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The School of Russian and Asian Studies has released its February 2018 report on the state of study abroad in Russian and Ukraine, by Josh Wilson. Among the conclusions:

"Anti-Americanism is not a concern. Russians are particularly adept at realizing that the actions and policies of a government do not necessarily reflect the will of all of its citizens. Russians approaching Americans are very likely to ask for opinions regarding America, Russia, and recent events. In general, if Americans are willing to discuss issues within the context of expressing their opinion and coming to understand someone else's, they will find a number of fascinating conversations waiting for them in Russia. Russians, on the whole, are also understanding of someone declining to discuss politics.

"The major impact of all of this American students hoping to study abroad is that with the State Department having declared Russia a "level 3 country," Gilman Scholarships are no longer available for Russia-based study and Boren Award applicants must sign a waiver and complete an additional plan for a back-up country in order to apply. Both Boren and Gilman are supported by the US government. As many universities have policies specifically tied to State Department travel warnings, students depending on university-supported programs to go abroad are also now facing difficulties."

Read the full report at http://www.sras.org/state_of_study_abroad_russia_2018