Way to Russia Talk Lounge

cyndy22

This new thread is aimed at gaining a better personal understanding of why and what draws both Americans and Russians to immigrate to Russia and USA. I'm sure there must be a lot of individual reasons. What first comes to mind is family, i.e. spouse is American or Russian; secondly of course is refugee status and immigration to US for Russians and former Soviet Republic countries. Third, are people who have set aside some money and are in retirement and flock to Russia for what they regard as a better place to retire. Well of course there is the love or sex market.

I also think that US draws foreigners including Russians who aspire to learn more English and gain a better awareness and understanding Of American Business, Services, Policies etc. The question here is reallyt directed at expats, immigrants and dual citizens.

Why are you where you are? What deciding factors brought you there? Are you pleased and satisfied?

Jutrzenkapolska · VIP Joined: 16 Sep 2004 Posts: 534

I know a girl whose parents left Russia to escape Communism, they wanted to make more money, there were no opportunities halfway good enough for two people with university education, that thing. I strongly suspect they got in on some bogus religious refugee visa.

Intourist · Posted: Sun May 22, 2005 10:19 am Post subject:

Well for me, it was the love of the culture, respect for the people and desire to try something new with a language I'd studied and majored in. What keeps me here is family, work, friends, and a dynamic and interesting experience. You just never know what tomorrow will bring.

But I don't like to think I've 'immigrated'. I've been here a while, but never with thought that I'd be here forever. Quite honestly, I couldn't think of it that way. Forever. It's too much, and no matter how Russian I like to think I've become in these last 12 years, I'm still American deep down inside and reguarly need to travel home to remember my roots and values. If the circumstance (i.e. job offer, family situation) is right, I could move back at any time. It hasn't presented itself to date, though, and I'm quite content where I am.

And in a way, knowing that I can move back anytime is one of the things that makes staying here more comfortable. I haven't done anything permanent, and have a wide open road in front of me.

Cheers,
Intourist

P.S. I really hope there aren't people thinking about retiring to Russia. This is not a place that sets care and convenience for the elderly very high on its list of social priorities and obligations. There are, for all intents and purposes, no nursing homes, social healthcare is in shambles, there's little access anywhere for disabled citizens, etc, etc.

cyndy22 · Posted: Sun May 22, 2005 9:01 pm Post subject:

I think it's a great experience to do what you are doing Intourist. Choosing to relocate to a different country and culture and working, living and experiencing all of this must feel like everything is new or something like that. I am told that culture shock however is a pretty common experience for anyone who is relicated to a foreign country, even by choice. Culture shock typically sets in after a few months but it's different for everyone. I would describe culture shock as a reaction to an overload of unfamiliar cultural norms, behaviors and ways of life. People as animals are after all creatures of comfort and adapting to new environments and situations can be challenging. Did you experience culture shock? I went to college in Hawaii and even though it is part of the US, the culture is completely different. I remember feeling somewhat overwhelmned at times with the customs, the slowness, the food, clothing, music, speech patterns, traditions etc. I would say that I did experience a certain degree of culture shock. It was a greaty experience being there however. I try to convince my husband we should relocate there. Smile

But he is die hard New Englander!

Jutrzenkapolska · VIP Joined: 16 Sep 2004 Posts: 534

You've married, had a son and got a job in Russia and you don't think you've done anything "permament"? Or am I confusing you with someone else?

cyndy22 · Posted: Mon May 23, 2005 3:22 am Post subject:

Polska,
I think you are confusing me. Yes I am married, and indeed have a beautiful son who is Russian born. I however have not lived or worked in Russia. But that does not have any bearing on what I consider as what I have done in life on a more solid ground and permanent base. In fact wherever I am, I try to make a committment to be sincere, learn from others as well as myself. Like most people, I feel that I make a difference in other's lives, but I am an average so called person. Yet even average people do make a difference, hopefully more positive than negative. The more I live, I see that we all have importance to others.

Jutrzenkapolska · VIP Joined: 16 Sep 2004 Posts: 534

Intourist, you feel you have nothing permanent in Russia?

Intourist · Posted: Mon May 23, 2005 3:01 pm Post subject:

Intourist · Posted: Mon May 23, 2005 3:05 pm Post subject: