The Michigan State University (MSU) and the Lviv Institute of Internal Affairs (LIOIA) have participated in Criminal Justice Exchanges with Project Harmony since the program was founded in 1997. During this academic year, the partnership completed its third two-way exchange of students and faculty.

A delegation of 10 Ukrainian cadets and two faculty from the Lviv Institute of Internal Affairs visited MSU for a two-week program on the American criminal justice system and social service system. Ukrainian participants visited MSU lectures, speaking with students and listening to American professors in criminal law, constitutional law, corrections, as well as American social services, including adoption, domestic violence and juvenile delinquency. Morning lectures were complimented with site visits to police and fire departments for practical demonstrations, as well as courts and meetings with judges and prosecutors.

One of the highlights of this program was a visit to a minimum-security facility for boys in upper Michigan. Following a basketball game (America 31 - Ukraine 30), the Ukrainians had an opportunity to talk with juvenile offenders and find out about "real-life" in the United States.

MSU's study abroad program - "Ukraine - In Search of a New Democracy" - was a month long journey through Ukraine to explore the theoretical and practical applications of establishing democratic government and the rule of law in a post-Soviet republic. Twelve students and two faculty advisors from MSU traveled to Ukraine from May 10-June 10, 2000. The American students and faculty spent three weeks in Lviv, Ukraine at the Institute of Internal Affairs. Morning lectures were complimented with afternoon field trips to police stations, courts, prosecutor's offices and prisons. In addition, a portion of the program itinerary was devoted to Lviv's nascent social service, especially domestic violence services.

Following three weeks in Lviv, American participants traveled to the port city of Odesa to work in the Svetly Dom Children's Shelter and to meet with students from the Odesa Law Academy. They also visited Simferopol and the Simferopol Branch of the Odesa Institute of Internal Affairs. A cultural program in Kyiv, capital of Ukraine, provided closure to an intense academic and cultural experience.

This program is designed to provide students with an in-depth look at the historic, legal, cultural and political aspects of Ukraine's transition to a new democracy. American participants came away with a new appreciation for this beautiful country and for the people that inhabit it.