AASEI aims to improve Russian-American relations by bringing together students from both countries who believe in international environmentalism. We strive to provide practical support to Russian Nature Reserves, expand opportunities for international scientific research, and promote international understanding of these unique protected areas. Our program begins in St. Petersburg. After a two-day cross-cultural training program and several days of sightseeing, students will begin their adventure in the wilderness of Northern Russia. Russian scientists and rangers will introduce the students to the existing ecosystems at Nizhnesvirsky and Laplandsky Nature Reserves, the Russian approach to environmental protection and its differences from other systems.