Safety in Russia?

prismacolors · 07-09-2009, 11:25 PM

I am majoring in Russian at the moment and learning some other languages through informal classes at my school. My school offers an awesome study abroad program in Russia for all levels of the language during the summer and I am really interested in going. I love the language and the history of Russia...however, I'm not white so I'm sort of worried about safety...and if I should even go.

Eternal Icicle · 07-10-2009, 03:03 AM

Have you ever seen Gangland? It's a documentary show on the History Channel I think.

If you haven't... well, nvm.

SamualUK · 07-10-2009, 07:52 AM

Of course its safe, they wouldn't send you if it wasn't. You just have to be sensible as you would in any big city.

akhman24 · 07-14-2009, 11:51 PM

They should give you a red book, which is basically an orientation guide, which should give you tons of legit information on how to stay safe there.

BreRocks · 07-18-2009, 07:53 PM

It is a valid concern, unfortunately...
but, as the study abroad program is likely to be in a metropolitan area, it'll be more diverse than other areas. ALSO, as someone said before, just use your head- don't go out late at night (well, if you're there in the summer, that'll be very difficult). Don't go too many places alone, don't play up your presence (a general good idea for traveling there anyways...so, leave the giant american flag and cowboy hat at home?).

I went to Russia in 2006 and am going to return next January. It's an AMAZING place and I don't think you could ever forgive yourself for, especially if you are as interested in history/language, not taking the chance to go because you were afraid!

prismacolors · 07-28-2009, 09:55 PM

I'm sure the school thinks that it's safe but believing a place is safe and it actually being safe are two different things.

I dont have access to an itinerary or anything, but they pair you up with a Russian student who tutors you and they take you around places so I will not be alone much.

The program is in Moscow.

I am pretty excited now. I will apply for the program in the spring since I need to take Russian over the summer anyway and it would be fairly easy for me to get into the program. I know going to the actual country will greatly increase my fluency and you are right, I should not pass up this opportunity.

tom8 · 08-01-2009, 07:11 PM

I'm going to St. Petersburg to study abroad next year, but for high school. They wouldn't send people my age if it is not safe, so...you will be ok!^^

aduckonthethames · 08-04-2009, 05:20 AM

i'm a dark-skinned hispanic, and i've heard more than enough things about african students and immigrants getting beat up/killed in st. petersburg to put me off from going for a whiiiiiile.

deadhead06 · 11-07-2009, 10:53 PM

i studied in st. petersburg, im not white and never had a problem. there were tons of hispanics, africans studying in the city, too. of course, there'll be the occasional teen punk neo nazi who may pass a rude comment, or a jerk bouncer who'll deny you entrance into a club (for no apparent reason), but by and large, if you keep your wits about you, you aren't at a greater risk for being beaten up than the average American white guy. in fact, the only person i know who got mugged and beaten was white.

mhmm · 11-12-2009, 02:18 PM

In terms of acceptance -- if you are dressed in designer gear you will be accepted most places, whatever you are.
In terms of safety -- Its true that there are gangs of neo-punks that make it uncomfortable for people. It will only escalate with the upcoming election. Its sometimes harder for light skinned hispanics as they can be mistaken for people from the "stans" that are not well tolerated by your averafe russian thugs. If you keep to central area and travel in groups you should be fine. This is for anyone travelling to russia, no matter which race/color. Be careful and enjoy an amazing opportunity.

IBfootballer · 11-12-2009, 02:49 PM

If you don't look like you're from Central Asia (Georgia, 'stans), you should be fine. But, as a foreigner, you must accept that you will be cheated and stolen from when making purchases. You will not pay the same amount for souvenirs or goods as you would if you were Russian. That's just the way it goes.

Don't bother avoiding St. Petersburg at late hours. Everyone's out and about at that point. Except if it's winter.