Way to Russia Talk Lounge

Робот · Just Starting Joined: 20 Oct 2008 Posts: 6

I'm looking to get into Russia and never return to the states. I know that I'm going to have a hard time doing this, after all, I am only 19, I speak horrible Russian...so horrible I only know lyrics from songs I've heard in Russian..much like my German... I am currently out of a job, I'm not in college, and, no one I know is going to be very happy with this choice to flee the states to Russia...I'm looking to learn how much money would be wise to save up to, where to go to look into extremely cheap housing, jobs (after however long they make you wait until you can get a work visa), and most important, schooling. I really need a school I can go to there where I can study Russian and computers. I have a very basic understanding of the Russian language, like I said, all from songs and I've looked into a couple websites that teach basic conversational things. I have little trouble reading Cyrillic, my trouble is getting the pronunciation of ш and щ, but that's easily overcome I think, and poses no threat to me as far as reading the language goes.

I would like to point out I do not care how poor the place I live is there, I can change that in the future when I get settled in and everything is going well. I gather Moscow and St. Petersburg are terrible places to live if you're looking for cheap living. I would prefer somewhere with a low crime rate though.

Any help offered is greatly appreciated...just want to get away from the states as soon as I can, and Russia has always been my choice for that.

Here's to hoping this isn't the strangest topic to ever come into existence here!

darthvader · WayToRussified Joined: 09 Dec 2005 Posts: 381

Interesting idea. I guess you're lucky its not the 1930s anymore:

http://mises.org/story/863 (have a good read).

You're lack of competent Russian language skill (despite your good efforts), as well as general work skills (you're young after all), means that you will be lower down on the employment queue than most native Russians. Also, if you decide to live in areas other than St Petersburg and Moscow, you will find that English communication will be less prevalent (ie. more difficult for you to fit in initially).

Your best option initially maybe be English teaching. However, you really should acquire work skills/education in some useful area and consider your options later (ie. take a short holiday in Russia to assess how well you really love this country over the USA).

By the way, being poor in Russia sucks (like you simply can't comprehend yet). You want a good job there.

Робот · Just Starting Joined: 20 Oct 2008 Posts: 6

Aye, a good job is important to me, where I live would make little difference in that area. I decided long ago I want into the field of computers, and, I imagine workers for that area are desired everywhere. When I start college I am going to study Russian there, and when out of college I should be fluent (I am very good with languages, I catch on extremely quick) and will have the degree I desire. While in the process of all of that I plan to save up enough to be able to survive there until I am allowed to work (and a little after..I figure $10,000 or so should do it?) then I will search for a job in the field I am qualified for. I figure I'll be able to successfully get into Russia the way I desire by the time I am 23 or 24.

And, isn't being poor terrible anywhere? I live in the states and my family is poor, it wasn't enjoyable just because we live in the US.

Edit: That was a very interesting read by the way, thanks for that. =)

Ender · Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2008 10:11 am Post subject: Re: Harder than I thought?

Ender · Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2008 10:21 am Post subject:

Робот · Just Starting Joined: 20 Oct 2008 Posts: 6

I only understood a little of that. My ability to read Russian is more of being to pronounce what is written, not translate it accurately. As for leaving immediately, no, I'm not that foolish =) I know better than to jump right into something (and I learned this the hard way), and moving to Russia is something I've had on my mind since 16.

As for the IT jobs and them being better paying in Moscow and St. Petersburg, how hard is it to find cheap housing in those two areas? I have it in mind to find a place at least two months before I move. Although I could deal with living conditions similar to that of your friend since I really don't desire a great deal of expensive items.

darthvader · WayToRussified Joined: 09 Dec 2005 Posts: 381

Yeah, I thought you wanted to leave immediately too. Looks like you're a careful planner after all, solidly grounding yourself in the USA first, with a view to trying the Russian experiment in a few years. All sounds good.

mister_wizzz · VIP Joined: 27 May 2004 Posts: 570

Робот · Just Starting Joined: 20 Oct 2008 Posts: 6

Jebber45 · Frequent Guest Joined: 31 Mar 2008 Posts: 17

[quote="Ender"]

Робот · Just Starting Joined: 20 Oct 2008 Posts: 6

Feels like I'm being discouraged from going through with it. Ah well, the idea of going to live there for a short time to determine if I really don't mind as much as I think I won't is a great idea none the less. I've always said though that so long as I have the internet I'll be happy.

Paul Holmes · Lounge Wizard Joined: 12 Apr 2005 Posts: 1011

You know nothing right now and have no skills that is above average Russian does not have, so what do you bring that is better than them? Why they pay an American who cannot speak, read, or understand the cultural more money than an average Russian. They can find Ukrainians, Kazakhs, or Uzbeks do the work you describe. Only thing is you can do is teach English.

I really suggest that you visit before considering anything. Russia is an awesome place if you have money, because everything imaginable can be created or done, but if you are poor, then it sucks big time. As they say in Northern Russia and Canada, if you are not the lead sled dog, the view is always the same for the rest.

My suggestion is this visit first and see what it is truly like and if you can fit in.

Робот · Just Starting Joined: 20 Oct 2008 Posts: 6

Paul Holmes · Lounge Wizard Joined: 12 Apr 2005 Posts: 1011

Quite simple bud. go to masterrussian.com, join the forum, get some penpals, improve your Russian as you help your penpal in English, then go visit for 1-3 months and enjoy your life and trip.
If you are looking for work, talk with the people at expat.ru forum.

But before you make up your mind, go visit, because people can tell you one thing or another, but until you sense it yourself, then you really do not know.