An anti-crisis life management in Russia, by Stepan Khruslov, "To Russia with Ease"

Firstly, let me ask you some questions:

• How sure are you about your future specialization?
• Do you have a hobby, which will help you with your spare time?
• Will you have a chance to see your relatives and friends pretty often?
• How good is your Russian language?
• Have you set up a budget for your stay and study in Russia?

You should know the answers to these and other questions before you decide to come to Russia.
Let me advise on matters, regarding your adaptation issues. I deeply hope that your adaptation in Russia will be as comfortable as it can be.

First of all, you have to be sure about your profession/specialization. If you do not have a strong interest in what you are doing (see Professional Vocation section), it is very likely that you will get disappointed in your stay in Russia pretty soon and return home.

Secondly, communications is one of the important issues of your being in a foreign country. Make a healthy balance between communicating to Russians and your own folks. Do not just hang around your natives; go out and make some new Russian friends. To make it more interesting, find a club by your interests and join it. If you really want to improve your skills of a Russian language, try to find an accommodation with a Russian speaking family. This way you will have a chance to develop your language skills on a everyday basis.

Thirdly, set up a budget for your proposed stay in Russia. Make sure you have enough money for trips home and back. In order to save on your telephone calls with friends and relatives at home, find an inexpensive telephone provider.

If you get really home sick, try to read, listen to your native music, or rent a movie in your own language.

At the beginning of your stay, stick to the corresponding to your religion church, if you are a religious person. Later on, it will be fascinating to visit a Russian Orthodox Church.

If you are a student, try to find a scholarship for your study (see Culture, Education, Exchange section). Never hesitate to ask for an advice an international coordinator at your school. They are there to help you and they will be more than glad to assist you. And a couple words about jobs for students. If you decide to get one, try to work on your specialization. It is better to get a lower pay, but to gain experience in your field and have a couple of recommendations by the time you graduate.

You should also take into account the size and the climate of Moscow. If you are not used to big cities, you might visit one in you country to see how it looks like. The same thing is about the climate. You might be a little bit difficult to get used to cold Russian winters.

Just keep in mind that staying and studying in Russia will be one of the most valuable and memorable experiences in your life. You will broaden your world-out look and make a significant advantage for developing your career.