What would be the best way to live in Russia?

Question

Since I dont know many Russians, I find that Russia is a wonder that needs to be explored. It's like where the West meets East, and I would like to visit for an extended period of time, possibly 6mos to 1yr, but dont know Russian, dont know how they are socially, and worse yet, dont even know anyone living there to ask!

Answer 1

First...have a lot of money saved up. Even though life in Russia (or any of the former soviet republics for that matter) is cheaper (relatively speaking to US living cost), living for a year without actually working will add up quickly.
i would suggest immersing yourself in a russian language class...to at least be familiar with the language and basic customs. Maybe visit a few russian cities first? Before deciding to invest a whole year there. I guess if you feel adventurous go for it without visiting first...i would deifnitely try to take that class first though...many things can be perceived as rude or down right obscene without meaning to. Knowledge is power!

Answer 2

Take at least a beginning Russian class. try to at least go over the basics of grammar. even if you think you forgot everything it will come back when you are there and learning. Also keep a low profile, don't wear or carry flashy or expensive things, especially if you are there alone. if you can find someone to live with or to at least show you the ropes for a few months that would be best. Don't feel bad accepting thing that are offered to you. Russians are very sincere and won't offer you something unless they really want you to have it. Don't be afraid to be aggressive getting on or off a bus, any car can be a taxi so just stick out your hand and wait for someone to stop. Don't shake hands through a doorway, don't whistle indoors, and don't extend your hand to a lady. Try authentic food, borsch, pelmeni, kvas, all kinds of salads, belyashi, pirozhki (be careful eating meat from a street vendor) Have fun, meet great people, and see as much as you can.
Good luck

Answer 3

Some of these answers made me laugh so so so hard! Russian people are human and don't let anyone tell you different. There are cultural differences sometimes, but nothing that anyone is going to dislike you for. You should probably learn basic Russian before you go, at least a little and DEFINATELY learn the alphabet. If I were you, without knowing anyone would stick to a big city like Moscow where there are many many foreigners. I was in Moscow last year and I looked around and thought 'Geez, where did all of the Russian people go?' Seriously!

Answer 4

I'm English and I live there (in Siberian Russia). I work as an EFL teacher so I'm not travelling but I have travelled all over Russia and have always had a really good experience.

First thing is you would really need to learn some Russian. This is important because unless you are in Moscow, all the signs will be in Cyrillic and nothing else. Russians outside of Moscow and Petersburg rarely speak much English, therefore unless you speak some of the Russians, you won't be able to socialise much. Trust me, knowing just a little of the language, makes Russian people much more open and friendly to you. In my experience, Russians are very friendly but it's not a stereotype that one of the best ways to make friends is to drink a few vodkas with them.

If you go off the beaten track, make sure you take care. Crime, mafia and nationalism in Russia is exaggerated in the western media but it definitely exists.

Buy a phrasebook and don't be afraid to speak, even if you think you sound silly. If you are travelling alone, stay in hostels so you can meet like-minded people. If you are travelling a lot and going from city to city, you'll need to check registration rules of your visa and be sure you have perfectly complied with these rules. The Russian militia like taking bribes off clueless tourists if they can, especially in Moscow.

Russia is beautiful in winter, but of course, really cold. Where I live, the winter average is -35c which sounds worse than it is. Try to avoid being on the coast in the middle of winter though. Being on the coast makes the weather pretty terrible. Siberian winters are amazing.

Best cities in Russia (personal opinion): Petersburg, Volgograd, Kazan, Perm, Yekaterinberg, Tyumen, Novosibirsk and Vladivostok.

Have fun!

Answer 5

i have a friend moving there next year and i was there this summer.. make sure you hire an intrepreter or get busy learning Russian.. don't talk on the trollies and buses because you'll look like a loud american.. um.. Russians are generally really fun.. i love 'em.. don't rush.. Russins arent as rushed as we are unless you're in Moscow.. don't be offended if they're rude.. youre a foreigner .. um don't talk about the toilets.. yea they might be crazy but its really offensive if you're like
"omg.. that was gross" just go with the flow.. um .. lets see..
ask Russians to help you learn words they like that.. um..watch out for babushki.. if you're there in the winter make sure you're wearing a hat, gloves, and what not or they will yell at you.. (adorable old women.. gotta love babushki).. oh and you HAVE to try Kvas while you're there.. uhmazing!! aaaand its cheaper if you don't stay in top of the line hotels.. hm.. and if you can go and see an orphanage.. I worked in some orphanages and it will change your life.. try to see, if you can, the REAL russia not just Moscow and St. Petersburg, Suzdal, and Novograd try to see the villages like Seslavskoye, Barskoye-Gorodishe ... beautiful places.. villages where when you think Russia.. its what you see..

good luck and have fun!!

Answer 6

I am at emperor's service...

You are welcome to ask. Some facts about cost of living in Saint Petersburg (prices are given in USD/per month)

food - 150-200 (without restaurants or cafes, just basic products)
rent for place (simple 1-room apartment with kitchen) - from 400 up to 500 Prices are getting higher every year

And I think it's good idea to become a student here. You will be able to get a visa and can start learning Russian.

Answer 7

Why don't you pick up some travel books to start with - from there pick a few places to research at your local library or on the web. Find yourself an English language forum from Russia - use your imagination because they do exsist. When you finally connect with someone on one of the message boards or forums you can start asking them questions. One last suggestion they do have a site for foreign penpals of all ages and countries including those in Russia - sign up for a penpal to converse with for awhile - you may need a friend when you arrive there.

Answer 8

First step is to visit the part of Russia you want to live in,and then decide.

Answer 9

Hidden.

Answer 10

like a king