Whats the cost for English lessons??

[Nat]

Let's talk one month's expense. The lessons will be either twice a week for three hour lessons or three times a week for two hour lessons. The price you would pay in Kherson for this would vary from $110 to $130 a month. Some teachers will charge a little more, some less.

If I counted it right, you suggest that a teacher takes 22-25 hrivnas for one hour? I don’t know, may be in Donetsk the prices are much higher... But here skilled teachers take not less than 30 hrivnas per hour, which makes 160$ a month, teachers who had practice in foreign countries usually take 50 hrivnas per hour, which makes 260$ already. The Center of foreign languages I know takes 45 hrivnas per hour, which makes 240$. So I’m not discussing the topic if it’s worth or not worth sending money – it’s the other question, but the prices can be really different and everything depends on how skillful the teacher is.

[WmGO]

I think the hourly rate that is charged/sought has more
to do with *who* is paying than anything else: local pays
less and foreignor pays more. The FSUW knows this and the
sincere and honest ones will negotiate the rate based on the
position that it is *them* who is paying the money - they will
not even mention anything to the teacher that a WM is the one
who is paying the money. That way they get the most fair rate.
Moreover, this is a reasonable expectation for WM. And, this is one of the little tests for WM to gauge the quality
of the FSUW: how does she handle his money? Does she allow
locals to screw the WM or does she zealously guard and protect
him from being overcharged? Does she attempt to personally profit from the man's offer to pay for English lessons or email costs?
These sorts of things can be quite revealing.......

[carraig]

Hi all, firstly thanks for the responses to my question (Im currently downsizing houses, with intention to facilitate more trips by cancelling out my mortgage, so apologies for the delay in reponding)

I had such a good time with this lady that I dont think she is trying to just get money from me, but, yes Im human, and not wanting to admit to getting "played" is a natural reaction, but I dont think I am. She has not mentioned the subject since I last sent her my view that it was expensive, also, I feel a bit guilty that I am discussing her on an internet forum, but I suppose I do have a lurking fear of being played, and as this was my first time to FSU and first lady I met,maybe there is an underlying worry.
But, I would like to reitterate, it was me that offered to help with the English lessons! The different ideas about the actual cost of the lessons is interesting, some are suggesting that I pick the teacher??, this would prove difficult and I also dont want to send out a distrust signal to her.

[ScottinCrimea]

WmGo,  I tried albeit poorly, to explain a concept and you latched onto the word "dishonest".  Sorry to burst your bubble, but honesty is not black and white, and the definition of what is honest and what is not is definitely not universal.  When someone plays the gray zone when doing their taxes is that dishonest?  How about going 5 miles over the speed limit?  Maybe a radar detector makes it legitimate. And when a salesman talks you into paying more for unnecessary warranties or add-ons? Is that dishonest or just shrewd business?  How about when you say your wife's butt looks just fine in those jeans?  Can you be honest and get elected?  Even based on these few items people anywhere in the world can look on Americans as dishonest people.

Try explaining your "universal" concept of honesty to the Chinese or those in the Middle East.  Your "universal" concept of honesty is distinctly Judeo-Christian.

I think to choose to debate through personal attack by calling me immature and illogical shows a lack of the Judeo-Christian beliefs that you claim to uphold.  While I may have challenged your views and open-mindedness and questioned the experience upon which you were drawing those conclusions, I never felt that I had to stoop to personal attacks to try to get my point across.

[WmGO]

calling me immature and illogical

Scot, go back and re-read my post: I only referred to your line of *argumentation* as being immature and illogical, not you. FYI there is a huge difference between "attacking" a line of argument (the reasoning or the opinion itself) and the person making the argument (ad hominem argumentation).

I of course agree with you on some of the "grey" areas that you gave examples of...........but with respect to the previous area(s) that
you gave examples of to carraig, and carraigs situation, those *are* black and white areas of dishonesty. I just got an email from an FSU friend and she described the situation that you described vis a vis an FSUW quoting $10 when the cost is $5 and pocketing $9 as "deceitful" and "despicable". You see, whether it is "Judeo-Christian" values or just "basic human ethics" these scenarios are just flat out dishonest - anywhere.

Just because dishonesty, deceit and using people anyway possible for personal gain is common in FSU does not make it right. I think that is your hang up here. You are trying to justify the conduct because it is so common, you live there and therefore have a heart for the people, and you apparently understand the historical-psychological basis behind it - but such basis are irrelevant to whether the conduct itself is dishonest. Yes, it helps us to understand it, but it never justifies it much less does it ipso facto recategorize it from being anything other than what it is - dishonesty.

Regards, and NO personal attacks intended or inferred! 

 

[ScottinCrimea]

I think what you referred to as immature and illogical is my mention of the expereince and time I have in country as the basis for my views.  I don't see anyting immature or illogical about it.  There are people here who are following this thread who don't know either of us and it helps to qualify my points with the level of experience I have on which to base my views.  This allows them to decide which views have the most credibility.  You know there a lot of people here offering advice or expressing opinions that have little of no time in the FSU and are in no position to be claiming to be experts of any kind.

Now lst me state quite clearly that I don't condone the type of behavior we are discussing, but my point was not to show my approval, but provide some understanding of a different way of thinking that is more prevalent there than in the US and why some there wouldn't see it as dishonest, only opportunistic.

Let me try another example to see if it fits the scenario better:  You approach a street vendor in any city in any country.  You ask the price and they give you a quote.  Because you don't know what he paid for it or its actual worth you give him the money.  Later you see the same thing for half the price.  So you will go to your friends and say how dishonest the vendor was and he will go to his friends and talk about what a smart business deal he made.

The lesson to be learned is that unless you know the value of items or services, you are ripe for picking.  In the FSU as in any country, it's incumbent on you to know so that you can respond appropriately.  Maybe this was the first time this woman had priced English lessons and someone was trying to take advantage of her.  You just don't know.

As far as a RW asking for more money for the taxi home than it actually costs, maybe she's adding an additional charge for "pain and suffereing" because she had to endure the date and try to keep smiling and be polite.

[corp]

Scott, I think comparing a business relationship on the street to a romantic union is left wanting. Sure there is a "dog eat dog" mentality outside the door but within the circle of friends and family too?

I don't question your experience or how prevalent the "mind-set" you wrote about is but I do know I have known a number of ladies who would have gladly padded the bill if it were possible and also a number of ladies who would never think of such a thing.

I would not go so far as to say I "put them through a test" but I do give opportunity in small ways see her reaction.

Scott, if 90% of the ladies in the FSU had characters as you have described, I would either search for that 10% or throw in the towel.

I think in the long run, the author of this tread will find her questionable actions will not begin and end with english lessons. I find it very difficult to believe she did not know 250 a month was unrealistic (if, in fact someone quoted her that price) and knowing this, why would she have not gotten more prices?

The lady I am with takes lessons 2x a week at ten bucks a lesson. She lives in St. Petersburg. I agreed to help her but typical of her nature she wants to pay for it herself.
She started in a class first which was actually more expensive and the teacher was not even fluent so she quit that one and began with a tutor, but first I called and spoke to the tutor to check his level of english and to ask about expected results.
 (of course the price was already quoted before i called
Her progress has been very good but she spends a lot of time in studying her lessons.

carraig, if this is the only questionable item that has come up between you two, I would "maybe" extend the benefit of the doubt to her, but my guess is, there is a 75% chance she sees you as someone to TAKE from, not a good woman in my book.
 Keep your eyes open.

[ScottinCrimea]

corp, of course my example was left wanting.  I'm trying to explain a concept that doesn't have any clear Western comparisons.

As far as the prevalence of the mindset, I will give another very poor business example here.  If you do business with someone you know well, he will give you a better deal than if you are just another person off the street.  Perhaps early on in a relationship some women will see you as "another person off the street' and try to maximize things, but once they consider you more than that, the complete opposite is true.  Their "business" mindset is totally the reverse of their "friend" mindset.  That is how one survives in the sometimes convoluted government and business world of the FSU, through friends "taking care" of each other.  Some friends have literally given the shirts off their backs to help out.  Now let me head off anyone who jumps into the idea of discussing a relationship as a business by saying that this was only a way to try to give some comparison of the way of thinking.

Now, to open up another can of worms, I'll say that while Americans tend to talk more about doing unto others, I have never seen the level of individual charity and caring toward friends that I have in Ukraine.

[WmGO]

I think what you referred to as immature and illogical is my mention of the expereince and time I have in country as the basis for my views. 

No, not your "mention[ing]" of it - rather your use of it as the basis for claiming to be right on a matter that deals with the subject of honesty.

And in all seriousness, your shifting the topic away from relations between suitor and suitee to business transactions between strangers is quite odd - and irrelevant. Obviously, everyone in the world over 15 years old knows that caveat emptor is the rule of the day in such business matters...there is nothing unique to Ukraine when it comes to such......including the second example you gave in your last post re: customer getting to know seller - that is the common practice in every country in the world - established customers get better prices and services than new customers...again irrelevant to the issue here...which is VERY serious....

What WM, newbies, intermediates even the experienced need to realize is that there are certain standards of human conduct that are expected everywhere in every country.......One of the biggest mistakes a WM can make is to assume inappropriate conduct of an FSUW  is somehow just a cultural difference and therefore to be overlooked. It isn't. Such inappropriate conduct should not be overlooked.

From Frank Coleman's "To Russia For Love"....item #2 of the Ten Dumbest Things American Men Do in Pursuing a Russian Wife:" Many men tolerate more nonsense from a Russian woman than they would ever tolerate from an American woman."

As Coleman says: " I don't know what makes a man suspend all of his common sense when dealing with his Russian 'fiancee', but new levels of stupidity are achieved daily by many otherwise normal men."

A cardinal rule for WM: don't suspend common sense on matters of appropriate behavior in relations with FSUW. I recall on the old PL this was discussed ad nauseum: don't rationalize away inappropriate behavior as being just some kind of cultural difference.

Scot, I think you are guilty of doing this - and in a terrible way because some WM might actually read and follow your line of thinking since they are reading it on an FSUW discussion forum.

I don't condone the type of behavior we are discussing, but my point was not to show my approval, but provide some understanding of a different way of thinking that is more prevalent there than in the US and why some there wouldn't see it as dishonest, only opportunistic.

Exactly my point above - a rationalization away of clearly dishonest conduct. Just because it is so common in what is a very corrupt country where everyone who is not your family or close circle of friends is the next potential victim to take advantage of  does not just mean that it is ok or not dishonest or "oh  so "clever". 

Scott, I think comparing a business relationship on the street to a romantic union is left wanting. Sure there is a "dog eat dog" mentality outside the door but within the circle of friends and family too?

Scott, if 90% of the ladies in the FSU had characters as you have described, I would either search for that 10% or throw in the towel.

 

Yep. Agree. Good post.

Now, to open up another can of worms, I'll say that while Americans tend to talk more about doing unto others, I have never seen the level of individual charity and caring toward FRIENDS that I have in Ukraine.

( My capitalizing)

In America, people do not have to be the one or  two  *friends* to receive charity. In American we give charity not only to our friends and family but to complete total strangers (the exact opposite of Russia and Ukraine). Just look at Hurricane Katrina. While local and state governments (and yes Federal govt. also) were practically paralyzed it was hundreds of thousands of Americans, primarily Christians from America's churches, that packed up their cars, trucks and trailors and drove to Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama to bring food, clothing, money, relief  etc. 

Yes, the big difference between America and FSUW: in America "strangers" aren't  seen as the "enemy" or a potential "victim" or someone to be on guard against. In Russia and Ukraine that is exactly how people view each other. There, you only treat your immediate family and close friends in a good way - and only trust them. Everyone else doesn't count - they are just another potential "opportunity" to be "clever".

Caveat Emptor!

[ScottinCrimea]

WmGO, what can I say?  You just don't get it.  Maybe that's why you are still looking.

[Mir]

I think both of you make some valid points.

Scott

As far as we know you have dated only one lady from FSU (your lovely wife) so how can you claim to have extensive experience of how these ladies would behave when they date a WM?
Do you have many friends who date WM and tell you that they use these tactics? Just curious......
Certainly it is possible that a desperate woman might take the taxi fare and the use the bus, save money and use it for food. Such an act done once or twice may not be enough reason to condemn her forever, still if she does this on a regular basis it will be an act of dishonesty. To say that they all do it in FSU and it is the norm is degrading the very people and culture that you claim to hold dear.
Please note this is not a personall attack.

Personally I feel that we should try not to create an opportunity where we would doubt the other persons honesty. For example I would usually walk my date to the taxi, she would ask the drive and translate the amount for me, I would give her the money and off she goes.
Also I don't think religion has anything to do with it. The basic principles of honesty are the same for those who have a religion c/w those who have none.

WmGo

Charity has different meanings for one who is well-off c/w one who is poor/hard up.
For some one who has surplus income it is much easier to think well I have reasonable cash in bank, investments etc so let me write a check to a charity, the money will go to total strangers but I don't mind this.
Or he would say well I don't wear these shirts/trousers etc let me give it to someone who can make use of them.

For most people in FSU such surpluses don't exist. The just don't have the cash in the bank or unused clothes to give away to strangers. So the survive by helping others in their position (their friends and relatives) who in turn help them when they can.

[ScottinCrimea]

Mir. While it's true I have only dated one FSU woman, I have had non-dating friendships and acquaintenances with literally hundreds in addition to observing interactions between WM who come to Ukraine and the women that they court.  I don't think I ever said this type of behavior was limited to when they date WM.  If I recall, I noted that this type of behavior occurs even amongst themselves.  I also never said that I condone this behavior or that it is done on a regular, ongoing basis.  I also never said that it is the standard of behavior by all RW.  I certainly didn't try to force my moral standards on it and hadn't planned on on getting into another morality debate.

I had seen such behavior enough that when one AM asked me about such things happening I approached my wife and her friends for an answer and was given an answer that made sense to me as far as understanding it but that I'm having a poor job translating into Western thinking.

Just be aware, that if a RW does do this to you, it is a bit of a red flag because it means that she's seeing you as a short term opportunity instead of a long term relationship.  She's not stealing from you in her mind, she's taking advantage of your naivity, generousness, or your hope that if you throw enough cash her way you'll get her into bed.

You make some good points regarding the ability to give charity.  If it comes down to giving to a stranger meaning your own family goes without I think we all know what the choice would be.  There are many different way s of being charitable besides monetarily.  For many Westerners, throwing out some money to a good cause now and then assuages their guilt at having so much and allows them to justify not getting their hands dirty by actually giving of themselves or by being in contact with the poor and homeless.

[Donhollio]

  Warning, I teach Canadian Cowboy English!

 I have a CDN pal in Odessa ,he charges $10 USD per hour for a private lesson in his home. His best UA teacher get's $7 p/h.
 You could ask her if this includes all books,but it's steep at any rate.  Reallly you should go see her again,spend some full time hours with her ( she takes a vacation from work)  and than you will know if she's worth the  lessons. Don't make it easier for the next guy to communicate with her.

 Rich
  When I got back from Ukraine lat night all I wanted to do was come home after going to the LC to get a 24 . Sit on the chesterfeild with some KD, and have some chessey's while watching TV.

[Jazzyclassy]

I personally think no matter how much english lessons cost , the matter is  about  her asking money from a person whom the woman saw one time, no matter that he offered that himself if she is decent she would think millions of times before accepting any kinda money from the guy she barely knows

[MaxxumUSA]

Carraig,

this is just my opinion, but I think you are going about this whole
thing incorrectly. You are setting yourself up for being used.

First, I think it is a mistake to even begin to discuss sending money to an FSUW  for *anything* just because you met them *one*
time.

Second, I think it is a mistake to fly an FSUW to Prague (or Paris or Rome or anwhere) for the second meeting - or the 3rd, 4th or 5th. That is one of the things that Western men have done to pollute the whole WM - FSUW culture. It creates and/ or feeds scammers or at a minimum creates false expectations on the part of FSUW. It sets up a false standard for measuring WM-FSUW relations.

You need to be spending a few weeks with the lady in her home town getting to know her better and her family and friends as far as a second meeting is concerned.  And ditto the third.

Another thing, and your posts are not clear on this, but for purposes of what I am going to opine here I am assuming that it was your girlfriend who first brought up the subject of English lessons and the costs thereof: if she brought it up first it is a bad sign. One cardinal rule of this whole "thing" is that no sincere self respecting FSUW would ever ask for money - or drop subtle hints for money (whether for email costs or English lessons or anything).

One last thing, I disagree with Scot's characterization of how  FSUW behave in regards to money as being normal. Yes, the scenario/conduct  he describes  may be common in their culture, but any way you cut the mustard, it is *dishonest*.  Unfortunately, in FSU culture dishonesty is common, arguably the cultural norm, not the exception.  In the case of your girlfriend, she was not honest with you in regards to the cost of English lessons, in general, and with respect to the taxi issue (frankly, the taxi part is a load of malarkey).

Remember, even if you ever reach the point that you are engaged to an FSUW, the truly honest, sincere and self respecting FSUW will never ask for money, not drop hints for money, and will probably get mad if you try to give them money.

FWIW

WMGO - My experience with my lady has led me to agree with some of your opinions and strongly disagree with some.

First -  about financial matters - I am in a much better financial situation than her.  After my first visit we wanted to talk more on webcams.  Broadband Internet at her flat was through a company that charged by bandwidth.  I DID send her money to cover (some) of these costs.  She did not ask - I offered.  The money I sent to her was peanuts to me - but helped her very much because of the ADDITIONAL expense it costs her to communicate with me.

My first visit was about a week.

My second visit was three weeks this April.  During that visit we signed her up with DSL instead of cable modem.  The quality is not as good, but it is tolerable and only 2,500 rubles a month.  She does not ask for help with that - it is enough that she can afford it.

NOW...  My second visit was three weeks.  She already took one week off work from my first visit.  She took three weeks off work - no income.  She does not have a large savings account.  She asked me to help pay for her flat the next month.  She asked because I had offered while I was there.  And I gladly helped her.  The three weeks there cost me much less than a hotel would have cost.

Besides all that...  We are engaged.  She has a right in my opinion to ask me for help - of any type - at any time.  As a matter of fact - I enjoy being asked for help.  She has not taken advantage in any way and I usually need to ask her weekly how she is on money.  She always says she is OK except the time she missed three weeks work when I visited.

My point being - IF you are in a committed relationship - AND you know she is sincere and you two are truly in love - THEN I see no problem AT ALL helping.  This is ONE of the key reasons I sought out a relationship with a woman who wants to be in a traditional relationship.  It gives me pleasure to support my family financially.  She will work and support herself until she gets her visa in hand to come to me here - BUT - I WILL help her - because it gives me pleasure - and because she and her family could use it.  She is going to be my wife and I want to care for her.

The honesty part I agree with.  All the opinions of mine would only apply to an honest woman - which I have.

About travel - I agree with you.  My second visit to her I stayed in her flat for three weeks.  We got engaged officially the first weekend and spent the next 2 1/2 weeks celebrating with her family and friends.  We also lived like a normal couple - I needed to work from her flat with telephone and laptop.  We took turns cooking, had many friends and family visits in her flat during the work week and visiting others during the weekends.  It was great to bond with her mother, father, brothers, and sister.  I also spent time with other family and friends.

But that is my experience.  I believe it is possible that some would be successful meeting at a neutral playing field and enjoying each other's company there.

I personally think no matter how much english lessons cost , the matter is  about  her asking money from a person whom the woman saw one time, no matter that he offered that himself if she is decent she would think millions of times before accepting any kinda money from the guy she barely knows

I think once two people are intimate they "know" each other.  NO - maybe not a lifelong commitment - but they do "know" each other.

[Jazzyclassy]

Well in carraig's  situation he Does not know her that much and enough to give her any money

You know maybe it is me I am so with such a crazy conscience , but even being committed for 2 years I never asked my boy to pay for my flat or for my internet , the only thing big and expensive he bought me was a dress for my friend's wedding party for 4 500 rubles that was it plus he also offered that himself and he insisted, but it was after we knew each other 1 year and a half... I do not know there are women and women so you can not just put every woman into one basket!!!:)

[Pike]

As others have stated, there are two parts here:

a) at what point should a guy be sending a gal money for English lessons, or anything else?  That has pretty well been covered by others.

b) what do English lessons cost?

With respect to (b) it is useless to be talking monthly costs, since there is great variability in the number of hours per month that may be involved.  Only discussing hourly rates makes any sense.

I personally know 3 FSU nationals in major cities who teach at high schools and universities full time, and tutor after hours in English, Math and Physics.

2 years ago the Math and English tutors were getting 5 USD per hour and the Physics tutor was getting 4 USD per hour.  Today, the Math and English tutors are getting 10 USD per hour and the Physics tutor is getting 8 USD per hour.

The Math tutor told me that some colleagues are raising rates to $15 per hour and she may follow suit although she is reluctant because she knows that for many of the families this is a lot of money.

The English teacher tells me that some of her colleagues are raising rates to $20 for 90 minutes.

[carraig]

Well, Im sorry that this thread is taking off in different directions!
I value all the opinions offered here, there is definitely a part of me that is unsure about what I am doing, but I want to reassure you all that I am not a fool who blindly throws money around!
I may be Irish but Im certainly not green!!
Its true, I only met this lady once, but we got on very, very well together!(very well )By the end of the four days, we both felt that we had known each other for years! Of course, the cynics may say "well played by her" but there are other factors that convinced me of her sincerity! Although I met her on the loveme.com site, Mila, the interpreter, who we only needed for an hour,called me at the apartment the morning I was leaving to wish me a safe journey, she also told me that Olga was a decent genuine girl and she was happy to see us matched! You might think that she had an interest of some kind here, but I found Mila to be a lovely person with little reason to lie. The other thing was, that while looking for accommodation I discovered the Kherson girls (I highly recommend them for everything!!) agency and stayed in their apartment!,Because of delays etc, I had to contact the girls in their office, Nelly and Svetlana, two absolute stars!! for the assistance they give me (and gorgeous) well, when I dropped the keys in to Nelly, she told me the same thing that Mila had said, she did not know her personally, but a friend of hers did! These comments reinforced the feelings that were already developing for me.
In regard to the Prague thing, again, this is my suggestion, I have only been through Prague airport, so I am also keen to see the city!, In financial terms, I have already mentioned before that flying Olga from Odessa is costing the same as me going to see her anyway (I will be staying in her apartment next time, so I wouldn't be renting an apartment!) But the main thing is!, I will be in the company of a beautiful, intelligent and interesting woman who I get on extremely well with! and is good fun and good company to be around!

[WmGO]

WmGO, what can I say?  You just don't get it.  Maybe that's why you are still looking.

For someone obsessed like a woman at imagining "personal attacks" when only *issues* are being discussed you sure take the cake Scot. FYI, you don't know me or my situation or what I am or am not looking for or whether I am even "looking" at all.........BTTP, I "get it" quite well: some people are comfortable discussing issues and others are incapable of logically discussing them without wimping out with an ad hominem instead of just admitting they are wrong about trying to explain away dishonest behaviour as just a "cultural difference".

I had seen such behavior enough that when one AM asked me about such things happening I approached my wife and her friends for an answer and was given an answer that made sense to me as far as understanding it but that I'm having a poor job translating into Western thinking.

Just be aware, that if a RW does do this to you, it is a bit of a red flag because it means that she's seeing you as a short term opportunity instead of a long term relationship.  She's not stealing from you in her mind, she's taking advantage of your naivity, generousness, or your hope that if you throw enough cash her way you'll get her into bed.

Yes, a red flag that reflects bad character. True, it is very common for people to think and act that way in FSU, but regardless it is indicative of bad character. Simply put, an FSU person of good character does not think or act that way.

...  We are engaged.  She has a right in my opinion to ask me for help - of any type - at any time....My point being - IF you are in a committed relationship - AND you know she is sincere and you two are truly in love - THEN I see no problem AT ALL helping. 

Maxxum,

I agree: once there is an *exclusive* and *committed* and *loving* relationship everything changes.

[ScottinCrimea]

WmGo,  I repeat:  You just don't get it.

I would suggest that your ideas would be taken more seriously if you toned them down a bit.  More than one person has mentioned this to you.

[2tallbill]

Warning, I teach Canadian Cowboy English!

Does that include highly technical phrases like "Kiss my skinny white ass"???

Bill

[Rvrwind]

Does that include highly technical phrases like "Kiss my skinny white ass"

LMAO Amougst a few more, yes!!!

[chivo]

Well, Im sorry that this thread is taking off in different directions!
I value all the opinions offered here, there is definitely a part of me that is unsure about what I am doing, but I want to reassure you all that I am not a fool who blindly throws money around!
I may be Irish but Im certainly not green!!
Its true, I only met this lady once, but we got on very, very well together!(very well )By the end of the four days, we both felt that we had known each other for years! Of course, the cynics may say "well played by her" but there are other factors that convinced me of her sincerity! Although I met her on the loveme.com site, Mila, the interpreter, who we only needed for an hour,called me at the apartment the morning I was leaving to wish me a safe journey, she also told me that Olga was a decent genuine girl and she was happy to see us matched! You might think that she had an interest of some kind here, but I found Mila to be a lovely person with little reason to lie. The other thing was, that while looking for accommodation I discovered the Kherson girls (I highly recommend them for everything!!) agency and stayed in their apartment!,Because of delays etc, I had to contact the girls in their office, Nelly and Svetlana, two absolute stars!! for the assistance they give me (and gorgeous) well, when I dropped the keys in to Nelly, she told me the same thing that Mila had said, she did not know her personally, but a friend of hers did! These comments reinforced the feelings that were already developing for me.
In regard to the Prague thing, again, this is my suggestion, I have only been through Prague airport, so I am also keen to see the city!, In financial terms, I have already mentioned before that flying Olga from Odessa is costing the same as me going to see her anyway (I will be staying in her apartment next time, so I wouldn't be renting an apartment!) But the main thing is!, I will be in the company of a beautiful, intelligent and interesting woman who I get on extremely well with! and is good fun and good company to be around!

Carriag,

Despite all that has been said, I would continue to see where it goes with this woman.

English lessons cost money, and even if what she quoted you was a wee bit high, I don't get the feeling she's trying to take you for a ride.

The bottom line is you like her, she likes you, you have a great time together, and you what to take the next step. It's exactly what you should do.

I'm all for being careful, especially in these types of relationships, BUT...it's just as easy to be paranoid as it is to be naive.

While you can't blame things on language and cultural differences, you also can't take the opposite action everytime something doesn't add up to you. Many times there are reasons for things that you just have to see to believe.

Talk to her about your concerns, but make sure you're not compromising any trust as you said.

I think you're doing OK. Just take it slow, use common sense without the paranoia, and enjoy the ride. Personally, I wouldn't sweat a few dollars either way unless I saw some abusive patterns.

Also, take a trip together if you want. You want to see some of the world and now you have someone to share it with. I fail to see this as a bad thing after the initial meeting, especially you if like to travel and have done it often in the past. Good luck.

chivo

[ScottinCrimea]

I agree with chivo 100%  How come I can't write so eloquently?  Maybe it's the Russian beer.

[Yulz]

English teacher wants $250.00 a month for this!! (I had offered to help her with this!!) But in my mind I thought these lessons would be about US$10.00 an hour!

A few years back when I lived in Moscow, I was paying a tutor about $25-30 US an hour. That was considered an average rate at the time. So $250 seems reasonable to me if she attends sessions a couple of times a week.