The Beginning

It is hard to believe, but I have been in Tyumen for about 6 weeks! I know this year will be one filled with incredible opportunities - including the chance for a little self improvement. For a different look at every day life, I thought I'd list some of the challenges I have faced and lessons learned even in the early stages of my adventure.

1. Expect the unexpected

I never know what each day will bring, but it is pretty much a given that something unexpected will come up. It is always great news when the unexpected is an invitation to an event or to a cafe, but otherwise it is always a unique challenge. For example: both my printer and the copy machine at the university running out of ink on the same morning of my first lesson for teachers, inadvertently purchasing spoiled food, speaking in front of the entire country with 30 minutes notice, no hot water for about 2 weeks, having an ATM machine eat my only debit card, the unexpected death of my surge protector and alarm clock, and learning how hot my iron gets the hard way (put a hole in one of my skirts).

This also applies in the classroom. Each time I meet a group (I've taught about 18 so far) and a new level of students, I have only a vague idea of how well they speak and inevitably there is a large amount of variability in skill level within the groups. This requires on the spot modification, and last week I even had to completely abandon a lesson and "wing it"....but my students actually clapped for me at the end of the lesson!

Initially this was daunting and frustrating, but I got over it and now I don't really react or worry when something goes slightly wrong. As a result I have become much less anxious and better at improvising.

2. Patience

I consider myself to be mostly patient, but I think I have become even more so. It seems that no one is in a hurry (except maybe Russian drivers), people enjoy each other and enjoy life...I am not sure yet, but it seems the "work to live" motto applies here. Not everything is done instantaneously, convenience isn't a necessity, and life moves slower here. Every day tasks take longer, the internet isn't utilized in the same way here, things seem to happen more last minute and are prone to changes. That being said I am trying to be more prepared in advance and to be more efficient with my time.

3. Communication

Let me first begin by explaining my Russian language background. I began informally learning Russian the summer before college, and then one day I decided I couldn't bear to sit through another day (it was the 3rd class...) of microeconomics and enrolled in my first formal Russian class sophomore of college. I studied that year and my senior year - with several years of Spanish and moving to Spain in the mix. I did well, but after being out of practice for a while, over the summer I tried to self-tutor and refresh my Russian, but it is now pretty obvious I failed in my attempts.

What does this mean exactly? Well, I can communicate on a basic level. I think my Russian (mainly listening skills) has improved in the last 6 weeks, but I still can't hold a conversation. Sometimes I understand the gist of a conversation without understanding every word, and sometimes I actually understand full (ok usually they are extremely basic) sentences, and sometimes I can't even decipher where words end and where they begin. I am also relying too much on English which is my own fault.

Even though I am able to rely on English, communication is still a big challenge and thus making friends and going about everyday tasks is harder. I generally have to simplify my English and my Russian is extremely limited making it difficult although entertaining (usually) to have a "normal" conversation. The exception is when I have a chance to speak with fluent speakers, although still some things just don't translate across cultures. Also despite the communication challenge, I am certainly learning more every day and I have still managed to buy a cell phone and other electronics, food, solve my ATM card issue (see below), and complete other daily tasks with my level of Russian and creative gestures. Also, I must say I have had no shortage of students or Russians interested to get to know me or ask me to get involved, which is a really great feeling.

4. Diplomacy and cultural understanding

My role here is not just to teach but to be a "cultural ambassador". It is behind the entire mission of the Fulbright program - to build mutual understanding through cultural exchange. For those who know me fairly well I'd say its extremely obvious that I have a strong interest in other cultures, traveling, etc.

I mentioned there is no shortage of interest of people in getting to know me, but with the interest comes a variety of usually loaded questions and usually in rapid fire. Some examples of questions I have been asked include: "Why did you choose to come to our city?", "Did you lose a contest?", "Why do you like Russia/Russians?", "Do you like our culture and traditions?", "Who do you think won the second World War?", "Isn't America much better?", "What do you think about the economy? President Obama?, US-Russian relations?, Georgia?, our city?, our people?, our country? our school? our food?, our men?, McDonalds?, etc". "What do you like about x, y, z...", "Do you really feel that way?", "Are you married?", "Can you help me with my English?", "How do you function without knowing much Russian?"...and the list goes on.

I respond honestly, but it can be a bit challenging with the language barrier to remain tactful. Also, in my observations, Russians are aware of the fact that Americans can be excessively polite in a disingenuous way and it seems to not be tolerated, so I find people sometimes may think I am being insincere when I am not. Still, it's fun to meet people interested in talking about the US while learning more about Russian culture. It's crazy to think that I could potentially shape someone's perspective of America and Americans.

5. Independence

Though I am just 6 weeks in, I think I have become more independent and I now know that I can function on my own. I really don't like to be alone and the thought of living alone was a source of anxiety before leaving for Russia. I have always had at least one friend in each new experience, from starting high school and college to studying abroad in Spain, and I have always had a roommate. Now I know how what it feels like to live by myself, to "prepare" all of my meals, to make friends without having any to start, etc. I have made sure I take advantage of every opportunity I get to meet new people or to do new things even if I am tired or feel slightly uncomfortable. Luckily, I think this has been a relatively comfortable transition for me because while I am on my own, I do feel extremely supported here.

I felt as prepared as I could be before arriving thanks to Katherine, the previous ETA. She gave me tons of information about her year in Tyumen before I arrived, and I mentioned this before, but I walked into my apartment fully equipped with supplies and materials. Also, both my host institution and Fulbright have been great. The Fulbright office has made itself always available as a resource, whether it is coordinating opportunities, sorting out various issues, or supplying us with directions to and from the airport. It is clear that if we need help, they will do their best to help us. My university has given me space, but they have been extremely accommodating as well. They have allowed me to be creative and take ownership of my classes, arranged for me to have my own personal student tour guides, and have enabled me to take advantage of different opportunities, etc. I have also found Russians in general to be extremely accommodating and patient. For example, I needed to buy ink for my printer, and a clerk was willing to take me on a 5 minute walk to a different store where I could find it. The ATM in one of Moscow's airports ate my card, and the engineer who came out to retrieve it for me walked me to a different ATM and made sure it worked, and then insisted on taking me to the bus I needed to get into the city. Each time I am invited to an event I feel like I am treated like a special guest.

I know it is still early on but I really can't say enough positive things about my experience thus far. I am really thankful for this opportunity and I feel like I have all of the tools I need for a successful year, and I am very much looking forward to it.