Durham, NC - "This was, to be sure, a different country from the one taught in high school," said Duke Student Government President Mike Lefevre of Russia, reflecting on his experiences during a recent trip there with student body presidents from 14 other U.S. universities.

The trip, sponsored by Russia's Federal Agency on Youth Affairs, provided the group a chance to learn about Russia's changing economy and engage with leading government figures. For Lefevre, meeting Duke alumnus Arkady Dvorkovich, a key adviser to Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, and landing a first-row seat to Vice President Biden's speech at Moscow State University, were experiences he won't soon forget.

 

The see Lefevre's photos and to hear his narration of the trip, click on the video tab at the top of the story.