Being in Russia

41. What proverbs about travelling do you know? How would you say them in Russian? Can you explain them?

E.g. Travel broadens the mind means that you can learn a lot about the world and its people by travelling. If you travel and visit new places, you get to know other people’s habits, customs, culture, etc, therefore you expend your knowledge.

42. In pairs discuss the following:

1. In what region of Russia can you visit the Hermitage Museum or enjoy a ballet performance?

2. In what region can you swim in crystal clear waters and sunbathe on sandy beaches? You can also see eucalyptus.

3. In what region of Russia can you visit Pushkin’s museum or walk along the streets?

4. In what region of Russia can you enjoy magnificent scenery, snow-

-size;

-historical details;

-what you can do/see there;

-recommendation.

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49. In pairs, discuss the following questions.

1.Do you get many foreign tourists in your country?

2.What do they come to see? What do they come to do?

3.What are the most popular towns for them to visit?

4.What are the most popular places?

5.Which countries do the tourists come from?

50.Look at the title of the text (Ex. 52). It is a proverb. Try to explain it. Does it have an equivalent in Russian?

51.Match the words with their definitions and find them in the text.

When in Rome do as the Romans do

The author, Olga Zatsepina, PH.D, is an Associate Professor at Lomonosov Moscow State University (Faculty of Foreign Languages) and has been teaching an intercultural communication course "Cultural Diversity of the Modern World" for Russian and American students for the last 9 years at different institutions of Moscow and New York. (www.culturelinks.net).

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“My students agreed to let me publish ideas and statements they made for the sake of future Americans who will come to study in Russia. I express my gratitude and appreciation of these students who were able to understand and love Russia, especially: Michael Johnson, Rachel Purkett, Nick Butler, Jane Janosky, Latta Anthony, Melissa Mc Crimmon, Stephanie Curbo, Wade Stormer, and many others who were my students in Moscow at the Grint Institute”.

We have all heard that “When in Rome do as the Romans do”. That advice is equally appropriate when visiting the Russian Federation so it is important to know a little about what the do's and don'ts that Russians will expect of you. This paper describes some of them. In it, I draw on more than a decade of continuous travel between the US and Russia and the suggestions I make are illustrated and confirmed Иby the many American and Russian students I have been privileged to have in my classes.

some ideas of American students whom I taught at the Grint Center of Ed-

ucation in Moscow. These were students majoring in International Affairs,

Russian Literature or the Russian Language, who came to Moscow from

different US universities. They were much more prepared to come to Rus-

Of particular interest to anyone whoДplans to go to Russia would be

sia to live for a semester of study abroad at the Grint Center than regular

While comparing Russia and the US during the course, the students, well prepared, studied a lot and not only from books. Having an opportunity to be "in the field," they could experience Russian life (not only in Moscow) and make their own observations which inevitably led them to develop their own stereotypes. Although students traveled to different places during a semester, their main port to Russia was Moscow, and, just as every American knows that New York is not all America, Moscow is not all Russia. Traveling to Moscow requires determination, flexibility, an open mind, and plenty of patience. The capital of Russia is not as safe as it was back in the days of the Soviets but, a trip to Moscow presents not more risk than traveling in a major city in the US; there are many things to learn in this world class metropolis.

During the course, I asked my students to write recommendation letters to those American students who would be coming to Russia after

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them. All of the students' ideas are interesting and for this article I have selected items that I could put in the context of "what to do and not to do if you go to study in Moscow". These are just tidbits of information that my American students, having lived in Russia for some time, think that other students should know in advance. I hope you find them valuable.

Note that when traveling abroad you should naturally check with the government's periodically posted advisements concerning Russia in general. However, that simply cannot tell a student everything that he or she needs to know.

53. Match the words with their definitions and find them in the text below.

54. The text is about American students who want to study in Russia. Which of the following do you think are good suggestions or bad suggestions for such people in Russia? Put a tick (۷) for the good ones.

If you go to study in Russia, ….

1)… should be punctual and come to the lectures in time otherwise you will be punished.

2)… if you don’t understand anything you should ask your embassy. Never ask Russians.

3)… you should try to avoid eating in Russian canteens.

4)… you should be careful with public restrooms. Take tissues with you.

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5)… never use the metro as your money and passport could be stolen easi-

ly.

6)… make Xeroxes of your documents and always take them with you.

7)… as a foreigner you can use ‘ti’ when speaking to people.

Then read the text and check your suggestions. What suggestions would you give to someone who goes to study in Russia?

DO's

Basics:

•Bring US dollars, but only in new or relatively new bills or they won't be accepted for exchange. It is better to have bills in denominations

of more than $20.You can change them in most banks, just look for the sign outside the building and watch the rates againstИthe ruble. It is a good idea to bring an ATM/Debit card to withdraw extra amounts of cash, just be cautious of the ATM you use.

•Respect the metro. The incredibleДsubway system in Moscow can truly be an inexpensive and convenient blessing. However, the metro can also be the set of a pickpocket ofАfight. Do not flash money in the metro. Keep your metro pass separate. Don't speak loudly or make a fool of yourself on the metro. It is consideredбrude, and it will just make Russians think less of Americans.

•Watch out forиyour documents. Some will say always carry your passport and visa. Others will disagree. Speak to your host institution on the subject. ButСregardless, try to get an official copy of your passport and visa and always show that before showing the original. Be sure you have Xeroxes of your passport - take several. An official "Studenchesky Bilyet" or student card, will often suffice with the local enforcement. When going out, leave your passport and any cards (credit, insurance, ID, etc.) that you won't need in a safe place. If you are robbed while out on the street you will have not lost everything.

•Take some passport/size photos with you - these can be useful for getting a propusk, etc.

•Always have a back up. Try to have a back up plan for everything. Have extra money hidden on you and in your room for emergencies; bribes are a reality. Have a back up of local and international cards. That way you can always make a phone call. If you are at a bar late, save a little cash. In case you miss the last subway (it works till 1am), you will need to take a

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taxi. Always have important telephone numbers with you. You never know when you will have an emergency.

• America uses 110, Russia 220+. If you plan on packing electronic components, bring the necessary adaptor as most homes have no need of them. Hair dryers need at least 1600 wattage converters.

• In the right situation do not be shy. In class, in the dorm, and in other safe social situations do not be afraid of making mistakes while trying out your Russian tongue. Most Russians are just happy that you are trying and will help as much as possible. Try to make Russian friends at school, through your family, and during inter-program excursions. Part of being here is learning how Russians behave between themselves. The more you talk with native speakers, the more you will force yourself to learn. You will learn a lot just by listening to the way they speak, in addition to how they speak. Be open to meeting all the Russians you can. Most Russians are truly warm and hospitable despite their normal cold and pessimistic at-

titudes on the street.

• When in doubt, ask. Very often AmericansДИassume that if something is wrong, someone will let you know. Russians often assume you know what they want. This creates a discrepancy.А Ask about house rules when you arrive. If you do not know how to do something, simply ask someone. Additionally, Russians showбpoliteness by being vague and beating around the bush. If you are politely insistent, eventually, they will figure out that you really don't knowиand will enlighten you.

• Always use "vi" with Russians whom you do not know, even if they are the same age.СWait for the Russians to initiate using "ti" with you.

• Boys should be aware that in Russia, men still pay the bill on dates.

• If you are wearing gloves, take them off when you shake hands.

• Shoes: bear in mind that you will be walking a lot. I mean a lot! Make sure that when you buy shoes, they are built for comfort. That is not all; most Russians only wear dark colors of shoes. Men almost always wear black. If you have space, bring your own house shoes. When you visit a typical home, you will be asked to remove your shoes and wear house shoes. So buy shoes that can be easily taken off and on, and have some nice shoes handy.

• Clothes: Pack dressier clothes than you normally would. Russian students get really dressed up for class (expect to see young men in full suits walking around your campus). Russians, especially women, pay at-

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tention to their appearance both at the market and at the club. Looking too casual identifies you as a tourist. Bring a long, black coat if you are traveling to Moscow in winter. It will keep you warmer than a hip-length parka, and you will blend in.

• Take tissues and liquid soap with you if you are expecting to use a bathroom somewhere out. Most public restrooms are not equipped with these basic items.

• Bring a gift if visiting someone's apartment; chocolates or flowers (an odd number over 2 flowers and not yellow) are a good suggestion. (Even number of flowers is good at funerals only.)

• Ask Russians to take you shopping. People at the markets raise the prices when they see foreigners.

• Know that most young people have studied English and can help you if you get in a bind.

• Be polite to the people who you see everyday like security guards, etc. A little gift can grant you many privileges.

• Have some tea and sweets on hand. You never know when your

4. There are many scandals with cards and pin numbers being stolen with ATM's at these locations.

5. You can literally lose hundreds of dollars just through commission.

DON'TS

• Do not assume that everybody in Russia is ethnically Russian. There are more than 100 ethnic groups in Russia. When talking to Russians it is appropriate to ask about their "nationality".

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•Don't take a lot of your money in Traveler's Checks. It can be a pain to find a place to cash them, and when you do, they will take at least 10% of what it is worth.

•Don't use ATM's in the metro or on the street. Use the ones in the lobbies of hotels that cater to western businessmen where the ATM's are usually guarded and uncorrupted.

•Don't take a taxi alone at night. Avoid a car if it has anyone besides a driver. Know where you are going and sound sure of yourself when negotiating a price with the driver.

•Don't be afraid to decline vodka. You won't offend anyone. If you do drink with Russians, know that the bottle is usually drunk until it is empty.

•Don't be afraid to try new food, customs, words or ask for help.

•Don't expect people to smile at you. It is not customary in Russia, especially in big cities, to talk or smile at strangers,Иso don't interpret this behavior as coldness or unfriendliness.

•Don't expect everyone you meet Дwith to be on time. Russians have different idea of timing and it is clear that in general time is a much cherished value among Americans.

•Don't walk around alone atАnight.

•Don't expect to eat different food in the cafeteria.

•Don't stay in the dormбa lot. Your time in Russia will fly a lot faster than you think.

•Don't expect Americanиstandards in public places like restrooms.

•Do not put your feet on the tables. This will support Russian stereotypes about AmericansСbeing "uncultural".

•Do not wear caps in the class rooms. This is unaccepted behavior at schools and any professor or teacher will be offended.

•Do not eat in classrooms - that is an accepted behavior.

•Do not expect to pay a visit to a friend "for a half an hour". If you are invited to someone's house and sit down to lunch or dinner this is a lengthy process.

•Do not hesitate to open your soul to Russians. You will be considered a real friend. Russians don't have a developed bank system yet. They don't know about Americans living on loans. They will find you to be very rich when they learn that your parents own a house, several cars and you are a student of a university. This will be very educational for them.

•Don't be scared by anybody's warning! Just realize that this is not the US! You are studying abroad and have therefore already elevated yourself

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to the minority of students. Take full advantage of the situation and learn by having fun.

Moscow has numerous coffee shops, concert halls, dance halls, theaters and other forms of entertainment. If you are willing to look, you will always find something interesting to do. You can always ask someone in your host family or one of your new Russian friends to lead the way!

http://www.waytorussia.net/TalkLounge/conversation11704.html

56. Look back at the suggestions you have made in ex. 54. Have you changed your mind about any of them?

57. Read the text in ex. 54 – 55 again more carefully. Check any new words in your dictionary. Are the following statements true or false? Correct the false ones.

1. Russians show politeness by being vague and talking about something

2. Americans are not used to walking a lot, so cozy and comfortable shoes

10. American studentsСare not expected to pay the bills on dates in Russia, even if they are men.

58. A scientific adviser is talking to an exchange postgraduate student who is going to Russia. Complete the following questions and answers.

-Let me ask you a question. As you went to Moscow twice last year you must know everything about its transport. I’m not going to rent a car, how can I get to the place I need?

-Well, if you are in Moscow the cheapest and the most convenient transport is …

-However, I’ve heard that it can be dangerous because of …

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-Of course it can, but if you avoid … it’s much safer than … or … because there are always a lot of people and you can always call … in case of emergency – the button is in every …

-How … is the ticket?

-You’d better buy a metro pass – at least 30 trips – and always keep it …

-Is it … to buy a ticket in the train?

-No, I’m afraid not. Do it in advance in …

-I hope the trains … on time.

-Yes, they are. Every four minutes. But it works till 1 am.

-I see. If I’m at a bar or a … late, I’ll take a taxi. Oh, I’ve heard about gypsy cabs or gazelles as they call them!

-I can’t remember, what do you …?

-Minibuses, something like small route buses.

-Ah, I take your point. I tried it once. И

-And it was really frightening, wasn’t it?

-Well, yes, it was like something out ofДa horror movie. The driver was so thin and bent; he had long, straggly dark … and dirty old torn … . The

smell was … But the worst thing was the ... . Goodness knows what he had done to himself and to his car, butАI felt like on a roller coaster. I could hardly stand up straight when I went out.

-What are some of the goodбthings about …?

-Um, well, you don’t have to walk at least.

-… и

-…

-Goodbye. GoodСluck with the trip!

-Thanks, I’ll need it.

-Just keep calm! Phone me when you can.

-I will. As soon as I come out of … in Domodedovo, I’ll … a ring.59. Make similar dialogues about other things that American students

should and shouldn’t do in Russia. Role-play it as an American and Russian student.

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Self-Assessment

Module 7

1.Look through Module 7 to find the answers to the questions 1 – 20.

1.What is the area of Russia?

2.What is “the lungs of Europe”?

3.What are the largest European lakes in Russia?

4.What mountain chains are there on the territory of our country?

5.What mineral resources is Russia rich in?

6.What countries does the Russian Federation border on in the west (in the east)?

7.What branches does the federal government comprise?

8.When was the Constitution adopted by national referendum?

9.List as many facts as you can about the president of Russia.

10.What leading political parties are there in Russia?И

11.Is unemployment in Russia an insurmountable problem? Why?

12.What makes it possible for Russia toДgradually reduce its foreign debt?

13.What industries does Russia compete with India and China in?

14.Why was the new land code passed by the Duma?

15.How many embassies are thereАin the Russian Federation? Where are they?

16.What international organisationsбis Russia a member of?

17.What is the structure of the Russian military forces?

18.List as many factsиas you can about Omsk Metro.

19.What are the most popular Russian towns for foreign tourists to visit? Why? С

20.What suggestions would you give to someone who goes to study in Russia?

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2. There are at least 28 hidden words. Find them!

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