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P-T
Joined: 31 May 2005
Posts: 39
Location: Aguascalientes, Ags. Mexico
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 Posted: Tue Jun 28, 2005 11:45 am Post subject: Re: American Girl in Russia vs. The Male Chauvinist Pigs |
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| Sheri C. wrote: |
 Hey Everyone,
I am about to make the trip to Russia for a year and I am trying to find out a little information before I go. I have heard that Russian men are very chauvinistic and that a single woman, in Russia (which I will soon be) is regarded as lower than dirt. I am a little apprehensive about this, being that I am at the ripe-old age of 23 ,  . I am afraid that my male students won't respect me.
I would also appreciate any helpful facts anyone can give about social 'rules' and faux-pas that are a definite must for foreigners to know. (like never open the vodka bottle on the table unless you plan on finishing it)
If anyone can point me to some books on the topic I would really appreciate it, too!
Thanks  |
Hi Sheri, I'm a 'mature' single woman from New Zealand, teaching English in Siberia. While still in NZ I read as much as I could about Russia. I met several people from Russia & while I hoped they would be valuable sources of information they were all more interested in telling me not to come here! I'm pleased to say I haven't regretted my decision to come. I too heard about male chauvinism; my reality has been that the men have treated me like a 'lady'! They are VERY polite, don't use bad language in front of women, open doors for me, & have given me their time & assistance in any way they can, frequently without being asked! The women are kind & motherly! I've found these people to be hospitable & generous.
I'm a smiley person. so they found me unusual to begin with & were slow to return my smiles. Now I'm frequently told how much they love my smile, that when they see me their hearts "swell with joy" & I make them feel good. My persistence has won out; I now receive smiles from people I haven't met but have seen while I've been roaming the streets.
I'm seldom allowed to pay when I go out with locals; they claim "Russian National Tradition..you're a guest in our country, please allow us to treat you!" I find it a little embarrassing so my way of dealing with it is to buy gifts.
I found "Russia & Belarus" & "Russian/English Phrase Book", both by Lonely Planet, very useful, though by no means 'gospel'.
If you don't speak Russian at all I strongly recommend you learn as much as you can before arrival. It will make your life MUCH easier - though it depends where you are in Russia. Being in a small city in northern Siberia, there aren't too many English speakers, so I feel a little isolated sometimes.
It's an awesome experience & I wouldn't have missed it for anything!
I wish you as much good fortune as I've had! |
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joe-joe
Joined: 15 Oct 2003
Posts: 100
Location: Baku, Azerbaijan
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| Posted: Thu Jun 30, 2005 9:45 am Post subject: |
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Hey Prue
Sorry to go slightly off topic, but have you been working at Express English? I worked there in Surgut back in 2001/2002. I had a truly memorable time there, and it's good to hear you have too. Anyway, take it easy |
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P-T
Joined: 31 May 2005
Posts: 39
Location: Aguascalientes, Ags. Mexico
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| Posted: Fri Jul 01, 2005 9:44 am Post subject: |
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| joe-joe wrote: |
Hey Prue
Sorry to go slightly off topic, but have you been working at Express English? I worked there in Surgut back in 2001/2002. I had a truly memorable time there, and it's good to hear you have too. Anyway, take it easy |
Hi-ya Joe,
I'm working at Planeta, Institute of World Economy & Business; a grand name for a funny wee outfit!
It's great to hear from someone who's worked in Surgut. Where have you been & what have you done since? |
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zaneth
Joined: 31 Mar 2004
Posts: 545
Location: Between Russia and Germany
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| Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2005 12:13 pm Post subject: |
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| Don't apologize for wandering off-topic. Just don't wander off-topic in the first place. This is the perfect application for Private Messages. |
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steven_gerrard
Joined: 07 Feb 2003
Posts: 155
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| Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2005 2:29 pm Post subject: |
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Off-topic, on-topic who cares?
It'a just nice to have some input on here from anyone about anything. You ask away joe-joe, my old son. |
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