The National Centre RUSSIA in faces: lead tour guide Mikhail Sharayev
Mikhail
Sharayev's journey took him from a novice guide in Siberia to the lead tour
guide at the National Centre RUSSIA. On March 26, he was among those who led a
tour for the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, at the
"Journey Across Russia" exposition in the National Centre RUSSIA.
One of the
turning points in Mikhail’s career was a phone call offering him a position as
a tour guide at the International RUSSIA EXPO at VDNH in Moscow — a call he
nearly missed.
"My
journey as a tour guide began with my studies at Tomsk State University in the
field of Physical Education and Tourism. In my third year, I was invited to
participate in the educational project Master Camp: Tour Guides. We gathered in
Saransk for training. By that time, I had already won various stages of
WorldSkills Russia in the Tour Service Organization category," says
Mikhail Sharayev.
Mikhail has been working at the National Centre RUSSIA since its opening. He conducts internal tours of the exposition complex and outdoor walks around Moscow.
"My
favorite tour is 'Journey Across Russia'; this exposition opened in early
March. We present the achievements of entire districts. When we talk about the
country's and districts' achievements during the tours, it evokes genuine
patriotism, and people understand why they can love their country. Adults and
children realize that our country has many accomplishments, that we are moving
forward, and that we have much to be proud of," the tour guide emphasized.
In
addition, the guide shares his knowledge with students of the School of Young
Tour Guides. The leading tour guide believes that children, during excursions,
help their peers understand how rich and beautiful Russia is even better than
adults do. At the School of Young Tour Guides, future guides learn the basics
of excursion work, the history of excursions, how to hold the group's
attention, verify facts for accuracy, create an excursion passport, and even
work with gestures and facial expressions.
"I
really enjoy passing on knowledge about excursion work to younger generations.
The kids join our project at the National Centre RUSSIA, the School of Young
Tour Guides, where we teach them the basics of the profession. And after three
months, by the time they graduate, they can conduct tours entirely on their
own, which makes me very proud," said Mikhail Sharayev.
Mikhail
Sharaev admitted that the most exciting journey across Russia is happening to
him right now — since he moved from Tomsk to Moscow. The tour guide does not
forget about his homeland and tells visitors of the National Centre RUSSIA
about the Vasyugan Swamps, Tomsk wooden architecture, and the Siberian science
city.
Participants of the first intake of this new educational project, who successfully passed the competitive selection process, shared their stories of discovering the School and their fresh impressions from the classes.
The date was chosen for a reason: it was on 2 March 2018 that the decree establishing the "For Mentorship" award was signed.
