I have to say, one of my favorite parts of the job is when I get to meet and spend time with the delegates from our Open World program. Each group is so unique and I learn something new with each delegation. Of course, with my enormous lack of Russian language skills, it is sometimes hard to communicate using only the help of the interpreter and the facilitator.

In most cases, the communication barrier just serves as a minor inconvenience for the delegates; however, for our most recent delegation on Special Education the lack of ease in communication provided a window into the perspectives of the children they try to help everyday back home. For once, these normal women were placed in a situation much like the ones special needs students find themselves in on a regular basis: they were not able to communicate easily with those around them. Several wondered at the experience, telling us they had a new appreciation for the difficulties their students face.

But don’t think the communication barrier held these women back! If anything, they just worked harder to ensure they were understood. In fact, of all the groups I’ve been with this year this one was, by far, the most dedicated to communicating with all persons involved in the delegation. Their efforts were particularly touching when the delegates encountered parents with special needs children at several points during the program. The desire to make that unique connection with an individual who understands exactly what they experience on a regular basis came through loud and clear.

Upon hearing the delegates’ perspectives on the lesson behind communication difficulties, I automatically understood and empathized with those who don’t have the ability to speak freely and without restraint. Though I learned many other valuable lessons during this delegation, I have to say that this is the one that went straight to my heart.

Jane