Question by Cambree: How would I go about moving to Russia from Texas?
I’ve looked at a ton of websites, but none of them really fit my exact situation. I am currently a history major planning on graduating in May 2007, and I would like to study or work in Russia for the sole purpose of learning the language. How can I find a legitimate job that doesn’t already require me to know the Russian language? How would I find an apartment? I haven’t been able to find any programs that will pay for me to live there while I learn the language, but is anyone else able to find something?
Answers and Views:
Answer by I*LUV*AE
You want to move from Texas to Russia? ARE YOU CRAZY? It’s cold and corrupt there!
What do you think? Answer below!
nemtyrev.narod.ru says
Don`t worry Russia is great place for studying and to travel.I will help you with apartment
Todd A says
I've lived and worked in the country. I would agree with the ESL suggestion. Steer clear of the evangelists. They are not welcome in Russia these days and you'd be making life hard on yourself associating with them. There are summer camps that hire foreigners, too, sometimes in cool places like Lake Baikal.
You also really really need to pick up some basic Russian before you go. You will be easy pickings if you can't manage even basic navigation of the culture and geography by yourself. Expect to be treated badly by the system (not the people, they're great), expect things to be foolish and illogical, expect everyone to be superstitious and most to be racist/anti-semitic, expect people to be well-educated but fabulously ignorant of the basic structure of a functioning country. Expect most to feel put upon by everyone else outside Russia and be completely enamored of their autocratic anti-democratic leadership. Dress to blend in. Take advantage of every chance to travel. Take a water filtration device. Have a fabulous time 🙂
pooterilgatto says
Are you sure, you will enjoy the cold weather. Are there no Russian Language classes at our Universities? Best of luck.
Katya-Zelen says
I taught EFL for two years in Russia so I agree with KC. It's just about the only job a foreigner can do in Russia if they don't speak the language or work for an oil company. Any school you worked for would usually pay your visa, return flight, most give you an apartment and pay your rent and some pay your bills as well. The big schools in Russia I would say are English First, BKC and Language Link (Language Link even offer a work-study programme where you can teach less and pay reduced rate for intensive Russian lessons). You would need to gain a CELTA or Trinity certificate first though which is a 4, 8 or 12 week long course. Schools that would take you on without one of these are possibly cowboys who would treat you badly.
There's a lot of anti-Russian sentiment among the other posts. I lived there and will be moving back there permanently soon. It's an amazing country with great people and any problems they do have are massively overblown by the western Press.
HSB says
Russia is not a very safe place, and especially for American citizens who are used to their civil rights!! There are no civil rights in Russia, and you can't file a lawsuit against anybody who steps on your toes. Also if you have not taken any Russian language classes you would be a very sorry Amerikanski, because you can't read the Cyrillic alpabet, and therefore can't get around. You can't read street signs and get lost in a very unpleasant locality. So please dear Amerikanski first learn some Russian and Cyrillic, and then perhaps try it as a visitor first.
KC says
Perhaps you can find a job teaching English in Russia. I know some people move to Japan to teach English there.
If you're religious you may be able to find work with a missionary organization. You'll be doing a lot of volunteer stuff as part of the organization, but they may be able to help you find a local job. If you've never been to Russia you may want to do this for a couple of weeks just to be sure a move to Russia is right for you.
Contact the Russian embassy and see what they say.
lesliejay63 says
Well … if you are a Christian you could contact Youth for Christ (I think they are based in Dallas) I know a friend of a friend who has been in Russia for over 5 years and has completely learned the language. He shares a one bedroom apartment that is very expensive (and no frills at all!) with a couple of local guys. I suppose though, that you would have to have a sponsor since you could not work in Russia.
My boss is actually from Russia (I am from Texas but live in L.A.). He came here in 1976 and he has some amazing stories! I have always been fascinated with the place. My best friend has been twice .. . she needs to take me next time!
Good Luck1
econloren says
Call or write the russian embassy in Washington D.C. and ask them about visa requirements in Russia. Also visit the state departments website for updated information on Americans visiting or living in Russia.
Andrew George says
Get your plane tickets, get some real estate, and read your rights.