Backpacking or travelling in Russia?

• Russia, the largest country in the world and a land of superlatives: the coldest village, the longest train route, and the deepest lakes. Think a mysterious mix of golden domes, winter wilderness, immense cities, and age-old traditions. Here you can whizz through endless landscapes for days on the Trans-Siberian Express, admire the fairytale St. Petersburg, or perhaps even feel the spirit of Tolstoy and Tchaikovsky in old theatres. But Russia is more than history and dramatic landscapes – it is a place full of warmth, surprises, and many different cultures.
• Activities to spot: travel on the Trans-Siberian Express from Moscow to Vladivostok; visit the iconic Red Square and Kremlin in Moscow; see art and splendor at the Hermitage in St. Petersburg; learn about the world's deepest and oldest lake by visiting Lake Baikal; go for a real Russian sauna (banya); explore the Kamchatka volcanoes; Hunt the Northern Lights in Murmansk; watch a Russian ballet at the Bolshoi Theatre; retreat to a Russian dacha (country cottage) and experience pure Russian country life.
• Animal spotting: brown bear, Amur leopard, Ural owl, Baikal seal, snow sheep, sable, lynx, golden eagle.
• Food spotting: borscht, pelmeni, blinis, shchi, kvass, stroganoff, pirozhki, kholodets, medovik, solyanka.

Study in Russia?

• Russia has very good educational institutions. The country therefore also attracts many international students with strong technical and scientific educations, for example in the fields of physics, engineering, medicine and social sciences. Education is also relatively affordable, as is the cost of living.
• Study cities: Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Kazan.
• Language: Russian, but there are also more and more English-language programs.

Internships in Russia?

• From the high-tech sector to cultural institutions, Russia offers many interesting internships. There are many possibilities in all kinds of sectors. Whether you work on an archaeological project or do an internship at an IT company in Moscow, you will certainly get a unique work experience.
• Competencies: cultural insight, adaptability, Russian language skills, etc.

Volunteering in Russia?

• There are many opportunities for volunteer work in the largest country in the world. For example, you can work in education, healthcare, nature conservation, ecotourism, art and so on.

Working in Russia?

• There are opportunities for jobs for expats in Russia, but it may not be easy to get a job. You can work for large international companies, or for example in the oil & gas, IT, financial or transport industry. English teachers are also popular.

Working as a digital nomad in Russia?

• Russia is not a typical digital nomad country, but you can find good facilities, especially in the cities.
• Favorite locations: Moscow and Saint Petersburg.

Living in Russia?

• Living in Russia is an adventure of culture, history, and contrasts. In the largest country in the world, there is an enormous variety of cultures and living environments. In addition, the cities have everything your heart desires, from theaters to trendy cafes, and the countryside gives you a deeper connection with Russian nature and culture. The cost of living is also relatively low outside Moscow and Saint Petersburg, but of course, you do lose your freedom (of speech) and access to independent media.
• Education: there are international schools in the big cities and the quality of local education is decent.
• Expat community: you will find this mainly in Moscow and Saint Petersburg.
• Safety: generally safe, but be prepared for strict supervision and make sure you know the rules well.
• Culture: Russian culture is rich, deep and often intense. From ballet to literature and traditional folk music, Russia has an impressive cultural heritage.
• Beware: bureaucracy, little freedom, harsh winters, politically very risky.
• Health insurance: Healthcare in Russia has improved in recent years, but can vary in quality. Hospitals are good in the big cities, but in the countryside you can expect fewer facilities. Make sure you have your own health insurance with good coverage.

Stories, tips and experiences from Russia