My name is Christina...

[Christina27]

Hi all,

I am currently a college student in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, and am planning to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Literature and Language Arts Education and a minor in Philosophy. While I would prefer to minor in Russian studies, the college I will be attending does not offer it (they only offer Spanish, French and German - SO typical of American colleges). I am hoping that by taking supplementary classes in learning the Russian language at a nearby private school, I will be preparing myself properly in hopes of moving to Russia where I would like to teach English. The professor who teaches is from Russia.

I have read many threads on this forum, and I believe I've learned quite a bit. Hopefully my questions won't be be too terribly repeated

1) I have searched the "teach English abroad" web sites, and subsequently have become disenchanted. I certainly do not want to be a part of the "let's positively influence Russia with our Western culture" vibe. Plain and simple - I am fascinated with Russia. I feel that living there would be the only way to satisfy my curiousity. I do not feel a 2 week trip would be sufficient. Getting back to my question, I am thinking of doing this on my own - i.e. getting my own place, finding my own job - any hints?

2) How long is the plane ride? I live in Minneapolis, where we have an International Airport - if you are not familiar from that location, let's say, from New York to Moscow or St. Petersburg?

3) What are some key differences/similiarities between Moscow and St. Petersburg? I'm not asking for a summary on your country, just your opinions. I also do not want compare/contrast to America - that would be unfair for both sides.

From what I've read, everyone here is so friendly and helpful - if you have any questions at all for me, feel free to ask.

~Christina

"People who don't get carried away, should be."

[jutka]

Hi Christina,

I see you have not had any replies yet. That's probably because not many people check this board. You should post this on the Open Board. There are some helpful people here who will answer your questions.

Good luck!!

Jutka

[davlet]

Originally posted by Christina27
Hi all,

I am currently a college student in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, and am planning to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Literature and Language Arts Education and a minor in Philosophy. While I would prefer to minor in Russian studies, the college I will be attending does not offer it (they only offer Spanish, French and German - SO typical of American colleges). I am hoping that by taking supplementary classes in learning the Russian language at a nearby private school, I will be preparing myself properly in hopes of moving to Russia where I would like to teach English. The professor who teaches is from Russia.

I have read many threads on this forum, and I believe I've learned quite a bit. Hopefully my questions won't be be too terribly repeated

1) I have searched the "teach English abroad" web sites, and subsequently have become disenchanted. I certainly do not want to be a part of the "let's positively influence Russia with our Western culture" vibe. Plain and simple - I am fascinated with Russia. I feel that living there would be the only way to satisfy my curiousity. I do not feel a 2 week trip would be sufficient. Getting back to my question, I am thinking of doing this on my own - i.e. getting my own place, finding my own job - any hints?

On your own? Hmm... well if you are feeling adventurous... I think you would be much better off if you knew somebody in Russia who could help you with all these things. Maybe a preliminary trip would be helpful.

2) How long is the plane ride? I live in Minneapolis, where we have an International Airport - if you are not familiar from that location, let's say, from New York to Moscow or St. Petersburg?

The flight Amsterdam-Montreal takes 8 hours. From NY to Moscow or St.Peter. would take around 9 hours I think.

3) What are some key differences/similiarities between Moscow and St. Petersburg? I'm not asking for a summary on your country, just your opinions. I also do not want compare/contrast to America - that would be unfair for both sides.

St.Peter. is the best! (I grew up there ) Seriously, "Piter" and Moscow are not typical Russian towns... but I think either of them would be a good place to start for you. I, along with many other Russians, don't like Moscow too much -- it's very expensive, rich, big and most importantly many of the universally disliked government bureaucrats live there!

Also St.Peterburg is kind of famous for it's architectural sites, art galleries, etc., more so than Moscow.

Anyway, I've been away from Russia for 5 yeras (too long!), so my impressions of it might be a little outdated, so I'll let others provide you with more details.

From what I've read, everyone here is so friendly and helpful - if you have any questions at all for me, feel free to ask.

~Christina

"People who don't get carried away, should be."

Good luck!
D.P.

[tobiez]

Hi,
I am new to the study of russian, I live in the twin cities-
I wonder if you could recommend any resources for
learning russian.

thanks

-Toby

p.s. thats great that you want to go to russia
I've been to china and tibet and I'm totally hooked on travel and learning about the world

[Duremar]

Christina,
You are saying that you are in love with Russia, but you have never even been there. I think you should go there twice: first for a short visit as a tourist and then the second time for teaching. This may cost you additional $800-$1000, but if you can afford, it's totally worth it - it's like a sanity check because from the questions you ask right now it looks like you do not know what you are doing (and as you correctly pointed out the people who organize this whole thing have absolutely no idea what it's all about).
Or even better, try to sign up for a short term and then extend it later.
I would strongly suggest you go to St. Petersburg and not to Moscow (see a previous post for reasons). Second, choose a good school for teaching (like physics-math-specialized schools #30,#239,#586,#45 or any math or language-specialized school). I studied in one of those and we had 2 American women like you teaching English there. Regarding a flight and tickets, look at http://www.orbitz.com - it has all the info and pretty much the cheapest tickets (anyone seen anything better?). http://www.expedia.com is similar, but not as good, in my opinion. If you have more questions, I will check this board soon again. Good luck.

[Andrew1956]

I can offer you Russian language courses in Minsk (Belorussia) which is 900 km from Moscow and a very safe city. For more info write to sereginandrei@@yahoo.com

Originally posted by tobiez
Hi,
I am new to the study of russian, I live in the twin cities-
I wonder if you could recommend any resources for
learning russian.

thanks

-Toby

p.s. thats great that you want to go to russia
I've been to china and tibet and I'm totally hooked on travel and learning about the world