American and Soviet experiences with developing talent in young mathematicians contrast with and complement each other. American competitions usually emphasize speedy response to many short-answer questions. Soviet competitions call for more carefully written longer answers to fewer problems. American extra-curricular programs most frequently provide advanced training in mathematical subject matter, taught by university staff. Soviet experiences outside the classroom are often led by high school teachers or by the students themselves, and more frequently involve deeper exploration of problems which need no background beyond the students' own. American students need practice in developing mathematical proofs and discussions. Because of this, they do not compete well on Olympiad-style questions. This grant will support 25 high school students and 5 high school teachers to travel to the Soviet Union in July, 1991, in order to participate in an international summer camp for high school students of high mathematical ability in the USSR. It is important for Americans to learn what has been done in the Soviet Union, especially since in the rapidly changing Soviet society, some of the traditions that have produced their excellent young mathematicians may disappear. A plan for permitting Americans to learn about these traditions and borrow what can be easily transported is very timely.
