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Studying
Russian
Why
study Russian?
To
know another language is to possess another soul.
Experience
a Different Culture
Those who have been able to master a language and live in a culture
different form our own have always said that it was an experience,
which changes their loves forever. They lean to be more open minded
about differences amongst people. They meet human beings who think
about the world and understanding human relationships in terms very
different from our own but just as viable. Most business opportunities
are now in international corporations and these companies are always
looking for people who are at ease in foreign settings. Even if
you start out working at a national company, that company knows
that foreign languages are a wonderful asset in dealing with their
international counterparts either abroad or at home.
Vocational Opportunity
Since the new revolution is bring Russia back in the world economic
system, it represents an enormous untapped market for Western goods
and services. Several thousand businesses worldwide are already
open in Russia. It is easy to find high-paying jobs while continuing
to learn about one of the most complex and fascinating European
countries. Will Russian help you more than Spanish? Well, what do
you think? There are tens of millions of speakers of Spanish outside
Spain vastly outnumbering Russian. Which language do you think in
more in demand?
An ideal time to Learn?
Russian is the only major power that has undergone revolution in
this century and it has undergone two. Russia's first resolution
was the socialist resolution of 1917, which split the world community
into two antagonistic blocks. In 1991 Russia threw off the remains
of that revolution and undertook another, moving toward a Western
European democracy and free-market economy. This second resolution,
which doesn't even have a name yet, is still peacefully underway,
in Russia itself, at least. Students of Russian have the opportunity
of examining the effects of a nation-wide revolution whilst it is
taking place. One day your grandchildren will be reading: what was
it like in the '90's during the Russian Revolution?'
Whatever your reason, very few countries on the
earth offer as many colourful contrasts and vocational opportunities,
as Russia.
What can you do with your Russian?
 Russian
speakers have developed careers in a wide range variety of disciplines:
education, business, government, even medicine. Some students have
progress further a field but in these cases their studies have concentrated
on culture history and literature as well as language. Be careful
to check the full curriculum of the program. Many students choose
to begin their careers with a job in Russia. The reason is compelling:
in Russia you can do well while doing good. More than anything else
the Russians need people who have experienced a Western free-market
economy to talk to them, show them how to start up and run business.
Some students are actually engaged in missionary and charity work,
but most are involved in the same sort of jobs that they would have
in their own country. The only difference is that they are in an
exciting place at an exciting time - and, despite what we often
read in the press, none have mentioned any sense of danger.
Choosing the Right School
Russian language programs are offered in most countries of the World
from beginner to advanced. For the best experience most students
would recommend Russia itself. If you have ever learnt a language
you will know it is more enjoyable an experience if you can actually
practice using the language. However, not all students can afford
the living expenses or the time. If choosing a school nearer to
home make sure that the school offers recognised certificates and
if at all possible take a vacation to Russia after or during the
course. You will find few people in Russia speak English so you
will have to use your Russian. You will also find the Russian people
to be very friendly and will be pleasantly surprised to hear your
efforts.
If you are choosing to study Russia Moscow and
St Petersburg are likely to be your first two choices. Be sure to
research the areas carefully before applying to a school - they
are two very different cities. You will also need to arrange your
visa. Most good schools should be able to organise this for you.
However, do check with your embassy as they can be bureaucracy involved.
Most importantly, remember that you are in a new culture (and climate!)
and so long as you respect this learning and studying in Russia
will be one of the greatest life experiences you ever have!
10
Good Reasons to Study Russian
1.
It's so easy (and everyone else thinks it's tough)!
2. 9 out of 10 Russians prefer it to
any other language
3. It will change your life
4. It's OK to write "R" backwards
5. It looks good on your resume
6. It goes well with vodka
7. It makes you a better human being
8. You will make new friends
9. Companies need it
10. It raises your IQ
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