Russian American Man and RW

[CorporateRaider5]

I guess my situation is a little different than I have read so far on this forum.  Over the years I too became somewhat unhappy dating AW and now thinking about finding myself a nice RW.  The reason my situation is different is because my parents immigrated to US from FSU when I was almost 8 years old.  I speak fluent Russian and almost fluent Ukrainian and can even read and write, although with many mistakes.  I know and understand some Russian/Ukrainian cultures and values, but I am 100% Americanized and have a mentality of a regular American guy.  So, my question is how difficult is it going to be for me to find an RW and should I consider going on a tour or just by myself?  I lived in the US for over 30 years and never once been back to FSU.  Just over this past year I started to entertain an idea of getting an RW.  Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[I/O]

C/R A quick answer to some of your questions is that it won't be a "Duck Shoot" but you are a helluva long way in front of many of us who started out as complete "Dumbasses" knowing nothing of culture or language in the FSU.

The difference between your situation and many is night and day.  Nevertheless, read the FAQ section here and look to the guys who are married to an FSU lady. (I am not one of them, but that will change shortly) 

My opinion is that if you have language there is no need to be completely reliant on agents or tours.  You can play your own game and perhaps thread a piece of an agent into the puzzle as it suits you. 

FWIW

I/O

[catzenmouse]

I/O is spot on in his assessment. Having the language ability that you do eliminates one of the biggest points of contention in this pursuit. That is the ability to communicate with a lady from the FSU without an interpreter. It opens up a huge pool of individuals that many, if not most, would not have available to them. You also have the options of looking at the Russian language dating sites, again another option unavailable to many involved in this.

 Have  you been back to Russia since your family immigrated? If not, I think that this would be a perfect way to get back into the swing of things by taking a trip to visit. Pick a place and spend some time getting back into your heritage and maybe do a bit of dating while you are there. You can always check out a couple of sites and send an intro letter to a couple of ladies that strike your fancy.

Ken

P. S. Almost forgot, Welcome to RWD!

[CorporateRaider5]

thanks for all your input, I will try to follow some of your suggestions after doing some more research

[Darth Vader]

Welcome, Corp.

Yes, you do have a big advantage in that you speak the language.  And RW will see you as a dream guy--a kinda RM who lives in the USA.  It will be a big help with the mamas , too.

But I do have one warning-- speaking the language does not a Russian make.

Culture is a biggie, and since you were raised as an American, you will be very much in the dark.  Not as much as most of us; I assume your parents shared a lot of their heritage with you.  However, there is much you will not know...

I speak pretty good Spanish, but I have made some big gaffes in Mexico and South America.  So yes, you will have a learning curve...

So, I would recommend that you use an agency to get a few email addresses and write a few letters before you go.  Don't simply hit the streets of the fsu like a native...

[Darth Vader]

But I failed to mention the biggest advantage you will have...

Many here only write ladies who speak some English, and they are correct....communication is very important in a relationship.

But you speak fluent Russian!  So....

all women are open to you, regardless of their level of English.  Hence, you have hit the jackpot! 

[KenC]

Corp,
Welcome to RWD.  My family roots are Russian too.  Although a few generation here and a lot of the Russian aspects of our family traditions have been maintained at some level or another.  Unfortunately, the Russian language skills stooped at my parents level and never got to me.  I think you have a HUGE advantage over a non Russian in entering into this venture.  Your Russian/Ukrainian language skills opens up everyone to you.  The fact that you are Russian/American will make you very desirable catch for the RW.  It will also greatly help you with the eventual acclamation factors once you find Mrs. Right too.  As with me, the foods and the culture will not feel strange, but very comfortable to you and to her.  Even the extended family you have will be of great help then too.  Good luck. READ THE FAQ SECTION FIRST !
KenC

[Stirlitz]

Yes, the language is a great advantage. You can live here for a few months, blend in, make friends and connections, meet women anywhere, even in the street. I suggest that you use free Russian dating web sites (I PM’d you the details).

[tim 360]

With nearly fluent Russian you are way out ahead of the pack and you can easily communicate with ANY RW and have a common language and understanding...instantly.  Good communication is the key in developing a healthy relationship.  My great grandparents came from Russia but the language was not taught down through the generations.  My grandparents used it at home and their kids knew the language somewhat, but it stopped there since everyone used English here and they were totally Americanized.  Good luck, tim360

[Kuna]

Welcome to RWD!!!

As everyone said above the flulent language will be a big help but I'd suggest you look for contacts before coming if at all possible!

Do you have family here???  Friends of family?  Can you look at business opportunities here before coming and let your contacts know you're interested in marriage?

I've found several people here asking the question about marriage when they find out I'm Australian with a Ukrainian Grandfather.  Everyone seems to have a "good" cousin, sister, friend, etc and I think your language ability will place you FAR ahead of the pack!

Of course, all of the standard rules apply. Read the 10 Commandments on top left of this page, and ask the questions that come to mind before coming to FSU.  Most of all... COME TO FSU and treat it as an adventure!

Kuna

[Darth Vader]

my parents immigrated to US from FSU when I was almost 8 years old.  I speak fluent Russian and almost fluent Ukrainian and can even read and write, although with many mistakes. 

I guess we are all curious; how in the world did your parents get out of the USSR in 1970?

How difficult was it for you to learn English once you got here at age 7?

[Nat]

Hi, CorporateRaider5, and welcome to RWD
Wow, you have a very interesting situation. What can I add to the advices, which were given above...
Your language skills are the real treasure in this case, of course But I don’t think it’s a good idea to go to Russia and Ukraine by yourself and try to make contact just in the streets. You know, it’s doubtful that doing so you’ll meet somebody, who is serious about her contacts... In my opinion, the best way for you is to find some relatives or friends of your parents and “poehat v gosti” – I mean, visit them in Russia or Ukraine and stay with them for a while (may be even in a hotel, but in the same city). Then there is a chance, that they’ll introduce you to their friends, take you to go out with them and in such companies of people, who know each other, it’ll be easier for you to find a woman of your age (or of the age you’d like her to be) and establish relations with her. Besides, if you haven’t ever been to Russia or Ukraine, it’ll be easier for you to have a good time, having somebody friendly and willing to help, to show you the country and so on

[CorporateRaider5]

Darth Vader,

It was very difficult for my parents to leave FSU back then.  I was born in Moscow and my family moved to a small town in Ukraine because it was cheaper to live there and also because my mom inherited an apartment after my grandparents died.  My dad visited Moscow quiet often and one time he went to a US embassy and filled out an application for a green card lottery and my family won.  From the time we got granted legal residency in the US and to the time we actually left FSU took about 3 years.  My parents sold everything they had quietly, packed a couple of suit cases, $500, took a bus to Poland (it was easier to go through Poland) they registered with the AVIR office (government agency that controlled every move of its citizens back then) as if they were going on vacation and then flew to France from there and then finally to NYC. Yea it was pretty difficult, although I don't remember than much anymore.  It took me about 4 month to have a solid command of the English language and about a year to be completely fluent, I guess a young mind can learn many times faster.  I speak without accents both in English and Russian, but have somewhat of a little accent in Ukrainian.  That's my story, back then FSU tried to control every citizen and it was difficult to move even withing the country. 

[jb]

CorporateRaider5,

Just a small question,,, is your family background Jewish?  Those were about the only folks who got out back in the 70's.

If thats the case. you will probably find a warm reception in certain quarters of the Ukraine.

[CorporateRaider5]

jb,

No, 100% Russian but if we were than it would be alot easier for my parents to come here and start everything from zero