Foreign Language Lessons

[BeenThereDoneThat]

Good question on an important topic.....
Is it always considered a "possible" scam if a lady asks you to send her money for foreign language (English) lessons?
Does this change if you have already met her in person?
And, are there free English lessons or alternatives available in Ukraine and Russia? I sent my current girl $230 US dollars for 3 months of lessons. She said there are 8 levels (rates) which take 2 years to complete, and give the lady at minimum conversational English, and as high as fluent English skills.
I know most of the ladies that I spoke to have said that the English that is offered at the Universities there is somewhat limited. But after checking out some of the women on the more legitimate agency sites, they have high levels of English fluency, Seems like the CON sites get the ladies that cannot afford English lessons, while the legit sites have many women who are fluent in English and other languages as well. In any case, is sending money to a lady you have met in Russia or Ukraine for English lessons a normal thing? Any advise is appreciated.

[Elen]

There is no free-of-pay language lessons ( I mean with a teacher in reality) in Russia ( and I guess there is no of such kind in Ukraine as well) as far as I know ( Secondary school does not count)

English "is offered" not in Universities ( if only it's not special language Universities - but in this case a level of such "offering" is rather high) but in secondary school. In Universities students study only application of foreigner language to their future specialisation ( something like technical translation and etc. I recall that nightmare from my Univ. - those endless 1000 words technical texts and for unknow for me reason politic articles from newspapers in addition to them as well )
 So all depends what secondary school girl graduated from. In majority cases it's "average" secondary school where pupils study foreigner language from 5 grade till 9 ( 11 in some schools) grades taking ~ 1-2 lessons per week. So all they can say after graduation is "My name is Vasya" Because such study is not enough at all to speak any language but only enough for getting a basis ( not bad though if girl studied well in school) to continue a study at some paid courses ( if she wishes to do that)

 But there is also special language secondary schools which give more knowledges. If girl graduated from such school then she at least can write rather well in English. But to be able to carry vocal conversation a practice with somebody who speaks good  English is obligated.


PS I have not idea what a girl who has fine skills in English ( and other) language would have to do with AGENCY  Most probably she would have her own computer and prefer some dating sites but not agency.

[chivo]

Good question on an important topic.....
Is it always considered a "possible" scam if a lady asks you to send her money for foreign language (English) lessons?
Does this change if you have already met her in person?
And, are there free English lessons or alternatives available in Ukraine and Russia? I sent my current girl $230 US dollars for 3 months of lessons. She said there are 8 levels (rates) which take 2 years to complete, and give the lady at minimum conversational English, and as high as fluent English skills.
I know most of the ladies that I spoke to have said that the English that is offered at the Universities there is somewhat limited. But after checking out some of the women on the more legitimate agency sites, they have high levels of English fluency, Seems like the CON sites get the ladies that cannot afford English lessons, while the legit sites have many women who are fluent in English and other languages as well. In any case, is sending money to a lady you have met in Russia or Ukraine for English lessons a normal thing? Any advise is appreciated.

Been There,

Whether you want to send the money and feel good about it is up to you. as Elen said there are no free ways to take lessons in English in the FSU.

the cost that your lady quoted is well within the range of prices. Schools do obviously help, but it still comes down to the person taking the course. speaking and writing to you will of course help her learn faster to supplement the lessons.

if you're at a stage where you feel that the relationship is going to the next level, this would be money well spent. good luck and peace out.

chivo

[Turboguy]

Her lessons are within reason and actually probably a little cheaper than most I have heard. 

There are alternatives.   There are russian books, cd's, programs that are like Pimsleur and the others we have here.  Let's see. I have been listening to Pimsleur tapes for 8 years probably and still can barely string a sentance together.

[ConnerVT]

Don't worry, TG.  Someday you'll get the hang of it.  English can be such a difficult language for some people... 

[docetae]

I asked my lady a few montsh ago if she wanted to learn english, she told me Da and I found the teacher for her ... I pay directly her teacher, so no worries ... Cost is around 4$/hour.

[Rim]

Don't worry, TG.  Someday you'll get the hang of it.  English can be such a difficult language for some people... 

LOL

[PeeWee]

Way back when I made a decision to find a lady who already spoke English so that I would not be faced with this expense. With that said, and I do not know if these two Russians were exceptionally bright, I do know that they both self taught themselves to speak English. What that means I do not know but that is what they both told me. They both must have had some basic knowlege to begin with.

Turbodude, Irina self taught herself to speak English. What would you say her English skill level is?

Peevee

[Turboguy]

Funny Conner,   

I would say darn good.  About a 4.5 on a 5 scale or better.  I had a long chat with her today and even with a bad connection I did not even have to talk slow and there was nothing I said she did not understand.  Of course once I learn a few of the bigger words in English she may have more problems.  English can be a difficult language you know but I do the best I can.

[BillyB]

Good question on an important topic.....
Is it always considered a "possible" scam if a lady asks you to send her money for foreign language (English) lessons?
Does this change if you have already met her in person?
And, are there free English lessons or alternatives available in Ukraine and Russia? I sent my current girl $230 US dollars for 3 months of lessons. She said there are 8 levels (rates) which take 2 years to complete, and give the lady at minimum conversational English, and as high as fluent English skills.
I know most of the ladies that I spoke to have said that the English that is offered at the Universities there is somewhat limited. But after checking out some of the women on the more legitimate agency sites, they have high levels of English fluency, Seems like the CON sites get the ladies that cannot afford English lessons, while the legit sites have many women who are fluent in English and other languages as well. In any case, is sending money to a lady you have met in Russia or Ukraine for English lessons a normal thing? Any advise is appreciated.

Because you visited her FIRST and then she asked you, I would normally say it's not a scam but you did meet her through Confidential Connections and I'm sure they could promote the girls to asks if they are making money off of giving English lessons.

It's normal to help your woman learn English if you two are a couple. What I'm confused about is that you started a thread mentioning you just listed a profile on Bride.ru. That tells me you are not exclusive with this woman. That's fine if you haven't made any promises to her but it can get expensive if you started to support multiple women. Find a gal that's right for you, make a commitment, and then focus all your time and money on that one woman. Would you keep sending that one woman money to finish her two year course in English if you commit to another woman? Don't paint yourself into a corner. If it was me, I'd tell her "Even though we met, I don't feel that at this time I can make a commitment to a relationship with you and support your English lessons." Her telling you it's a two year program was tacky.

[BeenThereDoneThat]

Thanks for the advice Billy B. You have had several useful postings. I understand what you are saying on the lessons. One thing though, I did commit whole-heartedly for nearly one year, to one girl, and only one girl, only to be burned in the end. (Of course she was a CC girl - the blonde in the photo with me, on another thread here) So I am trying to approach this present girl with a plan B in mind, since there are no guarantees with anything, especially when the girl is over there (FSU), and we are over here (USA). So actually I'm trying not to paint myself in a one-girl mode or corner until I am sure to move it to the next level. I know, I know, I have always approached things from a one-girl-at-a-time perspective, and perhaps I will go back in that direction now that I am avoiding the CC bunch. Thanks again for the posts.

[Turboguy]

I have to agree with everyone.  Sending money for English lessons for someone you have met is a foolish thing.   Sending money to someone who is committed to you or with whom you have a serious realationship is a fairly ususal thing.

My usual take on it is in the early stages the only thing I will send money for is travel expense to meet me,  not for English lesson, not for the internet, not for a sick mother not for an unexpected illness.

If I have a very serious or commited relationship I have to look at the fact she got by before she met me, but I do have a commitment to her.  English lessons, I would be eager to help.  If I trusted her and she needed something yes.   If I don't trust her I should not be in the relationship.  I just don't plan to set her up in the life of luxury there.

[jj]

You make me feel better turboguy.  I got pimsleur couple of weeks ago. (among several other russian books, cd's etc)  I listen to it in the car but sure is easy to lose train of thought.  I have one hand on the steering wheel and the other on my reverse button on the cd player. repeating one word over and over .   I am hoping to wake up one morning and it will all be stored in my brain ready to make sense      
Also concerning the girl that wanted me to pay for her e-mail expense. I decided not too by advice because I had not met with her yet. After deciding to possibly go see her , she said it would great if we could change meeting  in Nikolaev , but instead meet in the "islands".   She was on many pay sites the more I checked.  I don't think she was a scammer but I sure think she was a pro dater.  Or at least let the ol guy pay for a good time on vacation. I am also finding that some of the free e-mail sites are worth while.  jj

[Turboguy]

Pimsleur will sink in.  It just takes forever.  It is good for the verbal side of learning Russian, it is just slow going.  I am also happy to know it is not me.  It sounds like we are experiencing the same thing.

Keep searching for girls and don't take that one too seriously.  Don't think because she wants to meet in the islands she is not a scammer.  That too is a common scam.  The Islands, Paris, you name it.  You will be fine.  You are learning more than a little Russain.  You are learning how to suceed.

[PeeWee]

Pimsleur will sink in.  It just takes forever.  It is good for the verbal side of learning Russian, it is just slow going.  I am also happy to know it is not me.  It sounds like we are experiencing the same thing.

Keep searching for girls and don't take that one too seriously.  Don't think because she wants to meet in the islands she is not a scammer.  That too is a common scam.  The Islands, Paris, you name it.  You will be fine.  You are learning more than a little Russain.  You are learning how to suceed.

Regarding the travel scam. If  you send her money for ticket or other travel expenses then, yes, you can be scammed. If you buy her ticket with visa then she cannot cash it for money. The way you might get scammed is that she does show up for the trip but only for the trip and not really to meet you. Or she uses the ticket for her travel but does not meet you there. Best to just go to her city to meet or to know her well enough to know she will meet you for the trip or not to be too concerned about losing the $700.00 or $800.00 that the air ticket cost you.

Peevee

Peevee

[beattledog]

Yes, make the trip first before sending her the money.  After you meet her, then make the decison.

Hopeful beattledog

[BC]

Beattledog,

I was hopeful when your posts increased in size and content.

You digress..

[BillyB]

My finacee too payed for her lessons. A good woman asks for little but gives a lot. Once you find her, be a good man who asks for little but gives a lot.

[Turboguy]

If she is a scammer she will let you buy your tickets and then tell you the Embassy would not give her the visa for the islands or Paris or whatever and the only way she can get the visa is if she buys it through a local agency and that they don't take credit cards.

The other ploy is that she can not get her exit visa if she does not buy the ticket locally.  Of course she only needs an exit visa if she is going to relocate.

[2tallbill]

Good question on an important topic.....
Is it always considered a "possible" scam if a lady asks you to send her money for foreign language (English) lessons?
Does this change if you have already met her in person?

My question would be are you pursuing her exclusively? If the answer is yes, then you
should suggest this yourself. If the answer is no, then I would ask why you left things
hanging in the air so to speak.

Udachi!

Bill