Amber Ausley, a sophomore double majoring in international studies and political science, is preparing for a trip to Russia to participate in Stanford United States Russia Forum. The program is aimed at bettering relations between the two nations, which have remained tense since the Cold War.

Currently, the political unrest between the United States and Russia has come to a climax over the Syrian conflict. President Vladimir Putin of Russia has declared to protect certain interests of Syria, an allied nation of Russia, which is currently under control by the dictator Bashar al-Assad.

Ausley will land in Moscow, Russia, in early October, although the political atmosphere between the United States and Russia remains unknown.

Each student in the program sends in a policy proposal to the program that would help the United States better its relationship with Russia, and the best proposals are selected.

Ausley’s proposal deals with women’s rights and education.

“In the Duma, and in [Russia’s politics, women are completely underrepresented,” Ausley said. “My proposal was to have a forum where U.S. and Russian women can come together to talk about how they can improve themselves.”

Although Ausley said her parents were extremely proud of her, they expressed concern regarding her travel plans.

“They were super excited but then they were nervous about it with everything going on in Syria.”

Karl R. DeRouen, a University of Alabama professor and director of the international studies program, said that even in times of political unrest international student programs can still be positive.

“I think grassroots types of student programs definitely have a positive effect between countries,” DeRouen said. “It would be hard for me to think how they wouldn’t.”

DeRouen said that he didn’t believe government relations generally translated to how citizens view other citizens.

Brittnay McMillian, a study abroad coordinator at the University, said in her four years with the office they have never experienced a problem with their students abroad.

“When students do go to a place with a negative stereotype of Americans, we encourage them to dispel those stereotypes,” McMillian said.

Ausley remains excited about her trip even with all the political uncertainty in the weeks ahead.

“There is a lot of anticipation and anxiety with it, but I think it’s going to be so cool to go over there at a time like this,” Ausley said. “The first thing I do every morning when I wake up is read my Wall Street Journal to see if there are any updates.”