A visit to Russia today is an encounter with an undiscovered land. With the dissolution of the Soviet Union visitors have a fresh opportunity to explore a vast array of exciting and ancient cultures, from the glittering imperial Russia of St.
Petersburg to the timeless village life of Siberia and Irkutsk.
One of the most notable features of present day Russia is a
renewed celebration of the wealth of its past and its potential for the future. Throwing off the blanket of communist uniformity, Russia today is a nation of enormous diversity and tremendous vitality. It is as if the cultural traditions of a century ago have re-awakened with a newfound strength - ancient cathedrals are being rebuilt and restored, colorful markets hum with activity once again and literature and the arts are quickly regaining the creative renown they enjoyed
decades ago. A new Russia is now in full bloom.
Russia, a country that spans eleven time zones and two continents, ending less than 50 miles from North America. Within this vast expanse lie the largest freshwater lake in the world, rivers and forests teeming with fish and wildlife, awe inspiring volcanos, and towering mountains. Russia is the largest country on earth, with enormous tracts of land that have been opened to travelers only in the last few years. Just as Russia's rich cultural heritage has once more come to life, its natural heritage too is a new country waiting to be discovered.
The Alexander Column
This towering triumphal column was erected in 1833 as a somewhat belated monument to the defeat of Napoleon in 1812.
Decembrists Square
The second of St. Petersburg's great squares is named for the ill-fated Decembrists' revolt in 1825.
Peter the Great Statue (The Bronze Horseman)
Commissioned by Catherine the Great and sculpted by the Frenchman Etienne Falconet, this striking, dynamic statue has long been one of the most symbolic monuments in St. Petersburg.
The Hermitage
With the possible exception of the Louvre, there is no museum in the world that rivals the Hermitage in size and quality. Its collection is so large that it would take years to view it in its entirety--at last count, there were nearly three million works on exhibit.
Is Russia Safe?
With the demise of the Soviet police state crime has been rising throughout Russia, however, it is still safer here than in many American cities. Precautions include not flaunting valuables, or walking alone at night through city streets or parks. Be cautious and well aware of your personal space at all times and Never let someone you do not know watch your luggage and never accept rides from anyone other than official taxi drivers.
Street Punks: Just local gangs but they are the most dangerous threat. Generally only a problem after dark. If out at night, be cautious and well aware of your personal space at all times. To be safe -- don't behave differently than you would in any big US city.
Don't exchange money on the street, it is not worth it.
Remember: you are in another country with a different set of social rules and regulations. What might be acceptable at home is not necessarily acceptable abroad. Ask questions and find out more about your city. Learn to adapt to different cultures and customs, part of your study abroad experience is to learn more about the world around you, be open and friendly.
What is the local currency?
Rubles.
Are a passport, visa, or vaccinations necessary?
US/Canadian citizens: A valid passport and visa are required for stays of up to 3 months.
Inoculations are not required for North Americans traveling to Russia.
How do you get there from here?
Daily service to Moscow can be found from all major European capitals, New York, as well as Hong Kong and other Asian cities. St. Petersburg can be reached via daily flights from many European capitals. The airport is a 20-minute drive south of the city.
What is the weather like?
Most of Russia's territory is located in the temperate belt, though the range of climates and habitats spans from Arctic tundra and forest tundra to forests, forest-steppes and semi-deserts. Average January temperatures range from 0 to minus 5 degrees Centigrade in Western European Russia to minus 40-50 degrees Centigrade in Eastern Yakutia. Average July temperatures range from 1 degree Centigrade on the northern Siberian coast to 25 degrees Centigrade in Russia's Cis-Caspian lowlands.
St. Petersburg average temperature: in January -8C, in July +18C.
Will my electrical gadgets work?
Electricity throughout Russia is 220 volt/50 hz. The plug is the two-pin thin European standard. Be sure to bring your own converter as most places in Russia do not carry them.
What is the best way to phone home?
Despite the recent rapid improvements in the telecommunications infrastructure, telephoning in Russia can be difficult and expensive. Tokens are required for street pay phones, which can be purchased at newsstands, in some stores, and many kiosks.
It is also smart to obtain an overseas phone card (they are usually free-of-charge) from your long distance carrier, such as MCI, AT&T or Sprint. MCI's Worldphone Program, for example, lets you phone the US/Canada from Russia at greatly reduced rates from what you would pay from the regular charge. The long distance carrier will give you a special number to call when placing your call.
What major holidays are there in Russia?
January 1, 2 - New Year's Day, January 7 - Russian Orthodox Christmas, March 8 - International Women's Day, May 1, 2 - Holiday of Spring and Labour, May 9 - Victory Day (World War II), June 12 - Independence Day.
