David Dessler holds a bachelor’s in physics and history from the University of Oklahoma and a PhD in government from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. An award-winning professor, David Dessler taught in the Department of Government at the College of William & Mary (W&M) from 1984 to 2017. He recently visited St. Petersburg, Russia, to check out Herzen State Pedagogical University, where W&M students can participate in a six-week summer study abroad program.
One of Russia’s most prestigious universities, Herzen State Pedagogical University is based in the heart of St. Petersburg’s historic core. It was founded in 1797 by Emperor Paul I and named after Russian author and political thinker Alexander Herzen in 1920.
While the W&M six-week program at the university is heavily focused on the Russian language, it also features a course on St. Petersburg literature and culture taught by a W&M professor. In addition, students are required to complete a multimedia research project. They stay with Russian billet families, and aside from their studies, get to spend seven days in Moscow. Those who need financial assistance for the program can apply for a study abroad scholarship through the W&M Global Education Office. More than $300,000 in scholarship funding is awarded to students each year for this and similar programs.
David Dessler 
