Engineering in Russia

[Tommyvdp]

Hi everyone, im a 2nd year mechanical engineering student from the states (wisconsin to be exact) who is interested in a job in Russia. What kind of openings are there in this field? Are any of you in engineering? Id like to go to Russia because it seems the whole country is a large industrial complex, some of it broken down, but nonetheless...where i could put my engineering to work. This is what I hear from my brother and friends who have been there. I dont want to sit at a desk in the states somewhere, I love to build things with my hands. I dont know, you guys probably look down on people like me who have never even visited the country. Im currently studying russian, I can live in almost any conditions, I dont require electronics/fine dining/large apartment or any other extras, just basic transportation, and living quarters. I plan on visiting before making any plans. Where would the best location be to find a job in this field? Would I be welcome, being educated in the states? Are there any protestant churches, or is it just catholic? Thanks everyone,
Tom

[Duremar]

Tommy,
You would have to find _many_ Russian web sites (those that end with .ru) and research them. Also, a good idea would be to contact the leading Russian universities and companies. My feeling is that Russia has a lot of its own engineers who are not in demand because of the economic situation.
Whether you would be welcome depends on what kind of a person you are. It's more about your personal qualities than education. If they like you, they might accept you as a "good foreigner".
Regarding locations - probably big cities. Moscow, SPB, etc.
The last question that you asked I hope you will answer yourself once you do at least a tiny bit of research (after all, you want to live in a _country_ with _culture_ and _traditions_ and not in an "industrialized complex").
Basically, from reading your message I can say that it's good that you do not have high demands or expectations, but your estimate of what Russia is - is way off. I bet the first trip you take there will be a big surprise to you and will dramatically change your approach to this whole endeavor.
Good luck.

[Voyager13b]

Originally posted by Tommyvdp
Hi everyone, im a 2nd year mechanical engineering student from the states (wisconsin to be exact) who is interested in a job in Russia. What kind of openings are there in this field? Are any of you in engineering? Id like to go to Russia because it seems the whole country is a large industrial complex, some of it broken down, but nonetheless...where i could put my engineering to work. This is what I hear from my brother and friends who have been there. I dont want to sit at a desk in the states somewhere, I love to build things with my hands. I dont know, you guys probably look down on people like me who have never even visited the country. Im currently studying russian, I can live in almost any conditions, I dont require electronics/fine dining/large apartment or any other extras, just basic transportation, and living quarters. I plan on visiting before making any plans. Where would the best location be to find a job in this field? Would I be welcome, being educated in the states? Are there any protestant churches, or is it just catholic? Thanks everyone,
Tom

Tommy,

Depending where you go, Russia can be as modern or as rural as America. There is more rural, perhaps, and some things will remind you of the US 10 years ago (like net access, phones, cell phones), but that is a good thing for tech people who like to build. The people of Russia seem to like Americans well enough. I have made a number of friends there. Just keep in mind that you are there to pitch in, and don't come across like you have all the answers for Russia's future.

It's an incredible country, and you will have a great time. Just try to avoid people like Euges (high Euges!) who hate Americans, and claim that everyone in Russia hates Americans. It isn't true. You will see.....

There are few Catholic churches there, most are Orthodox. There are some Protestant churches too, but don't expect to find them on every other corner like in the US and western Europe.

By the way, take a look at http://www.expat.ru, it's one of many sites that have info on life in Russia for expats. Some of it is good, some funny, some BS, but there is a lot of info. Another place where you can look for job postings is http://www.russiajournal.com.


Voyager

[Kalinin]

Just try to avoid people like Euges (high Euges!) who hate Americans, and claim that everyone in Russia hates Americans. It isn't true. You will see.....

Of course most Russians dislike Americans, as long as you try to speak and learn the language and customs (and don't display your "americanism"), you'll be accepted, if not, you'll be lynched- simple as that.

[Voyager13b]

Originally posted by Kalinin

Of course most Russians dislike Americans, as long as you try to speak and learn the language and customs (and don't display your "americanism"), you'll be accepted, if not, you'll be lynched- simple as that.

Very funny Kalinin. Just because he can go to Russia now and you are stuck here in the good old USA for a few more years doesn't mean you have to try to scare the guy. He will have a great time there.

Voyager

[dixie_doll]

Sweetie, you know I think you're a great guy, but if there's one flaw, it's your exaggeration. (Don't worry, I do it too on occassion). Webster's dictionary defines the word lynch as this: to put to death (as by hanging) by mob action without legal sanction.

Now Kali, you know as well as I do, that if the US government knew that there were Americans hanging by trees in Russia because they didn't speak Russian, there would be a "chill" in US-Russian diplomatic relations. I don't really think most Russians will snatch an American from his/her room, hog tie them, blindfold them, and then hang them because they are acting "too American." Don't make your people look like xenophobic lynch mobbers, dear.

Now, with that said, enjoy your last few weeks of summer!

[Edited by dixie_doll on 6th August 2003 at 21:00]

[Voyager13b]

Originally posted by dixie_doll
Sweetie, you know I think you're a great guy, but if there's one flaw, it's your exaggeration. (Don't worry, I do it too on occassion). Webster's dictionary defines the word lynch as this: to put to death (as by hanging) by mob action without legal sanction.

Now Kali, you know as well as I do, that if the US government knew that there were Americans hanging by trees in Russia because they didn't speak Russian, there would be a "chill" in US-Russian diplomatic relations. I don't really think most Russians will snatch an American from his/her room, hog tie them, blindfold them, and then hang them because they are acting "too American." Don't make your people look like xenophobic lynch mobbers, dear.

Now, with that said, enjoy your last few weeks of summer!

[Edited by dixie_doll on 6th August 2003 at 21:00]

Ahh... Nothing like the soft words of a woman to soothe the savage Kalinin...



Hi Dixie!

Voyager