Question by Ace: Is traveling to Novosibirsk, Russia safe?
I am an 18 year old American female, I will be flying to Moscow and then to Novosibirsk by myself to attend a study abroad program for 2 weeks with a host family. I speak basic Russian now (and my trip is not for a few months, so I will continue learning the language until then).
I was just curious as to how safe this trip would be… my parents are convinced that something terrible is going to happen to me while I’m there, that I’ll get attacked or raped (they still hold grudges against the Soviet Union, so I don’t know if they’re saying this because it’s Russia, or if they have a real reason to believe that I could run into trouble).
Serious answers only, please.
Answers and Views:
Answer by Svetlana
Of course it’s safe; safer than most places in the USA. Do not believe media hype against Russia, belief in stereotypes or let remembrance of the Soviet Union interfere in you having fun in Russia. It could be hard to get around without a survival knowledge of the Russian language. Russia isn’t this criminalistic utopia it’s portrayed as. I have spent most my life in Russia and never encountered such dire circumstances nor known anyone who has. Plus communism is no longer in existence. Russia is just a corrupt democracy now. Then again , the US is a corrupt democracy. So in conclusion, travel to Russia if you want. Have a good time!
Read all the answers in the comments.
Add your own answer!
Diman says
Very dangerous! Drunken bears will eat you! 🙂
But seriously – go boldly, nor any danger. Follow basic safety and everything will be okay.
Mendeleyev says
Goodness, although you must be careful anywhere you travel in the world, you'll be fine. Have a wonderful time.
I'd like to introduce you to two very useful blogs which have lots of photos and explanations of Russian life. The first is from a young Swedish college student, Josefina, who has lived in Russia and studied in the Urals for several years. It is a great blog!
The second is my own and I'm a journalist: http://russianreport.wordpress.com
iceman says
I can understand your parent's concerns, traveling to any country can be potentially dangerous for a young woman to travel to alone.
Realize please that you are indeed a young woman, and vulnerable. (it is what it is) If you are flying into Moscow, don't try to explore on your own. Get on the next flight asap. (yes, everyone wants to explore but you can do that another time). Novosibirsk, is a relatively safe city, especially since you will be with a host family. Knowing Russians, they will show you a great time and you will get to see and fall in love with both Russia and it's people.
Lastly don't do anything stupid, don't talk or go with strangers.
Enjoy the trip