, including switching homes with her brother and sister so that they could look after their ailing father.

At Bethel, Anderson is pursuing degrees in elementary education and teaching English as a second language while also fulfilling responsibilities as a wife and mother of three children ages 15, 17, and 21. In addition, since her mother passed away in 2006 from cancer, she has been caring full time for her father who is suffering from Parkinson’s disease. The decision to spend spring semester abroad was difficult to make but Anderson and her family decided to pursue her dream.

As a child growing up in the mid-’70s, Anderson’s fascination with Russia grew as the United States had more exposure to the Soviets’ culture, lifestyle, and politics. “I remember asking God in my prayers, ‘What was the Soviet Union like? And can I go there someday?’” Anderson recalls. In 1996, she attended North Hennepin Community College and took Russian language courses.

In Russia, Anderson learned about the history, culture, language, and literature of the country. As a future educator, she aspires to learn the methods, educational theories, values, and tenets of Russian education.

“My desire is to move here [Russia] and work with Russian children,” says Anderson, who dreams of serving as a foster parent and/or teacher there. “God is going to have to provide the means for our family to come here and for all of this to be accomplished in His timing. I have no doubt that someday I will be living in a Slavic country.”

Anderson spent six weeks in a dorm and six weeks with a host family, which gave her the chance to experience firsthand the culture and learn Russian traditions, habits, and customs. Through the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities’ Russia Studies Program, one of the semester abroad opportunities offered through Bethel’s Office of Off-Campus Programs/International Studies, Anderson earned credits in courses about international relations as well as Russian peoples, culture, and literature.

“This was not a frivolous trip for me. This was the sum of my life coming together at this one point in time. This is my passion for children and the Russian culture colliding with opportunity,” Anderson says. She adds, “I’m thankful that everyone in my family has been supportive in making this opportunity of a lifetime become a reality.”