Why Russia?

Why on earth did you decide to go to Russia?! not even just Russia, but Siberia!?

This is quite possibly the most common question I am asked - by Americans and Russians alike.

For those of you reading that are curious and don't already know the answer, I have several reasons. First, I was really interested in the Fulbright ETA (English Teaching Assistantship) Program. Complete cultural immersion + awesome job = yes please! I thought it would be an incredible opportunity, and if I were to have such an opportunity, now is the time in my life to do it. Second, I studied Russian in college, have eastern European roots, loved my first trip abroad and have a strong affinity for the language, culture, etc. So applying to the Russia program was a no brainer.

I applied to the Russia program as a whole, and not a specific city, meaning where I was going would be a surprise. And surprise it was. To be honest, finding out I was going to "Siberia" was a bit of a shock. I panicked at first thinking "people...live there!?!?!?". I'm kind of sad to admit my initial reaction, but that is truly what it was. I think it was a combination of the fact that I had applied 9 months prior for this and had all but forgotten about it, not wanting to get my hopes up, the reality of how far away I was, and any preconceived notions that I had. I think I was placed in Tyumen over the other host cities (18 were chosen - one for each ETA), from my perspective, because it most closely aligned with my interests.

Initially, I was terrified about Siberia. Being a planner, I wanted to know everything I could about the city, but I couldn't find much information. I calmed down though once I reminded myself that I was just going to another CITY with lots and lots of people -- not an isolated desolate land of coldness and prisons. Katherine gave me tons of information which relaxed me, and my host was communicative before I left, so I felt as comfortable as possible going into this adventure. The only remaining fear about Siberia itself was the COLD factor. I could not process what -30F feels like and that I would be exposed to it - on a regular basis. I thought it meant certain death/hypothermia. It's definitely a weird, weird experience to feel like winter - by US standards begins in OCTOBER and goes until MAY, but after the first chilly days, I realized that I would not die and everything would be ok.

Now that I have spent time here, I know that the city is in fact a city - bustling, Russian, cold, but not much unlike other cities around the world. Although, despite it just being a normal place with its Russian quirks, I do have to admit I quite enjoy the reactions I get when telling people I live here.