Students exposed to Russian culture Russian economists Pavel Varlamov (left) and Konstantin Budnik receive gifts from Lindsey Zastrow during a visit to Mavis Andler's international business class at Southwest High School Wednesday (photo by H. Marc Larson). Southwest students learn of Russians' economy and lifestyle By Brett W. Meach News-Chronicle Members of Green Bay Southwest High School's International Business Academy who met with Russian economists Wednesday said it was a great opportunity to compare and contrast the differences in culture. Students said their questions ranged from the tax rate in Russia to the most popular types of music. The Russian delegation came to Southwest as part of a trade mission sponsored by St. Norbert College. Some hold important positions in Russia, and that came as a shock to the students. One member of the Russian delegation even showed them a picture of himself with President Vladimir Putin. The main focus of this meeting was for Southwest students to propose a mock business marketing plan for their visitors and to help them understand the "do's and taboos" of international business meetings. Both sides of the table came away impressed. The Russians expressed interest in the life experiences of the students as well as their growing business knowledge. Senior Jennifer Thetreau said that during a tour of the high school building, the Russians were in awe of its size. "They looked around and asked, 'What don't you have?'" she said. Thetreau, who was already interested in working overseas, said she was even more encouraged after the meeting. "This gave me an insight to knowing what is going on now ... (as well as) a contact for more information," she said. Mavis Andler, teacher at Southwest and leader of the academy, said there are always some things that may offend different cultures, so knowledge of other customs and practices is essential in international business. The academy made sure to serve the Russians their coffee in glass cups and to make the coffee strong. Also, after reciting the American pledge of allegiance, the students played the Russian national anthem. "We are doing so much for world peace, because they are going to go back and tell of the wonderful Americans they met," Andler said. "This is the type of stereotype we want them to have." Members of the academy said they enjoyed answering the questions the Russians had ranging from technology to sports. An interpreter helped them bridge the language gap. "It was nice to get a different view of life and the different culture," Michelle Hermes said. Andler said she hopes programs like this come along more often to give the students an up-close perspective on international business.