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brandalpayne11
Talk Show Host
Joined: 09 Sep 2004
Posts: 245
Location: NC, US
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 Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 9:50 am Post subject: Move to Russia???? |
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Ok, I have a very broad question to which i know i cannot expect a specific answer, but since the perramiters of my question is going to be broad it will be ok if the answer is broad.
Q) If i were to move to russia how much loot would it take to get myself settled in?
1)appt w/roommate
2)go out and drink 3-5 nights per wk
3)Furnishings for said appt.....nothing fancy, but comforatable
4)transit pass
5)4 months living expenses while i learn the language so i can get a job
6)..................is there anythin' i missed?????? |
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overseas_expat
VIP
Joined: 11 Jan 2005
Posts: 741
Location: Moscow
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| Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 10:37 am Post subject: |
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You're going to learn Russian in 4 months?  hahahaha. And when you're done with that after 4 months you're going to just go out and get a job in Russia?? Oh me oh my. This is a *plan* which needs a bit of re-tooling before you buy that 1 way plane ticket.
Just stick with drinking 3 to 5 nights a week where you are now. I'm sure you'll be much happier on the planet you now inhabit. |
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vitalsigns
Lounge Wizard
Joined: 25 Dec 2004
Posts: 2784
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| Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 12:13 pm Post subject: |
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Yes, deleted.
Last edited by vitalsigns on Wed Nov 09, 2005 4:18 am; edited 1 time in total |
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greg222
VIP
Joined: 15 Feb 2005
Posts: 599
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| Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 1:17 pm Post subject: |
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I came here with about US$3500. It was enough but I started working within the month I arrived. If you do the same thing you'll be fine. Work is easy to get as long as you're not too fussy about what you do.
But if you really want to wait four months before getting a job then I'd say you could live fairly comfortably here on $300-$400 a week. But if you intend to drink in a bar 5 nights a week you should add another $100 to that. I guess you'd need about $500 for set-up costs as well. |
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steve7871
Frequent Guest
Joined: 17 Feb 2005
Posts: 42
Location: London, UK
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| Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 4:36 pm Post subject: |
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Greg, I don't know what kind of bars you drink in, but at $100 for 5 days they can't be very good ones.
Or do you only stay out for half an hour? |
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mediashark
Moderator
Joined: 04 Nov 2004
Posts: 1599
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| Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 4:53 pm Post subject: |
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Secure a job there first before you even think of moving. Jobs that seem to suit expats are often IT or sales jobs in international companies, teaching languages (quite tough) etc. with other small freelance stuff here and there. If you can, find one that does not demand too much of language skills unless you are a professional linguist and have experience learning many languages on the fly.
I don't know what your level of 'comfortable' in respect to lodging. I know of people who live in recently renovated apartments that can cost $1000 upwards monthly rent in the center and still complain. |
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cyndy22
Lounge Wizard
Joined: 15 Oct 2004
Posts: 1076
Location: massachusetts
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| Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2005 11:46 pm Post subject: |
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Brandal,
Why are you thinking of moving to Russia? Have you been there for a visit? El Casey at least has specific goals and plans in place. I think anyone considering a major life change needs that. In my mind it isn't enough to have sufficient cash to cover basic expenditures and enough money to go out drinking a few times of week. Call me judgemental but you can go out to drink at bars anywhere. Maybe you prefer a more transient lifestyle and are comfortable with that. But I am curious what draws you to consider packing up and moving to Russia? |
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cyndy22
Lounge Wizard
Joined: 15 Oct 2004
Posts: 1076
Location: massachusetts
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| Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2005 12:07 am Post subject: |
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Hey Vitalsigns,
I'm sure it's good to see your family and friends. How long are you planning to stay? You gotta remember you have been away for a few years now and it must feel strange especially at first returning home. I hope you can make the most of your visit and feel more at home there. It's not so easy or comfortable for any adult to go home after being on their own and away from the nest, no matter where. But I gather returning to Russia is even more culturally shocking. Of course its also very emotional to go back home. Brings up alot of feelings etc. Let us know how your visit is going. Have some fun! |
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e
VIP
Joined: 23 Apr 2005
Posts: 654
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| Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2005 12:48 am Post subject: |
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I think brandalpayne's question is being hypothetical, but I would follow Anya/Mediashark's advice: nail a job or get into a school before you head out there while you should and could learn your Russian --level 1, 2, or 3 Russian at a community college or a trade school (if they offer it)
And maybe you should ask the actual expats in Russia at http://www.expats.ru/forum/index.php They'd probably answer your questions a lot better than most in here would. |
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cyndy22
Lounge Wizard
Joined: 15 Oct 2004
Posts: 1076
Location: massachusetts
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| Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2005 2:13 am Post subject: |
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| I agree. Brandal's question may be hypothetical. None the less it behooves him to think a little more deeply as to why he even hypothetically is considering moving to Russia. |
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mediashark
Moderator
Joined: 04 Nov 2004
Posts: 1599
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| Posted: Sat Aug 20, 2005 2:35 am Post subject: |
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Well I did not have any job or even school placements before I moved to Russia, but prior to moving, I had a very strong network of people (back then anyway) that I had built up for the past couple of years. Research and reading up before a trip/move can only do so much, you need the locals (and maybe a few expats for some expat-specific questions) to help you.
However I do strongly advice someone to do good research into the job market and start sending out CVs, or applications to schools, universities etc. For the first several weeks when you are finding your feet you'll probably burn a lot of money and you won't even find the time to spend them on eating out, clubbing or boozing. Especially true if you don't have family support in Russia (spouse, siblings, relatives etc.)
Moscow prices in $:
1. room in shared apartment 200-800 excluding utilities
2. beer is cheap, but clubs may not be. Take a peek at the club guides.
3. see 1. shared rooms are usually furnished already. You probably only can manage Ikea, but there are a lot of moving sales from expats so furniture gets passed around for great deals. But second-hand Soviet furniture are dirt cheap if you know where to look
4. I paid around 3000rur for unlimited rides on the metro for 3 months. 10-trip ticket costs 195rur.
5. it depends on your lifestyle. Remember that Russians are able to get by with very little. I assume you are not living a lifestyle like Winstons  but would you be able to get by with just a few hundred a month?
Language lessons--they vary but good ones would cost you $20/academic hour (45min). Try to find a qualified private teacher and avoid language centers unless you are enrolling for a TORFL course or something.
6. too many. There is a lot of paperwork you might have to settle that will run you quite a bill. |
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brandalpayne11
Talk Show Host
Joined: 09 Sep 2004
Posts: 245
Location: NC, US
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| Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2005 3:07 am Post subject: |
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Thank you greg & shark, kiss my gritts expat!!! I have lived on my own for 11 years now & i have the personality, looks, desire, and intestinal fortitude to be successful no matter where i am.
Cindy don't worry i am used to flights of fancey, meaning just up & moving. I would consider it a life challenge with failure not an option.
as i believe greg mentioned that he found a job within 1 month, I just assumed there would not be bobs available for someone with limited, let me rephrase that, hardly no russian speaking skills. I am however highly sought after in sales I have been a #3 sales person for a fortune 500 company & top 3% in the nation for the Toyota corp. So if sales is an option then no worries, all i need is an interview and i will have a job in sales.
I appreciate all the feedback. |
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cyndy22
Lounge Wizard
Joined: 15 Oct 2004
Posts: 1076
Location: massachusetts
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| Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2005 3:41 am Post subject: |
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Brandal,
I am glad that you have so much confidence. Yes that does help get people along new out of the ordinary tracks. If you wouldn't mind however, I would appreciate if you would respond to my question more directly and personally. While I understand that there are people who like to lead nomadic lifestyles etc., why Russia for you? I won't even ask you about the drinking extravagence, but I sense that is a big part of your mission, and frankly that is sad because well you know... |
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brandalpayne11
Talk Show Host
Joined: 09 Sep 2004
Posts: 245
Location: NC, US
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| Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2005 3:42 am Post subject: |
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| vitalsigns wrote: | Hey,
I am in Russia these days. I came here on Monday this week. Hurry up it's so exciting in here! |
how long u gonna b there? did u move there? | vitalsigns wrote: | | In any case, yeah, get ready to drink 3-5 times a week, that's probably the best thing you will be excited to do once you are here... other than that I have know idea what else to do here. |
meet girls man, wha r u thinkin'????????? there has got to b a lot of art openings & places to mingle with the opposite sex. Also i am looking foreward to many a day/night with a glass o' scotch and a chess board.
also in addition to the many things i enjoy doing i also have some nice dj equipment, if all else fail i will go to a park 7 set up 7 just play music, if thats not an ice breaker i don't know what is.
hit me back! |
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cyndy22
Lounge Wizard
Joined: 15 Oct 2004
Posts: 1076
Location: massachusetts
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| Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2005 3:53 am Post subject: |
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Brandal,
Not every guy has the same pretentious motives as you. While I don't know Vitalsigns, He has come across as an intelligent, motivated, well rounded person. I think it's great that he decided to return to Russia for a visit and it has been several years for him. I suspect that he is not exactly interested in the same things as you. My sense is that he has deeper aspirations. |
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