Way to Russia Talk Lounge

Stella · Just Starting Joined: 10 Jun 2004 Posts: 1

Im 18 and moving to Russia for a year at the end of August on a student visa. Im trying to get an idea of how I will be recieved. I know that Russians, like many people around the world, have a fairly unfavourable opinion of Americans. I also know that Canadians are frequently considered no different than Americans. Do you think I will run into this while living in Russia?

Thanks,

Brent · Lounge Lizard Joined: 05 Jul 2003 Posts: 91

I have had the impression that many Russians are aware that Canadians have a similar lifesyle to our American neighbours, but we are generally regarded as friendly and polite people. I have been told that I tend to apologize more often than is necessary. Wink

she_is_in_wonderland · Posted: Thu Jul 15, 2004 6:36 pm Post subject:

Stella, hello!

First of all, I wish you good luck. It's a wonderful experience to go to a foreign country and investigate absolutely new ways of living. The year will not be easy (because life in Russia is much more ardious and people will seem much less cordial and hospital than they are in reality). But once you'll tear down the wall of apathy, it will become much easier.

In my opinion, the Russians do not know much of Canadian people and certainly they don't associate Canadians with Americans. If to ask people in the streets what they know about Canada, they might say that nature and climate there are similar to the Russian ones, that there are a lot of maples there (and consequently, maple juice Wink

). Probably they will tell that there is such province as Quebec where they speak mostly French. The Russians may also mention the Olympic Games in Toronto and the scandal around figure skating. As to the rest, I doubt whether the Russians know any cultural or natural sights and monuments and are aware of political and linguistic situation in your country.

Therefore, it will be twice as interesting to talk to you and learn more because on the whole the Russians are curious people Surprised

Sincerely, Masha

AliceFromMoscow · WayToRussified Joined: 10 Jul 2004 Posts: 411

i think people will be very curious to communicate with you, its not every day when you meet someone from another side of the Earth Wink

ram · Frequent Guest Joined: 07 Jul 2004 Posts: 38

teddy · Posted: Fri Sep 03, 2004 12:04 pm Post subject:

I have found that russians have the greatest respect for americans.