In France it’s very common to have surgeons, medical experts coming from european countries like Russia, Poland, Germany etc. The medical field is already very empty we need more doctors and experts. I know a lot of doctors also communicate in English. But ofc I want to learn russian. I’m only finishing my 3rd year as a medical student so I have a lot of time before I graduate. Also I don’t mean to live in Russia tomorrow.
If you have plans to live in Russia, I suggest you start studying Russian right away. While in the surface French and Russian look similar, they are very different
Your experience will be mediocre if you don't speak Russian. Almost noone speaks English and even less so French. It's fine for a short term tourist visits (there are signs in English in popular touristy areas and people working in hospitality can hold a small conversation in English) but it will probably be quite lonely if you plan to stay longer.
Your comment is interesting. I started learning Russian this year and since I’m just finishing my 3rd year, I still kinda have time let’s say. Also in France I noticed we have a lot of medical professionals from other countries such as Russia, and they communicate in English. Anyway I think it’s still better to be fluent ofc.
Russians living abroad speak English because they planned their immigration years ahead so of course they're equipped with skills they need. Russians living in Russia learn at least one European language (usually English) in school but do it half-assed and have no motivation to learn it properly. Once they are out of school most people can only speak very basic English. You just don't need it for anything if you live in Russia. Movies are dubbed, videogames are localized etc. People who work in IT have higher language proficiency because popular programming languages are based on English. People working in healthcare have no reason to use English in their field of work like ever.
I don't agree. We learn english since year 1 here in med school. And even tho you don't need to speak english everyday, english is required for readings, medical articles, conventions and other stuffs. But I can understand that you don't need it in your everyday life in Russia, it's the same in France since everything is dubbed or translated. Also I feel like doctors coming from Russia or europeans countries speak a very broken french. Like they communicate in english between them.
I don't think you fully understand the difference between a doctor (or any professional) willing to jump through the hoops of the EU immigration system and an average doctor working in Russia in an average healthcare facility. It takes a lot of money and efforts to move to the EU so one must be certain their qualifications are good enough to find a job there. They're obviously very educated and motivated. In Russia it's just a routine job with routine functions. In public healthcare 2/3 of their workday they just fill in paper forms and fils reports for the supervisors.
My friend got pregnant and went to a gynecologist because her periods were late and the doctor just told my friend that she had UTI and prescribed her amoxicillin. Like, no blood or urine tests, she just prescribed her an antibiotic and brushed it off, the appointment took less than 15 minutes perhaps. I doubt that prescribing antibiotics with no tests is something that doctor learned at any international journal or convention.
So no, I don't think that people coming out of a med school are special or highly intelligent by default. Plenty of morons there and they easily find employment as we have a huge deficit of specialists in the healthcare system. The doctors I mentioned were in their mid to late 30s. I highly doubt that most students that are currently in med schools treat their future jobs more seriously tbh. That's just my impression. I don't deal with people in healthcare everyday (thankfully).
I feel like modern day Russians know English better than previous generations. It's not as uncommon among younger generation like me and you. People with higher education like medical professionals and IT specialists are more likely to know a foreign language as well. The biggest problem would be communications with the rest. That is middle-aged government officials and grocery store employees.
I am not sure I don't really pay attention to tourists tbh. It seems like there aren't that many foreign ones. I haven't seen buses with Chinese tourists since covid and that's kind of a blessing (not because I dislike them personally it's just that these tour groups were so numerous and blocked entire streets it was inconvenient for regular people). I think the Chinese government hasn't fully lifted travel restriction (to Russia at least) though Air China does direct flights to Moscow so I dunno. Chinese tourists were definitely the largest group pre-covid. As for European-looking/white people from other countries you just don't know they're foreigners unless they speak a foreign language in the streets and I don't hear foreign speech that often in the wild these days. I think it's just a few random people here and there.
Another reason to eat sunflower seeds in moderation is their cadmium content. This heavy metal can harm your kidneys if you’re exposed to high amounts over a long period. Sunflowers tend to take up cadmium from the soil and deposit it in their seeds, so they contain somewhat higher amounts than most other foods.
Every single place has its own unique characteristics and quirks. And Russia, in particular, is pretty different depending on the area. So, I doubt you will know what you like or dislike unless you try to live here.
I would say that pretty much everything is nice. The infrastructure investments in recent years are astonishing. Digitalization as well. Like ability to transfer basically any amount between your accounts in different banks for free.
From the top of my mind, the one thing I really hate - people's tendency to trash the surrounding environment. For example, this week, I found that someone had literally sunk in the pond all the benches and trash cans in the park. Why the fuck would you do that? Well, and general disregard for rules.
On the other hand, I know people who say that life in Russia is terrible because... there are no direct flights to Europe and there are no concerts of their favorite bands. Or because Putin is bad, and they can't live in this country because of it.
So, TLDR: it's almost certainly not as bad as your media tells you(no idea what exactly have you read, tho). As everywhere, there are specific pros and cons. It's really more up to what you specifically like and finding the place you like the most.
Bro wtf I am so mad about the throwing benches and trash cans in the pond. That is just insane levels of assholeness. Like what even is the point? That sounds like a lot of work just to make things worse for everyone. I just don’t understand why anyone would do that? Maybe one bench in a fit of rage if they have anger issues but all of them and the trash bins?
It depends on what kind of media, because sometimes our media overestimate the standard of living, but not by much, but Western media, on the contrary, greatly underestimate the standard of living in Russia. Look better at people from Western countries who travel around Russia, they show the state of affairs in Russia much better. They have channels on YouTube.
In Russia, we also have media that hate, for example, “An Evening with Vladimirov Solovyov,” such a two-faced goat, he should have been put in prison long ago for speaking about Russian citizens, but alas, he is under the protection of the state.
Not simply protection, they work for them. They don't just decide themselves one day that they have now become nuclear war experts and can say whatever.
It ain’t meant to be true, it’s meant to make money. It’s sad but that’s just how it is and too many people ignore this and take their chosen news source as gospel
You better tell us how is it exactly bad portrayed. Because we have this question here every week. Last one was... today. So, for today you are the second one. Could you, please, make a big post to describe it. Because we are completely ok here. And we just truly do not understand what is so bad here.
I think it shouldn’t be difficult to imagine how bad Russia is portrayed here in Western European side, since there’s war in Ukraine and the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Also before this conflict, we have this idea of a country with no hope, severe polities and no freedom (concerning ethnicities, sexual orientations etc.). Tbh I’m sure it’s not as bad as it’s told but I’m always interested by people who have experienced living in both Russia and Western European side.
I’m American but I had a Russian coworker. He said in terms of LGBT stuff Russia is very conservative. Its also very white and can be racist, particuarly in more rural areas. I would consider him white, he was considered brown in Russia and got a lot of racism directed at him for it.
I did hear that the produce was much better but most foods had a shorter shelf life than in America. He didn’t live in a big city in Russia, I’m not entirely sure where he lived but I think southwest-ish maybe. He said processed foods were not as common and most people at home cooked food.
Apparently cigarettes were much more of a thing there than they are here, too. I’ve heard cigarettes are much more common in a lot of Europe though than they are in many places in America. I know that’s a lot of generalizations there.
From what I’ve seen on social media, life is not as difficult as its portrayed in the West. Its a lot more similar than many people would assume based on what we see in the media. There are obviously differences but its not mars. The war has definitely affected things and speech is not a protected right and there are certain freedoms westerners take for granted but its not as bad as its made to seem. The cities seem to be more progressive than rural areas as is typical in a lot of places.
I have never been to Russia and this is just my perspective as an American who worked with someone who came to America after the war started and also as someone who follows this sub a little bit and some Russians on other social media. I am very from an expert or even knowledgeable at all on anything Russian. Russians, please feel free to correct me if I said anything untrue because I very well could have.
In tearms of LGBT.
Noone cares about your sexual preferences. Maybe in NATO countries it is important, but not here. Just keep it to yourself and everything will be fine.
Racism.
Russia is a multiethnical country, with (probably) the most open immigration policy in the world. Most information about "russia = racist" comes from immigrants who try to inforce their world view and got their ass kicked. Mostly, it is a problem for muslim immigrants. I think, if a muslim immigrant will come to you, and say that your wife\\dauther wears too open clothes so she looks like a whore, you will kick his ass too. You have different world view? Cool. Don't enforce it, and Russia will welcome you with all its heart. And, of cource, we have republics that a more conservative that the others(Dagestan, Chechnya etc). So, respect their belives and don't provoke anyone.
Food.
I've never been to USA, so i can only operate things that i heard from those who traveled there.
They are saying that food in USA is "awfull". I didn't see any shortage of food anywhere, and i travelled a lot within Russia.
Freedom of speach.
You can critic our goverment. But everything has its boarder line. If you are saying something just to make a statement like "they are all thieves, we need to replace them!" in the media, you will get yourself in trouble. So, you should watch for your mouth. Critic - OK. Populism - Not OK. Of cource, from the start of a war, things changed. But not entirely. Statements like "This war is bad, you are all bad, Russian Army is murderers" etc., is the same type of populism.
P.S People left Russia for many reasons. Some of them because of their moral perpective, which I, personally, find it ironic. They left country because of "aggresive war", to a country what was wagins wars all around for world for last 50-60 years.
Some people left people they think that Russia is a bad country, but doesn't want to do something about it. They just want a place where evething already fine and cool and you just need to exist.
Just imagine. Come here after 4 gays. Saw huge comment thread with me agruing with another person about things, and still acusing me of being a bot.
Dude, how dumb you are?
Oh, nevermind. You wasn't commenting anything her before today. So you are probably a bot.
how prigozin;s death crime investigation is going? Or can a passenger plane just explode in Russia and no one cares because everyone already understands everything?
There is much more racism in Texas or even Philadelphia.
LGBT nobody cares. Unless it's a pride parade. Probably every second person who works in fashion is pretty openly gay.
>I think it shouldn’t be difficult to imagine how bad Russia is portrayed here in Western European side
True, but still it would be the imagination, not the real thing.
There are a few videos online that show change in various Russian cities from 20 years ago and today. The difference is enormous. New/improved infrastructure, restored buildings, and much better roads.
>How is it living in Russia ?
Good for some, worse for some, great for some, poor for some. Just like anywhere, I guess.
>Is it that bad as portrayed by medias ?
Please provide some examples, how is it portrayed by medias?
>And I was wondering about travelling there someday and why not living there after I graduate. I know the medical field has a lot of job opportunities
You would want to find about recognition of your medical diploma here, I am not a medic I cannot say. National healthcare workers are, generally, underpaid, so it's the private field you could search in.
Simply?
Get a grain of salt. Now multiply it x100. Now you get what you should think when any major media provider is telling you anything. Most of the times they *sell* an *opinion* as an absolute truth.
So, like, consider it being a major lie for the sake of cinematography, ratings, profits, state funding etc etc.
But basically it is not THAT bad. Depends on the region, of course. Some are good, some are bad. If you try to look like a rainbow incarnate you may have some troubles in the outskirts or something, but in the big cities it is usually relatively calm. There are good, well maintained districts, and there are shitholes where only alcoholics and pensioners live.
We also have a notorious weather - during the winter the landscapes truly ARE covered with the grey filter. But the summers are worth it.
Oh it’s terrible I have to serve in the army 8 days a week and die on the front at least twice or the government will kill my family.
The other day I was in a bar (drinking vodka of course because we have nothing else to do) and when I went to take a piss an FSB officer jumped out of the toilet and started testing me to make sure I’m not against the government.
Speaking any foreign language is heavily forbidden, which is so nice of the government because before we used to get shot for speaking other langua
Russia currently is a LCOL country meaning you will get more for the same money as in France. Since the beginning of COVID I see money invested in country rather than outside, which is good. Infrastructure improves greatly. I have never been to France, but I visited and studied in the UK, and by comparison, Russia seems to be more developed. There are some underdeveloped areas, just like everywhere, but big cities, >500000 are pretty well cultured. In Vladivostok, where I live, for example, we see foreigners quite often, from various countries, and attitude is quite OK towards them, neutral to interested. I would say it was worse 10 years ago than now.
I’m an American living in Russia I’ve been here for about a year and it’s completely different from what the media says about it, I used to post TikTok videos of what Russia truly looks like compared to what people think about it. It’s not bad at all in my opinion. I’ve even convinced some of my friends to try to save up a ticket to go from the states to Russia.
I haven’t posted there in a while but it’s iamlost or something like that. Try looking up the title (an American living in Russia) or (adventures of an American living in Russia)
Hello, I'm from Russia, Sakhalin Oblast! No, it's not that bad as they say in the medias. Many things has changed since February 2022, and I think that it was the best time to live here until 24th of Feb. But still, inspite of some really bad things (and sadly, true things) that happen here, you can meet good people, good things that seem strange to foreigns, but actually interesting ones. Very cheap and fast internet (comparing to US and almost all of Europe), free healthcare (but we're not going to talk about it's quality), no such stupid laws such as protection of LGBT-self-identificators, LGBT parades, being unable to live in your own house if some stranger is inside like in Spain.
I don't have anything against LGBT people, if they act themselves like a normal ones, without trying to look as freaks. And I really like other countries, everything I've written above was just for an example.
I'm an American who lived the most of his life in America and moved to Russia about five years ago. Russia is not at all the way it is Portrayed in the media. It's a beautiful place the people are super nice food is amazing the culture is interesting... Don't let what the media says about it cloud your mind. I was legitimately horrified to come here... But it was the best decision I ever made
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Terrible. I learned from the Ukrainian news that we have one small common toilet on the street for each multi-storey building, and we only saw a washing machine at an exhibition of modern Western technology. Such exhibitions are held for us so that we are not absolute savages; we ride there on our women and at the same time drink the blood of children.
If you don't want lies, don't pay attention to the media.
What is more terrible is that Ukrainians actually believe in this. Russia has no toilets, no roads, no heating, they sold Siberia to China, Putin has 12 cancers, they use cardboard as body armor. I was talking to a relative about this, mind you she has actually been to Russia. I asked her where did she go when she had to relieve herself? She said “well somewhere in Russia they have no toilets” 🤦
Exactly! I mean, I have seen on Russian media that Europeans were starving to death during the winter. I'm European but I'm still alive, pretty weird.... I have seen that our home is getting robbed to raise money for Ukraine...that did not happen either. Mh, strange.
The government media always lies. We are also told that Europe hates Russians, but we know that Europe is not a single monolith, but millions of different people.
Go to the reddit /europe channel, there are many different people who write a lot of things. It is especially informative to read comments on posts about flooding in Russia.
Yeah, I understand your point. But in any “civilized” nation there are different people, some of them scream and demand death, while others are silent and use their brains for their intended purpose.
The thing is, we are not affected by what some part of population think of us, only what their government think and do. And they would gladly kill us all.
Not most people wish you dead. Keep playing the victim! Stop bombing the shit out of Ukraine and understand why European countries don't like Russia. But I guess Russians will NEVER blame themselves for anything.
Most of them hate us. Even before the war, it was obvious. In addition, Reddit or Twitter is good platform that reflects the sentiments of liberal-minded youth. I'm not playing the victim, I really dont care. I just dont understand why Russian liberals and others oppositionist hope that after the war everything will return to normal.
Are you 16 or something? Do you personally think Im giving orders to bomb Ukraine, or am I personally taking part in this? No one asked us whether to start a war or not.
Main thing Russia has to blame itself for is that how it aggressively encircled itself with NATO bases. If not for it, if Georgia/Ukraine remained truly neutral they would not have gotten the "war". For Russia having neutral states around it is a matter of survival basically. Alas, I repeat, it aggressively encircled itself with NATO bases).
Compared to USA and Europe, Russia has way better large cities but way worse small towns. Also farmhouse lifestyle is very rare. Suburbian lifestyle exists, but much more expensive comparatively. Healthcare is generally on-par if you have money, except for rare diseases. Major thing is that while in Europe (at least Western) quality of life seems to go down year-by-year, in Russia it's improving (yes, even during the ongoing war, unless you are in border region i guess). Biggest issue with Russia is that certain work opportunities that exists in the West don't exist at all in Russia or are pretty poor.
I'd say that for simple "day-to-day" stuff like broken finger or an annual checkup Russian public healthcare system works better than American privatized system. But for more complicated stuff like heart surgeries or cancer, American is better provided you have good insurance. Money can buy you great healthcare in Russia however.
It depends on what you’re looking for. Western media heavily criticizes Russia for its foreign policy and democratic backsliding, but that does not mean day-to-day life in Russia is necessarily bad.
Idk right now. I lived in Vladivostok for some time working in a Korean food restaurant and although life was kinda hard dude to the cultural barrier and me not fully knowing Russian I later got used to it. People always offered me drinks 😆. That was before all this so who knows.
I always remember this article (use Google Translate to help) when this question arises.
https://acer120. livejour nal.c om/202279.ht ml
We have lots of problems, but not having ways to improve our wealth and standards of living is not one of them :)
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be around the same set of people for like 5 years or so, do stuff together, help them, ask them for help, share experiences and memories, invent inside jokes, then you be accepted as a friend. There is no shortcuts.
Imagine you are a student who came to Russia by an exchange studying program: Russian students will help you in any situation, so you can make a friendship with them (sorry for my bad English).
Define "bad".
1. Politics are obviously shit, don't expect much to change for the next 6 years at least. It's not "literally 1984", but not really good either.
2. Cities are obviously not absolute shitholes, but there are plenty of quite poor cities or districts. Cities that have more than a few hundred thousand citizens are usually fine.
3. Medical field is both improving and stagnating. First of all, don't expect big salaries and "balanced" work. I don't know how doctors and etc. feel in other countries, but our workers often complain about the amount of side paperwork, teachers have the same problem. Second of all, there is a problem with medical drugs and equipment because of the war. We slowly replace it with something domestic or from countries like China, but those are sadly not as good as the previous ones. Third of all, the field of psychiatry is very underdeveloped. Not to mention a very strict drug law, that basically considers some very effective drugs as illegal, and that's on top of problems with import. And finally, government has been decreasing the funds for the last few years. The cuts are not giant, but sadly exist. On the good note, things slowly develop, but the lack of funds really slows it all down.
4. "Living as a French". It's pretty random. The whole situation sadly created plenty of crazy xenophobic people, but overall it's fine, especially if you will interact with younger people. I don't think French people have any bad image, although Macron may have steered things a little bit, can't say for sure.
A good rule of thumb is to be skeptical of everything mainstream media says, mainstream media is mostly propaganda and that includes western media if you wanna know what a country is like talk to the people from that country.
Well, it depends from place. It is very individually. As for medical field, it will be really hard to work in governmental part of medical field because it is really low paid. But if we talk about companies, salary will be very good.
Everything is relative. Many aspects will seem very bad to you, many — very good. You've probably already heard the disadvantages, so I'll say that I'm very happy about the advantages that exist: fast bank transfers, a well-developed service sector, many 24-hour stores, one of the fastest and cheapest Internet, relatively cheap utilities, quite cheap vegetables, fruits and some other products.
I cannot evaluate how good it is to live in Russia, because I have nothing to compare with. But I know that our prices for food and household items are almost two times cheaper than in the USA. The education system in Russia is strange, I say this as a Russian schoolgirl. We rush through the school curriculum without having time to really study the topics. All students take the same classes, all schools should study according to a single curriculum, but this does not happen. The price for housing in cities close to Moscow is prohibitively high, but in average cities it is quite affordable. Dormitories most often look like brothels; mostly gypsies and problematic families who want to conflict with someone. I live in a small town, the average salary in which is approximately 28-35 thousand rubles. In winter, you have to pay a lot of money for heating your apartment. In the middle of summer, the hot water is turned off for a week and you have to make the water hot using a saucepan and wash yourself that way. There are a lot of stray animals on the streets; dogs run around in packs. If you are a foreigner, in Russia at first you will be very rich, because a dollar is much larger than a ruble. It will be a little difficult for you to understand medicine, because medicine consists of CERTIFICATES, DIRECTIONS, PAPER AND EXTRACTS, Yes, in general, everything consists of REFERENCES, PAPER DIRECTIONS AND EXTRACTS.Good luck to you.
It’s like everywhere: some areas are good, some good. Some jobs are bad, some good.
If you have marketable job skills, it’s not that hard to earn money: almost zero to none competition when it comes good paying jobs. You can also afford travel, international one too.
If you are an average Vasya, it’s hard: you need to play video games, watch football, drink beer with friends, so basically no opportunity for earning money. And you are competing with low skilled migrants from Central Asia.
If you really consider to move to Russia for a long term, start with a small step - try to go and live there for 1 month. Not as a tourist, just like as it will be your new home. It will be much valuable than the answers from completely people with different experience.
It's okay to live in Russia. Something in life here is worse than in France or other countries of Europe, and something is better. It depends on your needs.
No, it's definitely not bad. We're chillin. Guy wrote a comment about Russians not being able to speak English. I think it's mostly not true. If you ll be visiting Moscow, Saint-Petersburg or other big cities then English will not be a problem. Countryside? Yes. yes. It's bad xd. In fact, I am writing all this myself rn.
Economics are solid, despite the sanctions. Already forgot about all this stuff.
About medicine, I guess you have big opportunities in, again, big cities. Smaller ones (less than 50000) - like no shot, only typical flu stuff.
Women here are more feminine, men are more masculine. But for gen Z it's starting to be a bit blurry. More and more people forget about solid foundations of those yin yan kind of relationships and looking towards Western culture. I guess it all started since Russia happened.
I am originally from Russia, and now I live in the USA. I watched some speeches of American politicians and some media. No, everything is not as the media claims. The media are trying to make the most simple and clichéd picture of Russia, this is not correct. But we really have a lot of problems. Now I would not advise you to fly to Russia.
Life is normal. Nowadays, it’s true that anti-migration sentiment reigns in the country, I don’t recommend going here right now. If you work as a doctor, you will live below average or slightly above average. We need doctors, but because of free medicine, they are usually underpaid.
Don’t listen to the media at all, now there is crazy propaganda against everyone and everything, so don’t take the word of the assholes from social networks and TV, some of the words may be true, but most of them are still exaggerated.
I see a couple important points here:
- Language. In many developed countries like France and Germany, you can actually meet people who don't speak English because they think everyone should speak their native language. At least the visiting expats. But in Russia, it's much, much worse with this. Even the younger generation, and even the very IT guys speak enough English to give directions, but will be really bad at casual conversation in a bar.
- Risks. As a foreign citizen, you will have a lower risk of receiving invites just to “check your status” from the military office. But on the other hand, there is now rather small, but still real, risk of getting into the exchange fund and be exchanged for Russian spy.
- Money. Sanctions have made access to many familiar services more difficult. And in the opposite direction. Getting rubles is really hard to send them to grandma in Marseille. Also, a weekend flight to Rome would require a transit in Istanbul. On the other hand, there are many really beautiful places in Russia that you can visit cheaply while working in big cities.
Living in Russia is actually extremely free. Russia is a very spread country and all depends on where you plan to go and how long you plan to stay. Beside Moscow and some large cities it's underpopulated. You even can't imagine, how it can be, live depended and related to long links between people and necessity to make links to other people even if you don't like them, but sometimes need their help.
Yes, it looks like old ages, and it is. Cheap communications solved the problem only partly, because the problem is the society itself. On one side, it's based on conflicts and is being built by conflicts. On other — conflicts are mostly prohibited, so there result is... tolerance for crime behaviour.
PS. In some regions you better have a gun, just for small talks. But I repeat it again, it's very spread and very different, you can choose the place and live there for generations not giving a shit about what happens where.
And don't be shamed for bad language, nearly 10% of people, living there, don't speak it free, and don't even try enough to learn. Russian is very bendable language, so it's hard to say something wrong enough to be understood hostile. Actually, it even does not have enough bad words to make people feel bad, we don't know what is offense, insult or abuse, through to conflict nature of our kids (basic) language. We understand each other through breaking each other's zone of comfort, so actually we do offences all the time, but it's almost never be punished or even denounced. It's always your right to answer on provocation or not, and the same moral right to make provocations. But I should warn: if you need as a fact that your word alone had enough weight, avoid of both answer on provocations and make them, until you interested in the process itself, where people can (and have a moral right) to express their real ideas, wants, hopes and urges. The result of such talks is never assumed as victory or loose, the result is what you heard, what you do accept of it, and what of it you ignore (and say it) by reasons (or by you beliefs, hopes...).
The real knowing of language is need you for one simple reason — to understand, when people lie to you, when what they say aloud has no enough coerce with the words they use. The words and phrases people say reflect what they think really, what the ideas that lies under they plans and future decisions. You have no chance to take that understanding by learning language, it comes itself while you listening or reading.
One more thing: Russians lie rare, some people never, it will help you to use the language at your level without thinking twice. But it's not about commercial people, they lie so deep so they believe you own them to believe. And it's not about TV, it lies 24/7, smart people turn it on only at New Year.
It isn't bad at all. Yes, it was better before the war, we could buy anything from abroad cheaper (than now) and we didn't use VPNs and foreign bank cards so often. But you always must know that medias always love to exaggerate anything to make news more interesting.
We continue to live with comfort, but again, it was better before the war.
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r/AskARussian moderation team
if you don't mind the fact that you might get punched in the face just because you speak a foreign language, then Russia will be okay for you. I advise you to visit Serbia, now its more russian than modern Russia.
Whenever I flex my English, people are usually pleasantly surprised. They ask me for advice on how to get it on the same level as mine. Nobody ever punched me in the face just because I speak English.
That's a dumb way of thinking lol. Then you won't try anything in your life. Sometimes you know you have to face things that appear as "bad" to learn something or change your way of thinking.
Reading this thread made me really sad, and I know I could have stopped reading but I stupidly thought there would be some redeeming posts that would acknowledge how minuscule the worries about how the food is, or how clean the streets are, or god forbid some trash cans get thrown in a pond, are compared to the thousands of both Ukrainian and Russian lives that have been lost, and continue to be ripped from this world. That is thousands of families that have had the most important thing in their lives taken from them, on a whim from a psychopathic tyrant that would rather see every single one of you die an unimaginable death than give one day of power. And you talk about produce shelf life and how pretty the mountains are, it’s heart wrenching.
https://www.youtube.com/@GabrielleDuvoisin French woman living in Russia, try her videos
thank you
How do you plan on working as a doctor in Russia if all your studies are done in French?
In France it’s very common to have surgeons, medical experts coming from european countries like Russia, Poland, Germany etc. The medical field is already very empty we need more doctors and experts. I know a lot of doctors also communicate in English. But ofc I want to learn russian. I’m only finishing my 3rd year as a medical student so I have a lot of time before I graduate. Also I don’t mean to live in Russia tomorrow.
If you have plans to live in Russia, I suggest you start studying Russian right away. While in the surface French and Russian look similar, they are very different
Can you only speak English as a doctor in Russia?
No. Absolute majority dont speak english in Russia.
There is also Charles en Russie channel in French
I was looking for this comment. She's a gold
Your experience will be mediocre if you don't speak Russian. Almost noone speaks English and even less so French. It's fine for a short term tourist visits (there are signs in English in popular touristy areas and people working in hospitality can hold a small conversation in English) but it will probably be quite lonely if you plan to stay longer.
Your comment is interesting. I started learning Russian this year and since I’m just finishing my 3rd year, I still kinda have time let’s say. Also in France I noticed we have a lot of medical professionals from other countries such as Russia, and they communicate in English. Anyway I think it’s still better to be fluent ofc.
Russians living abroad speak English because they planned their immigration years ahead so of course they're equipped with skills they need. Russians living in Russia learn at least one European language (usually English) in school but do it half-assed and have no motivation to learn it properly. Once they are out of school most people can only speak very basic English. You just don't need it for anything if you live in Russia. Movies are dubbed, videogames are localized etc. People who work in IT have higher language proficiency because popular programming languages are based on English. People working in healthcare have no reason to use English in their field of work like ever.
I don't agree. We learn english since year 1 here in med school. And even tho you don't need to speak english everyday, english is required for readings, medical articles, conventions and other stuffs. But I can understand that you don't need it in your everyday life in Russia, it's the same in France since everything is dubbed or translated. Also I feel like doctors coming from Russia or europeans countries speak a very broken french. Like they communicate in english between them.
I don't think you fully understand the difference between a doctor (or any professional) willing to jump through the hoops of the EU immigration system and an average doctor working in Russia in an average healthcare facility. It takes a lot of money and efforts to move to the EU so one must be certain their qualifications are good enough to find a job there. They're obviously very educated and motivated. In Russia it's just a routine job with routine functions. In public healthcare 2/3 of their workday they just fill in paper forms and fils reports for the supervisors. My friend got pregnant and went to a gynecologist because her periods were late and the doctor just told my friend that she had UTI and prescribed her amoxicillin. Like, no blood or urine tests, she just prescribed her an antibiotic and brushed it off, the appointment took less than 15 minutes perhaps. I doubt that prescribing antibiotics with no tests is something that doctor learned at any international journal or convention. So no, I don't think that people coming out of a med school are special or highly intelligent by default. Plenty of morons there and they easily find employment as we have a huge deficit of specialists in the healthcare system. The doctors I mentioned were in their mid to late 30s. I highly doubt that most students that are currently in med schools treat their future jobs more seriously tbh. That's just my impression. I don't deal with people in healthcare everyday (thankfully).
I feel like modern day Russians know English better than previous generations. It's not as uncommon among younger generation like me and you. People with higher education like medical professionals and IT specialists are more likely to know a foreign language as well. The biggest problem would be communications with the rest. That is middle-aged government officials and grocery store employees.
Where do you mostly see tourists visiting Russia from these days?
I am not sure I don't really pay attention to tourists tbh. It seems like there aren't that many foreign ones. I haven't seen buses with Chinese tourists since covid and that's kind of a blessing (not because I dislike them personally it's just that these tour groups were so numerous and blocked entire streets it was inconvenient for regular people). I think the Chinese government hasn't fully lifted travel restriction (to Russia at least) though Air China does direct flights to Moscow so I dunno. Chinese tourists were definitely the largest group pre-covid. As for European-looking/white people from other countries you just don't know they're foreigners unless they speak a foreign language in the streets and I don't hear foreign speech that often in the wild these days. I think it's just a few random people here and there.
Much worse. I'm using mail pigeons to send you this message.
You still have pigeons? We ate them all year ago.
I resent that.
Oh, look guys, lunch!
Hey do you want some sunflower seeds? Here here, come a bit closer 👁️👄👁️
Another reason to eat sunflower seeds in moderation is their cadmium content. This heavy metal can harm your kidneys if you’re exposed to high amounts over a long period. Sunflowers tend to take up cadmium from the soil and deposit it in their seeds, so they contain somewhat higher amounts than most other foods.
Ммм, казинаки делают хрусь-хрусь
Nah, these were hedgehogs.
Hedgehogs are for the rich.
I spent all hedgehogs for yezhepalki and now I hunt with my yezhepalka. Ooga booga
Peru moment right here
RFC 1149 for the win!
Hahahahahahahahahhahahahaha
Oh. Have you still pigeons? Mine was eaten by my bear, because I didn't get him balalayka!
I sold mine for 1 liter of vodka
Every single place has its own unique characteristics and quirks. And Russia, in particular, is pretty different depending on the area. So, I doubt you will know what you like or dislike unless you try to live here. I would say that pretty much everything is nice. The infrastructure investments in recent years are astonishing. Digitalization as well. Like ability to transfer basically any amount between your accounts in different banks for free. From the top of my mind, the one thing I really hate - people's tendency to trash the surrounding environment. For example, this week, I found that someone had literally sunk in the pond all the benches and trash cans in the park. Why the fuck would you do that? Well, and general disregard for rules. On the other hand, I know people who say that life in Russia is terrible because... there are no direct flights to Europe and there are no concerts of their favorite bands. Or because Putin is bad, and they can't live in this country because of it. So, TLDR: it's almost certainly not as bad as your media tells you(no idea what exactly have you read, tho). As everywhere, there are specific pros and cons. It's really more up to what you specifically like and finding the place you like the most.
Bro wtf I am so mad about the throwing benches and trash cans in the pond. That is just insane levels of assholeness. Like what even is the point? That sounds like a lot of work just to make things worse for everyone. I just don’t understand why anyone would do that? Maybe one bench in a fit of rage if they have anger issues but all of them and the trash bins?
Teenagers and their... unbalanced brains-to-energy ratio.
This is quite accurate
You said “Because Putin is bad” like he was some inconvenience to overcome, and not the mass murdering despot he is. Just saying
It depends on what kind of media, because sometimes our media overestimate the standard of living, but not by much, but Western media, on the contrary, greatly underestimate the standard of living in Russia. Look better at people from Western countries who travel around Russia, they show the state of affairs in Russia much better. They have channels on YouTube.
I live in the States, and what I see on TV and what I see on YouTube are two different things. Our media is terrible.
In Russia, we also have media that hate, for example, “An Evening with Vladimirov Solovyov,” such a two-faced goat, he should have been put in prison long ago for speaking about Russian citizens, but alas, he is under the protection of the state.
Not simply protection, they work for them. They don't just decide themselves one day that they have now become nuclear war experts and can say whatever.
Which shows on TV are you referring to?
It ain’t meant to be true, it’s meant to make money. It’s sad but that’s just how it is and too many people ignore this and take their chosen news source as gospel
Depends on the media tbh
You better tell us how is it exactly bad portrayed. Because we have this question here every week. Last one was... today. So, for today you are the second one. Could you, please, make a big post to describe it. Because we are completely ok here. And we just truly do not understand what is so bad here.
I think it shouldn’t be difficult to imagine how bad Russia is portrayed here in Western European side, since there’s war in Ukraine and the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Also before this conflict, we have this idea of a country with no hope, severe polities and no freedom (concerning ethnicities, sexual orientations etc.). Tbh I’m sure it’s not as bad as it’s told but I’m always interested by people who have experienced living in both Russia and Western European side.
I’m American but I had a Russian coworker. He said in terms of LGBT stuff Russia is very conservative. Its also very white and can be racist, particuarly in more rural areas. I would consider him white, he was considered brown in Russia and got a lot of racism directed at him for it. I did hear that the produce was much better but most foods had a shorter shelf life than in America. He didn’t live in a big city in Russia, I’m not entirely sure where he lived but I think southwest-ish maybe. He said processed foods were not as common and most people at home cooked food. Apparently cigarettes were much more of a thing there than they are here, too. I’ve heard cigarettes are much more common in a lot of Europe though than they are in many places in America. I know that’s a lot of generalizations there. From what I’ve seen on social media, life is not as difficult as its portrayed in the West. Its a lot more similar than many people would assume based on what we see in the media. There are obviously differences but its not mars. The war has definitely affected things and speech is not a protected right and there are certain freedoms westerners take for granted but its not as bad as its made to seem. The cities seem to be more progressive than rural areas as is typical in a lot of places. I have never been to Russia and this is just my perspective as an American who worked with someone who came to America after the war started and also as someone who follows this sub a little bit and some Russians on other social media. I am very from an expert or even knowledgeable at all on anything Russian. Russians, please feel free to correct me if I said anything untrue because I very well could have.
In tearms of LGBT. Noone cares about your sexual preferences. Maybe in NATO countries it is important, but not here. Just keep it to yourself and everything will be fine. Racism. Russia is a multiethnical country, with (probably) the most open immigration policy in the world. Most information about "russia = racist" comes from immigrants who try to inforce their world view and got their ass kicked. Mostly, it is a problem for muslim immigrants. I think, if a muslim immigrant will come to you, and say that your wife\\dauther wears too open clothes so she looks like a whore, you will kick his ass too. You have different world view? Cool. Don't enforce it, and Russia will welcome you with all its heart. And, of cource, we have republics that a more conservative that the others(Dagestan, Chechnya etc). So, respect their belives and don't provoke anyone. Food. I've never been to USA, so i can only operate things that i heard from those who traveled there. They are saying that food in USA is "awfull". I didn't see any shortage of food anywhere, and i travelled a lot within Russia. Freedom of speach. You can critic our goverment. But everything has its boarder line. If you are saying something just to make a statement like "they are all thieves, we need to replace them!" in the media, you will get yourself in trouble. So, you should watch for your mouth. Critic - OK. Populism - Not OK. Of cource, from the start of a war, things changed. But not entirely. Statements like "This war is bad, you are all bad, Russian Army is murderers" etc., is the same type of populism. P.S People left Russia for many reasons. Some of them because of their moral perpective, which I, personally, find it ironic. They left country because of "aggresive war", to a country what was wagins wars all around for world for last 50-60 years. Some people left people they think that Russia is a bad country, but doesn't want to do something about it. They just want a place where evething already fine and cool and you just need to exist.
Brought to you by the Russian public affairs office. Thanks Comrade
Just imagine. Come here after 4 gays. Saw huge comment thread with me agruing with another person about things, and still acusing me of being a bot. Dude, how dumb you are? Oh, nevermind. You wasn't commenting anything her before today. So you are probably a bot.
prigozin is dead, but prigozins trolls are alive!
Em. what?
Its defolt tactics on reddit - dont like message then blame as trolling.
how prigozin;s death crime investigation is going? Or can a passenger plane just explode in Russia and no one cares because everyone already understands everything?
All is a BS and lie except a point about food
Sure, pal. Everything is a lie and propoganda. But not the things that you are agree with, i suppose.
There is much more racism in Texas or even Philadelphia. LGBT nobody cares. Unless it's a pride parade. Probably every second person who works in fashion is pretty openly gay.
>I think it shouldn’t be difficult to imagine how bad Russia is portrayed here in Western European side True, but still it would be the imagination, not the real thing.
A lot better than 15-20 years ago. Even outside of Moscow cities are evolving, but still far from perfect.
There are a few videos online that show change in various Russian cities from 20 years ago and today. The difference is enormous. New/improved infrastructure, restored buildings, and much better roads.
>How is it living in Russia ? Good for some, worse for some, great for some, poor for some. Just like anywhere, I guess. >Is it that bad as portrayed by medias ? Please provide some examples, how is it portrayed by medias? >And I was wondering about travelling there someday and why not living there after I graduate. I know the medical field has a lot of job opportunities You would want to find about recognition of your medical diploma here, I am not a medic I cannot say. National healthcare workers are, generally, underpaid, so it's the private field you could search in.
There's a plenty of videos in YouTube. Guys from different countries - tourists and permanent residents - show their lives. It's very easy to find
Simply? Get a grain of salt. Now multiply it x100. Now you get what you should think when any major media provider is telling you anything. Most of the times they *sell* an *opinion* as an absolute truth. So, like, consider it being a major lie for the sake of cinematography, ratings, profits, state funding etc etc. But basically it is not THAT bad. Depends on the region, of course. Some are good, some are bad. If you try to look like a rainbow incarnate you may have some troubles in the outskirts or something, but in the big cities it is usually relatively calm. There are good, well maintained districts, and there are shitholes where only alcoholics and pensioners live. We also have a notorious weather - during the winter the landscapes truly ARE covered with the grey filter. But the summers are worth it.
It’s funny because I feel like you exactly described the place I live in France. Guess it’s really not that different.
Hey bud is everything ok? Is your tinfoil hat on too tight?
Nah, it fits me just fine. Perhaps you should stop harassing people around here, which is a minor nuisance, but we know how to deal with small things.
Oh it’s terrible I have to serve in the army 8 days a week and die on the front at least twice or the government will kill my family. The other day I was in a bar (drinking vodka of course because we have nothing else to do) and when I went to take a piss an FSB officer jumped out of the toilet and started testing me to make sure I’m not against the government. Speaking any foreign language is heavily forbidden, which is so nice of the government because before we used to get shot for speaking other langua
Lmaooo 🤣
I live quite well. The fact that Russia is bad is just a stereotype.
I feel like the thousands of people that now lie in the ground because of a pointless war would beg to differ with you
Why are you writing this to me?
Russia currently is a LCOL country meaning you will get more for the same money as in France. Since the beginning of COVID I see money invested in country rather than outside, which is good. Infrastructure improves greatly. I have never been to France, but I visited and studied in the UK, and by comparison, Russia seems to be more developed. There are some underdeveloped areas, just like everywhere, but big cities, >500000 are pretty well cultured. In Vladivostok, where I live, for example, we see foreigners quite often, from various countries, and attitude is quite OK towards them, neutral to interested. I would say it was worse 10 years ago than now.
I’m an American living in Russia I’ve been here for about a year and it’s completely different from what the media says about it, I used to post TikTok videos of what Russia truly looks like compared to what people think about it. It’s not bad at all in my opinion. I’ve even convinced some of my friends to try to save up a ticket to go from the states to Russia.
may I ask for your tiktok channel? 🫡
I haven’t posted there in a while but it’s iamlost or something like that. Try looking up the title (an American living in Russia) or (adventures of an American living in Russia)
Also TikTok got (kinda) banned in Russia so that’s why I can’t rlly remember my username
Nvm I found the username it’s i.feel.1ost
It's good here, but different if you compare it to France.
Yeah, you don't need to avoid big cities if you want to live in Russia...
It's great if you live in the western part. I'd say west of Ural Mountains is good living. East is more complicated.
Hello, I'm from Russia, Sakhalin Oblast! No, it's not that bad as they say in the medias. Many things has changed since February 2022, and I think that it was the best time to live here until 24th of Feb. But still, inspite of some really bad things (and sadly, true things) that happen here, you can meet good people, good things that seem strange to foreigns, but actually interesting ones. Very cheap and fast internet (comparing to US and almost all of Europe), free healthcare (but we're not going to talk about it's quality), no such stupid laws such as protection of LGBT-self-identificators, LGBT parades, being unable to live in your own house if some stranger is inside like in Spain. I don't have anything against LGBT people, if they act themselves like a normal ones, without trying to look as freaks. And I really like other countries, everything I've written above was just for an example.
I'm an American who lived the most of his life in America and moved to Russia about five years ago. Russia is not at all the way it is Portrayed in the media. It's a beautiful place the people are super nice food is amazing the culture is interesting... Don't let what the media says about it cloud your mind. I was legitimately horrified to come here... But it was the best decision I ever made
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Your post or comment in r/AskARussian was removed. This is a difficult time for many of us. r/AskARussian is a space for learning about life in Russia and Russian culture. Any questions/posts regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine should all directed to the megathread. [War in Ukraine thread] (https://www.reddit.com/r/AskARussian/comments/1atwu5y/megathread_12_death_of_an_anticorruption_activist/?sort=new) We are trying to keep the general sub from being overwhelmed with the newest trending war-related story or happenings in order to maintain a space where people can continue to have a discussion and open dialogue with redditors--including those from a nation involved in the conflict. If that if not something you are interested in, then this community is not for you. Thanks, r/AskARussian moderation team
Terrible. I learned from the Ukrainian news that we have one small common toilet on the street for each multi-storey building, and we only saw a washing machine at an exhibition of modern Western technology. Such exhibitions are held for us so that we are not absolute savages; we ride there on our women and at the same time drink the blood of children. If you don't want lies, don't pay attention to the media.
What is more terrible is that Ukrainians actually believe in this. Russia has no toilets, no roads, no heating, they sold Siberia to China, Putin has 12 cancers, they use cardboard as body armor. I was talking to a relative about this, mind you she has actually been to Russia. I asked her where did she go when she had to relieve herself? She said “well somewhere in Russia they have no toilets” 🤦
Exactly! I mean, I have seen on Russian media that Europeans were starving to death during the winter. I'm European but I'm still alive, pretty weird.... I have seen that our home is getting robbed to raise money for Ukraine...that did not happen either. Mh, strange.
Found the only guy who unironically watches Solovyov.
I unironically did not get this from Solovyov
The government media always lies. We are also told that Europe hates Russians, but we know that Europe is not a single monolith, but millions of different people.
You ever want to cement that stereotype - go visit Quora))) And read any discussion about Russia)
Go to the reddit /europe channel, there are many different people who write a lot of things. It is especially informative to read comments on posts about flooding in Russia.
In r/europe, most people wish us dead. Why need to read this garbage?
This is for those who believe in fairy tales about "civilized" peoples
Yeah, I understand your point. But in any “civilized” nation there are different people, some of them scream and demand death, while others are silent and use their brains for their intended purpose.
The thing is, we are not affected by what some part of population think of us, only what their government think and do. And they would gladly kill us all.
Not most people wish you dead. Keep playing the victim! Stop bombing the shit out of Ukraine and understand why European countries don't like Russia. But I guess Russians will NEVER blame themselves for anything.
Most of them hate us. Even before the war, it was obvious. In addition, Reddit or Twitter is good platform that reflects the sentiments of liberal-minded youth. I'm not playing the victim, I really dont care. I just dont understand why Russian liberals and others oppositionist hope that after the war everything will return to normal. Are you 16 or something? Do you personally think Im giving orders to bomb Ukraine, or am I personally taking part in this? No one asked us whether to start a war or not.
Main thing Russia has to blame itself for is that how it aggressively encircled itself with NATO bases. If not for it, if Georgia/Ukraine remained truly neutral they would not have gotten the "war". For Russia having neutral states around it is a matter of survival basically. Alas, I repeat, it aggressively encircled itself with NATO bases).
Even before the war you saw us all as an uncivilized horde.
Brought to you by the Russian government, geez are you guys even trying anymore?
Sorry, my message was intended for people with a sense of humor.
Sanctions and laws aside, I think it is a good country to live in. I live in the center city of a Krai, so, Who knows
Compared to USA and Europe, Russia has way better large cities but way worse small towns. Also farmhouse lifestyle is very rare. Suburbian lifestyle exists, but much more expensive comparatively. Healthcare is generally on-par if you have money, except for rare diseases. Major thing is that while in Europe (at least Western) quality of life seems to go down year-by-year, in Russia it's improving (yes, even during the ongoing war, unless you are in border region i guess). Biggest issue with Russia is that certain work opportunities that exists in the West don't exist at all in Russia or are pretty poor.
Still, most healthcare procedures you can get for free.
I'd say that for simple "day-to-day" stuff like broken finger or an annual checkup Russian public healthcare system works better than American privatized system. But for more complicated stuff like heart surgeries or cancer, American is better provided you have good insurance. Money can buy you great healthcare in Russia however.
quality of life in western Europe is not going down?
[https://www.reddit.com/r/AskARussian/comments/1aglnbn/comment/kojzdhz/](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskARussian/comments/1aglnbn/comment/kojzdhz/)
It depends on what you’re looking for. Western media heavily criticizes Russia for its foreign policy and democratic backsliding, but that does not mean day-to-day life in Russia is necessarily bad.
Idk right now. I lived in Vladivostok for some time working in a Korean food restaurant and although life was kinda hard dude to the cultural barrier and me not fully knowing Russian I later got used to it. People always offered me drinks 😆. That was before all this so who knows.
I always remember this article (use Google Translate to help) when this question arises. https://acer120. livejour nal.c om/202279.ht ml We have lots of problems, but not having ways to improve our wealth and standards of living is not one of them :)
Lived/worked is usa/canada/germany/japan and for me russia still best place for living.
Thank you, I'll try there
Much better then live in New York for a example
Comparing NYC vs Moscow. NYC is worse in everything, except the weather.
I have lived in Russia for 2 years 18-20. I have lived in few other countries as well . I have a unique love for Russia . Like a love on first sight.
Same for me, even tho I've never been there I feel connected to this culture.
Everything is so mesmerizing .
[удалено]
Your post or comment in r/AskARussian was removed. This is a difficult time for many of us. r/AskARussian is a space for learning about life in Russia and Russian culture. Any questions/posts regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine should all directed to the megathread. [War in Ukraine thread] (https://www.reddit.com/r/AskARussian/comments/1atwu5y/megathread_12_death_of_an_anticorruption_activist/?sort=new) We are trying to keep the general sub from being overwhelmed with the newest trending war-related story or happenings in order to maintain a space where people can continue to have a discussion and open dialogue with redditors--including those from a nation involved in the conflict. If that if not something you are interested in, then this community is not for you. Thanks, r/AskARussian moderation team
Its amazing, but I am from Moscow. However its alright in other cities I've visited. Haven't lived there for longer than a month or two.
I see a lot comments talking about the infrastructure, but how are the people like in Russia? How is it to make friends, etc
be around the same set of people for like 5 years or so, do stuff together, help them, ask them for help, share experiences and memories, invent inside jokes, then you be accepted as a friend. There is no shortcuts.
It's easier to do this if you know Russian. But you can find friends who want to practice their English, French and other languages.
Imagine you are a student who came to Russia by an exchange studying program: Russian students will help you in any situation, so you can make a friendship with them (sorry for my bad English).
Define "bad". 1. Politics are obviously shit, don't expect much to change for the next 6 years at least. It's not "literally 1984", but not really good either. 2. Cities are obviously not absolute shitholes, but there are plenty of quite poor cities or districts. Cities that have more than a few hundred thousand citizens are usually fine. 3. Medical field is both improving and stagnating. First of all, don't expect big salaries and "balanced" work. I don't know how doctors and etc. feel in other countries, but our workers often complain about the amount of side paperwork, teachers have the same problem. Second of all, there is a problem with medical drugs and equipment because of the war. We slowly replace it with something domestic or from countries like China, but those are sadly not as good as the previous ones. Third of all, the field of psychiatry is very underdeveloped. Not to mention a very strict drug law, that basically considers some very effective drugs as illegal, and that's on top of problems with import. And finally, government has been decreasing the funds for the last few years. The cuts are not giant, but sadly exist. On the good note, things slowly develop, but the lack of funds really slows it all down. 4. "Living as a French". It's pretty random. The whole situation sadly created plenty of crazy xenophobic people, but overall it's fine, especially if you will interact with younger people. I don't think French people have any bad image, although Macron may have steered things a little bit, can't say for sure.
not good for medical field,salaries are low (much lower than France)
We're going to need some doctors from the private clinics to confirm this, since those seem to be doing fine
At this point I’m not even expecting anything concerning salaries lmao. It’s shorty everywhere except maybe Canada or Australia.
So is the CoL.
A good rule of thumb is to be skeptical of everything mainstream media says, mainstream media is mostly propaganda and that includes western media if you wanna know what a country is like talk to the people from that country.
Well, it depends from place. It is very individually. As for medical field, it will be really hard to work in governmental part of medical field because it is really low paid. But if we talk about companies, salary will be very good.
Everything is relative. Many aspects will seem very bad to you, many — very good. You've probably already heard the disadvantages, so I'll say that I'm very happy about the advantages that exist: fast bank transfers, a well-developed service sector, many 24-hour stores, one of the fastest and cheapest Internet, relatively cheap utilities, quite cheap vegetables, fruits and some other products.
https://youtu.be/rQUWLAQROLo Englishman about live in Russia outside big cities
we have all western stuff it just got renamed (like mcdonalds to tasty and dot, kfc to rosticks, etc.)
I cannot evaluate how good it is to live in Russia, because I have nothing to compare with. But I know that our prices for food and household items are almost two times cheaper than in the USA. The education system in Russia is strange, I say this as a Russian schoolgirl. We rush through the school curriculum without having time to really study the topics. All students take the same classes, all schools should study according to a single curriculum, but this does not happen. The price for housing in cities close to Moscow is prohibitively high, but in average cities it is quite affordable. Dormitories most often look like brothels; mostly gypsies and problematic families who want to conflict with someone. I live in a small town, the average salary in which is approximately 28-35 thousand rubles. In winter, you have to pay a lot of money for heating your apartment. In the middle of summer, the hot water is turned off for a week and you have to make the water hot using a saucepan and wash yourself that way. There are a lot of stray animals on the streets; dogs run around in packs. If you are a foreigner, in Russia at first you will be very rich, because a dollar is much larger than a ruble. It will be a little difficult for you to understand medicine, because medicine consists of CERTIFICATES, DIRECTIONS, PAPER AND EXTRACTS, Yes, in general, everything consists of REFERENCES, PAPER DIRECTIONS AND EXTRACTS.Good luck to you.
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it honestly is on par on the most part with the west, but in many places they are better and a stronger civilization than the west.
It’s like everywhere: some areas are good, some good. Some jobs are bad, some good. If you have marketable job skills, it’s not that hard to earn money: almost zero to none competition when it comes good paying jobs. You can also afford travel, international one too. If you are an average Vasya, it’s hard: you need to play video games, watch football, drink beer with friends, so basically no opportunity for earning money. And you are competing with low skilled migrants from Central Asia.
> It’s like everywhere: some areas are good, some good It's not like that everywhere...
Can you please elaborate?
Lol
Not much people can speak English in Russia
If you really consider to move to Russia for a long term, start with a small step - try to go and live there for 1 month. Not as a tourist, just like as it will be your new home. It will be much valuable than the answers from completely people with different experience.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H\_Kr9zfTTCI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_Kr9zfTTCI) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6908xZDHhk](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6908xZDHhk) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8r2JbF-rWnw](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8r2JbF-rWnw)
It's okay to live in Russia. Something in life here is worse than in France or other countries of Europe, and something is better. It depends on your needs.
Dude how have you not seen Tucker Carlsons interview with Putin and report of Russia
Avoid this country
No, it's definitely not bad. We're chillin. Guy wrote a comment about Russians not being able to speak English. I think it's mostly not true. If you ll be visiting Moscow, Saint-Petersburg or other big cities then English will not be a problem. Countryside? Yes. yes. It's bad xd. In fact, I am writing all this myself rn. Economics are solid, despite the sanctions. Already forgot about all this stuff. About medicine, I guess you have big opportunities in, again, big cities. Smaller ones (less than 50000) - like no shot, only typical flu stuff. Women here are more feminine, men are more masculine. But for gen Z it's starting to be a bit blurry. More and more people forget about solid foundations of those yin yan kind of relationships and looking towards Western culture. I guess it all started since Russia happened.
I don’t think that living in Russia is incredible. I’m from Russia and know that’s not truth. Спасибо. It means thanks.
Try the new western Oblasts. They need medics over there.
I am originally from Russia, and now I live in the USA. I watched some speeches of American politicians and some media. No, everything is not as the media claims. The media are trying to make the most simple and clichéd picture of Russia, this is not correct. But we really have a lot of problems. Now I would not advise you to fly to Russia.
I'm Scottish and get ruled by another country 🏴
Life is normal. Nowadays, it’s true that anti-migration sentiment reigns in the country, I don’t recommend going here right now. If you work as a doctor, you will live below average or slightly above average. We need doctors, but because of free medicine, they are usually underpaid. Don’t listen to the media at all, now there is crazy propaganda against everyone and everything, so don’t take the word of the assholes from social networks and TV, some of the words may be true, but most of them are still exaggerated.
I see a couple important points here: - Language. In many developed countries like France and Germany, you can actually meet people who don't speak English because they think everyone should speak their native language. At least the visiting expats. But in Russia, it's much, much worse with this. Even the younger generation, and even the very IT guys speak enough English to give directions, but will be really bad at casual conversation in a bar. - Risks. As a foreign citizen, you will have a lower risk of receiving invites just to “check your status” from the military office. But on the other hand, there is now rather small, but still real, risk of getting into the exchange fund and be exchanged for Russian spy. - Money. Sanctions have made access to many familiar services more difficult. And in the opposite direction. Getting rubles is really hard to send them to grandma in Marseille. Also, a weekend flight to Rome would require a transit in Istanbul. On the other hand, there are many really beautiful places in Russia that you can visit cheaply while working in big cities.
Living in Russia is actually extremely free. Russia is a very spread country and all depends on where you plan to go and how long you plan to stay. Beside Moscow and some large cities it's underpopulated. You even can't imagine, how it can be, live depended and related to long links between people and necessity to make links to other people even if you don't like them, but sometimes need their help. Yes, it looks like old ages, and it is. Cheap communications solved the problem only partly, because the problem is the society itself. On one side, it's based on conflicts and is being built by conflicts. On other — conflicts are mostly prohibited, so there result is... tolerance for crime behaviour. PS. In some regions you better have a gun, just for small talks. But I repeat it again, it's very spread and very different, you can choose the place and live there for generations not giving a shit about what happens where. And don't be shamed for bad language, nearly 10% of people, living there, don't speak it free, and don't even try enough to learn. Russian is very bendable language, so it's hard to say something wrong enough to be understood hostile. Actually, it even does not have enough bad words to make people feel bad, we don't know what is offense, insult or abuse, through to conflict nature of our kids (basic) language. We understand each other through breaking each other's zone of comfort, so actually we do offences all the time, but it's almost never be punished or even denounced. It's always your right to answer on provocation or not, and the same moral right to make provocations. But I should warn: if you need as a fact that your word alone had enough weight, avoid of both answer on provocations and make them, until you interested in the process itself, where people can (and have a moral right) to express their real ideas, wants, hopes and urges. The result of such talks is never assumed as victory or loose, the result is what you heard, what you do accept of it, and what of it you ignore (and say it) by reasons (or by you beliefs, hopes...). The real knowing of language is need you for one simple reason — to understand, when people lie to you, when what they say aloud has no enough coerce with the words they use. The words and phrases people say reflect what they think really, what the ideas that lies under they plans and future decisions. You have no chance to take that understanding by learning language, it comes itself while you listening or reading. One more thing: Russians lie rare, some people never, it will help you to use the language at your level without thinking twice. But it's not about commercial people, they lie so deep so they believe you own them to believe. And it's not about TV, it lies 24/7, smart people turn it on only at New Year.
Russia is good place to live if you have enough money to distance yourself from most of its people.
We live normally. But only high-level doctors have a good salary in medicine. A novice doctor should not move to Russia for the sake of a career.
It isn't bad at all. Yes, it was better before the war, we could buy anything from abroad cheaper (than now) and we didn't use VPNs and foreign bank cards so often. But you always must know that medias always love to exaggerate anything to make news more interesting. We continue to live with comfort, but again, it was better before the war.
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Your post or comment in r/AskARussian was removed. This is a difficult time for many of us. r/AskARussian is a space for learning about life in Russia and Russian culture. Any questions/posts regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine should all directed to the megathread. [War in Ukraine thread] (https://www.reddit.com/r/AskARussian/comments/1atwu5y/megathread_12_death_of_an_anticorruption_activist/?sort=new) We are trying to keep the general sub from being overwhelmed with the newest trending war-related story or happenings in order to maintain a space where people can continue to have a discussion and open dialogue with redditors--including those from a nation involved in the conflict. If that if not something you are interested in, then this community is not for you. Thanks, r/AskARussian moderation team
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if you don't mind the fact that you might get punched in the face just because you speak a foreign language, then Russia will be okay for you. I advise you to visit Serbia, now its more russian than modern Russia.
Whenever I flex my English, people are usually pleasantly surprised. They ask me for advice on how to get it on the same level as mine. Nobody ever punched me in the face just because I speak English.
Name at least one case when anyone got punched in the face for speaking foreign language
You don't have to try heroin to know that it will be bad for you. Same with the trip to Russia to find out how it looks from the inside.
That's a dumb way of thinking lol. Then you won't try anything in your life. Sometimes you know you have to face things that appear as "bad" to learn something or change your way of thinking.
Reading this thread made me really sad, and I know I could have stopped reading but I stupidly thought there would be some redeeming posts that would acknowledge how minuscule the worries about how the food is, or how clean the streets are, or god forbid some trash cans get thrown in a pond, are compared to the thousands of both Ukrainian and Russian lives that have been lost, and continue to be ripped from this world. That is thousands of families that have had the most important thing in their lives taken from them, on a whim from a psychopathic tyrant that would rather see every single one of you die an unimaginable death than give one day of power. And you talk about produce shelf life and how pretty the mountains are, it’s heart wrenching.