Russia is an incredibly different country to the United States. Our countries were enemies in the Cold War, and our relationship is still not the best. One of my goals while I am here is to help fix that. This is the article where I finally get to tell you how important and fun it is to learn a language! While I was growing up, my parents and friends thought that Russians do not like Americans, mostly because they had never talked directly to a Russian person in their lives. The reverse is true, too, because whether it be through their parents, the news or the internet, Russian people often develop a negative view of us as Americans. This may be partially true, but I have found if you speak Russian, it's the opposite. Old or young, they will all want to have a conversation with you and ask you so many questions. I have had many adventures here simply because Russians wanted to show me an interesting place, ask me why I want to learn Russian or help me find good food nearby.
I am currently studying business, and my school does not actually even have a foreign language program inside of it, but I still have managed to study Russian. I think it's actually easier on your own because you get to plan out your homework and you don't have to take tests!
