No, mid 90s, not too long after the curtain fell. I'd add that we didn't know anything about where we were going which turned into some hilarity when we arrived with winter clothes expecting cold and permafrost (being in Siberia and all that), and instead getting 100 degF weather with 90% humidity. The exchange was loaded with these kinds of cultural and environmental learning experiences, neither group knew anything about each other. It was really a meeting of two complete alien cultures. It was really the point of that kind of thing though wasn't it?

The Russian families who took us in were some of the warmest, most hospitable people I've ever met. They really worked hard to integrate us as well as they could and give us a memorable experience. In fact almost everywhere we went, even out into the deep countryside, we were treated incredibly well by almost everybody.

We got to return the favor later when their kids came to stay with us, and apparently that particular exchange program continued on for many years after that. I'm almost sad to say I don't think the Americans they met were as universally warm or welcoming.