Any chance for me???

[IntrovertedGuy]

I'm am a very bright 20 year old college student with a very respectable future as a science professional. However, currently I have the life of a university student which means a less than spectacular income. Although, it is livable(mandatory spending is about 60% of my income) has very good health benefits and this situation is temporary. I was just wondering if there are Russian women especially younger(18-22) ones would be interested in the American university life style.

I'm probably going to give Elena's models a try. I'm very serious about this. I've actually been looking into this for two years and would like to travel to Russia this Summer.

[Daveman]

Howdy Introverted guy,
Well, yeah, I am sure you could garner plenty of interest.  Do some searches here to understand what the costs are in financial terms.  It would probably take every bit of your spare cash to court a lady from Russia or Ukraine.  If I am completely honest with you, I'd suggest you'd be in a better position after graduation, but at least now you can travel during quarter/semester breaks, yes? 

Each trip over will run you a minimum of about $2000 if you travel off season, and stay in a modest flat.  That doesn't really include what you'll spend 'having fun'.  If you get lucky and meet somebody you like on the first trip, you will still need to make more trips to develop the relationship. 

There is another thread here about ages. You might want to read that. "How old is too young" I think is the thread title. 

You'll have to weigh the pros and cons yourself to see if it's something you really want to do.  I'd say at least go visit if you really have an interest and see more of what it's about with  your own eyes. 

I think the answer is yes, you can do it. you'll just need to decide for yourself if it is something you really want to deal with at this stage in your education and life.  Think about it deeply before you jump in with both feet.

Welcome to the board,
Dave

[kryten41]

Also keep in mind that if you do intend to get married, part of the fiance visa process involves proving to the government that you have the financial means to support her.  You should also keep in mind that unless she is already fluent in English, she is probably not going to be able to get a very good job for quite sometime, and you will have to support the two of you on your income alone. 

Above all, be honest about your income (as well as everything else).  It is easy for someone whose only "knowledge" of lifestyle in the U.S.A. comes from watching American television programs to have an unrealistic picture of how most people here actually live.

This is not an inexpensive proposition.  Do some more reading on this board, there is a LOT of experience here. 

Oh, and if you haven't already started, now is the time to learn some Russian.   

Good luck!

[IntrovertedGuy]

Thank you both for the replies.

Well, yeah, I am sure you could garner plenty of interest.  Do some searches here to understand what the costs are in financial terms.  It would probably take every bit of your spare cash to court a lady from Russia or Ukraine.  If I am completely honest with you, I'd suggest you'd be in a better position after graduation, but at least now you can travel during quarter/semester breaks, yes?

Each trip over will run you a minimum of about $2000 if you travel off season, and stay in a modest flat.  That doesn't really include what you'll spend 'having fun'.  If you get lucky and meet somebody you like on the first trip, you will still need to make more trips to develop the relationship.

Yes, I can travel during breaks and I do have enough money saved for a trip or two. I would like to wait but I'm sure that I'm ready for a relationship now. The only problem is, AW lack the maturity I need in a future mate.

How many trips would be the norm? Would you suggest a Tour of a few cities?

Also keep in mind that if you do intend to get married, part of the fiance visa process involves proving to the government that you have the financial means to support her.  You should also keep in mind that unless she is already fluent in English, she is probably not going to be able to get a very good job for quite sometime, and you will have to support the two of you on your income alone.

Above all, be honest about your income (as well as everything else).  It is easy for someone whose only "knowledge" of lifestyle in the U.S.A. comes from watching American television programs to have an unrealistic picture of how most people here actually live.

This is not an inexpensive proposition.  Do some more reading on this board, there is a LOT of experience here.

Oh, and if you haven't already started, now is the time to learn some Russian.

I have the money to support a second person, it's just some luxury items would be out of the picture for the first two years(A second new car for example). However, I could fully support her basic needs and quite a few wants(Clothes, Movies, Cell phone). Not to mention we'd be living in a very nice recently built apartment in a university student neighborhood.

[2tallbill]

Welcome aboard



I think that visiting a FSU country would be an excellent part
of a mans overall education. Much of a mans education isn't
taught in books.

Have you thought of one of the exchange student programs?

I doubt that you want to hear this but I think you need to get
your education taken care of before marrying an RW, but I
can see nothing wrong with a trip to the FSU, learning about
the language, history, culture, making some new friends and
dating while you are there.

Like it was said in a previous post there is a thread with various
thoughts about it, so I don't want to hijack your intro thread.

Again welcome

Udachi!

Bill

[Daveman]

Thank you both for the replies.Yes, I can travel during breaks and I do have enough money saved for a trip or two. I would like to wait but I'm sure that I'm ready for a relationship now. The only problem is, AW lack the maturity I need in a future mate.

Oh my...  FSU ladies are no different.  They do get married younger, but the maturity level at that age is really no different from AW at the same age.  But at least they're immature with beautiful eyes and sexy accent       ... really, though, there's just not much difference in maturity levels.

How many trips would be the norm? Would you suggest a Tour of a few cities?

Well, the number of trips would vary depending on how long you stayed on each trip, etc.  I PERSONALLY recommend at least two to three months total face time together and at least a year of relationship before proposing marriage (or starting hte visa process)... but others have been successful with less... and again, I must reiterate that my cautious method has not been successful for me yet after 4 relationships, so, tkate that for what it is worth... mainly you want to build the relationship beyond the infatuation phase into something with a firm and solid foundation. This just takes time.  Make damn sure she's crazy about you. If you have any doubt about that then she's not..

Hmmm, a tour might be good for a first trip, but don't really expect to meet anyone special on a tour. That would only get your feet on the ground there.  I have zero experience with the tours though.  I've used Elenas, and though I'm not married, I did meet 4 quality ladies from there.  Again, just take your time and weed out the ones who are not exactly what you want in a woman (those qualities other than her hot photos..     )

I have the money to support a second person, it's just some luxury items would be out of the picture for the first two years(A second new car for example). However, I could fully support her basic needs and quite a few wants(Clothes, Movies, Cell phone). Not to mention we'd be living in a very nice recently built apartment in a university student neighborhood.

I don't think you'd have a problem if you found a university student there and not a lady just looking for a meal ticket to a rich life.  Really, you'll encounter all kind of ladies in your search. Wackos, gold diggers, selfish wenches, as well as very high quality and wonderful ladies.  

[Daveman]

Also, get on ICQ and Skype... there are a TON of young computer savvy FSU ladies there.. on ICQ just do some searches on various cities and you'll see names galore pop up along with ages.  Don't be shy, just say hello. be polite and a very high percentage will chat with you.  That's a good way to begin interaction too.

[mies]

I'm am a very bright 20 year old college student with a very respectable future as a science professional.

1. what kind of science?
2. do you want your wife to be a scientist too?
3. do you plan to go to grad school?
4. what do you mean by "relationship"?

Daveman gives very good advice about icq and skype search of computer savvy ladies.

My advice - browse the biology/chemistry/biochemistry department in your college - there is a good chance you'll find a girl from FSU or Eastern Europe there (depending on the size and type of your school). If you are determined to have a relationship with a russian girl - dating a russian girl from your college will save you tons of money (you can still travel to Russia with her during a college break to visit her parents), will let you know each other better, she will already be speaking English, plus - you will be able to have healthy physical relationship with her - instead of spending hours in Skype/icq after spending hours in the lab/classroom.

[IntrovertedGuy]

Welcome aboard



I think that visiting a FSU country would be an excellent part
of a mans overall education. Much of a mans education isn't
taught in books.

Have you thought of one of the exchange student programs?

Thank you for being so welcoming. I'd love to do an exchange program but my area of study is very specific as I am an honors student of Chemistry and Biology and will be enrolling in graduate Nano Engineering classes for undergraduate credit. Which prevents me from going anywhere else at the risk of losing a great opportunity, not to mention doing that will assure a scholarship and salary for the rest of my education.

I doubt that you want to hear this but I think you need to get
your education taken care of before marrying an RW, but I
can see nothing wrong with a trip to the FSU, learning about
the language, history, culture, making some new friends and
dating while you are there.

Like it was said in a previous post there is a thread with various
thoughts about it, so I don't want to hijack your intro thread.

Again welcome

Udachi!

Well, you're just being honest and I appreciate it. I like to be well informed. I've been thinking about this for two years, waiting another two is possible but I would like to atleast try.
Bill

1. what kind of science?
2. do you want your wife to be a scientist too?
3. do you plan to go to grad school?
4. what do you mean by "relationship"?

1. Biology and Chemistry.
2. No. She can be anything she desires.
3. It's very likely, but I would almost definitely be getting income from scholarships.
4. Marriage.

I don't think you'd have a problem if you found a university student there and not a lady just looking for a meal ticket to a rich life.  Really, you'll encounter all kind of ladies in your search. Wackos, gold diggers, selfish wenches, as well as very high quality and wonderful ladies.

Thank you.

[TwoBitBandit]

If you're really serious, I think the idea to go over as an exchange student is a great idea.

There's a handful of programs to go study Russian.  Take a semester off from nerd stuff and go learn some Russian for six months.  There are tons of great girls you could meet.

I love to travel, travel has changed my life.  Don't worry about delaying your graduation for a semester, go enjoy your life while you have the chance.  If you go life in Russia for six months, it may be the most memorable six months of your life.

Girls are excited by exotic stuff.  You may think you're just some normal university student, but at Novosibirsk State University you'd really be an oddity (in a good way).  You'll get some attention just because you're not like the other guys.  Introversion isn't necessarily a bad thing, but shyness is.  If you are very shy, you'll have to work on that, but don't worry, a few friendly Russian girls will help you get over it.  It's way easier to date Russian girls than American girls.

I agree with other posters about the maturity of Russian women.  In general, they're a little more mature.  But a 20-year-old girl is still a 20-year-old-girl.

[OlgaH]

I was just wondering if there are Russian women especially younger(18-22) ones would be interested in the American university life style.

I'm probably going to give Elena's models a try. I'm very serious about this. I've actually been looking into this for two years and would like to travel to Russia this Summer.

What about Russian exchange students that are studying at Universities in US? May be you can find a Russian girl among them right in US 

Try to google some information "Russian exchange university students" and use yahoo or isq 

[ScottinCrimea]

I don't think you could be an exchange student there for just a semester because if you aren't fluent in Russian they require a year of language study before you can take regular classes.

The problem with the age group you are looking at is that they either aren't attending university (a bad sign) or else they will want to finish their studies before considering moving to the US, and, even then, their degree will have little or no value for them in the US in most cases and even those fluent in English will need at least a year or two before they can apply it to a job in their profession.

My stepdaughter is just a year or two younger than the age you are looking at and I can tell you that she and her friends don't show any of the increased maturity over AW that you mention.

If you are really serious about this, I would find someone who you seem to be compatible with who wants to come to the US to study and arrange for her to come to the US on a student visa  This would require a substantial investment on your part as you would have to show that she has enough available cash to pay for her non-resident tuition and living expenses for the year and you can't do it as a formal sponsor or give them any reason to believe that she is coming here to be with you rather than to study.  That would give you both enough time to really get to know each other before deciding on marriage.  Of course there would be a big risk in terms of time and money were you to do this and I'm not sure you have the money to risk at this point.

You also need to think about what you offer that would make a Russian teenager run off to be with you, leaving her country, friends and family behind.

[OlgaH]

Not long time ago Robert and I met a married couple. Their son met a young woman from Slovakia who is an exchange student here in US. Now they are going to get married.   

[TwoBitBandit]

I don't think you could be an exchange student there for just a semester because if you aren't fluent in Russian they require a year of language study before you can take regular classes.

The goal doesn't have to be to reach the level of fluency required to take upper-division physical chemistry.  I'm sure he could arrage a one-semester study of Russian abroad where the goal was just to dig into the language as much as possible in those six months.  Sure, it wouldn't do much to advance his cirriculum and rack up all those technical courses that science majors are required to take.  It will likely delay his graduation for six months.  But why does that matter?

I majored in electrical engineering.  At the time, I was determined to finish it as fast as I could.  And I did exactly that, I even took 27 units my last quarter.  I had to get special approval from the dean of the college of engineering to take that many since it was more than double the normal course load.  I was a machine that quarter, skipping sleep some nights to get all the coursework done.

In retrospect, I cheated myself.  I should have went to study in Barcelona or Paris for a year with my liberal arts friends.

I had an argument with my manager a few weeks ago because I'm in the position of hitting the vacation cap while simultaneously not being allowed to take any time off because what I'm doing is too critical and my staff can't cover everything for me.  I'm a tool working for the man.  It's damn nice of the man to give me some golden handcuffs.  Sure, I make good money, I have nice toys, my broker loves me.  Silicon Valley stock options have been good to me.  However, everything has a cost.  The idea of taking six months off to go live somewhere else and study foreign literature makes me salivate.  I can't even take two weeks off right now.

If our new member has the opportunity to go to the FSU for six months and see another world, I encourage him to do it and wish him well.

[ECOCKS]

I would advise getting yourself out to a longer planning horizon.  Finish school (including at least your Masters) and then apply for a fellowship to study or teach in the FSU somewhere.  Then let nature take its course.

[topofthekey]

I'm am a very bright 20 year old college student with a very respectable future as a science professional. However, currently I have the life of a university student which means a less than spectacular income.

The best thing I can say from my University days is that I didn't end up having any debt. Most people that I know just a short time ago would graduate from college with sizeable debt, get a job that they thought paid all that and a bag a chips (in reality it didn't), and then go out and finance a new car (or even a house or condo). Basically people found themselves in debt up to their eyeballs (and upside down on loans). Of course this isn't as likely now after last fall (hopefully we have learned our lessons). So my only advice to you is exactly that. Don't take on any debt that isn't absolutely necessary for school (and if you do have student loans I'd personally advise against starting this process right now). I mean sure take a vacation, but like people are telling you this aint cheap.

Maybe some guys will drop some "digits" on you. That might be helpful.

Other than that Introverted Guy I have a few questions for you. How did you discover FSU women are the ones you wish to persue. What about Latin America, Asia, or anywhere else in the world?

[remiel6]

lots of nice comments on here. I agree with the earlier post about taking some time to travel. You will never regret the travel. I did my graduate school in Australia myself, and currently am in law school. I say go to some sites meet some women there, always be honest about your situation with them, and see what happens. It can't hurt to see what happens. I've never done a tour either so I can't comment on that. I think taking Russian classes would certainly help a lot. I traveled there knowing almost no Russian to speak of and it can be frustrating, but can be done. Keep in mind I've traveled a lot and don't mind the feeling of being a little lost, but I think that might bother some people.
I think sometimes when we're young we are in such a hurry to get someplace that we rush thru things. There's no award for finishing first, and if you lucky in life only one relationship you ever have with a woman will work out. If you think your ready to go for it, go for it. Do not sacrifice your studies to do it, but go for it.

[Misha]

Thank you both for the replies.Yes, I can travel during breaks and I do have enough money saved for a trip or two. I would like to wait but I'm sure that I'm ready for a relationship now. The only problem is, AW lack the maturity I need in a future mate.

Does the maturity of AW matter if you are not getting married now? The only thing that would matter would be their and your maturity when actually thinking of getting married to someone.

How many trips would be the norm? Would you suggest a Tour of a few cities?

Here is my suggestion: go study a term in Russia. You can find a number of universities that offer you the opportunity to study the Russian language and culture in Russia. Do this, learn a bit of the language, travel, do the backpack around Russia thing, and don't worry about marriage yet.

[Shadow]

Does the lack of 'maturity' of AW mean they are not interested in an intelligent guy, or do you feel they lack interest in long-term relationships ?
I think the other posters have already give a number of good options for you to follow.

[Diplomacy]

I did the same thing as 2 bit.  Except, I got a business degree and EE.  So I actually design and sell IT equipment.  Long story short is, I thought if I could translate geek to English and English to Geek.  I would have a good career path.

I did not get out of it debt free, but I did live below my means, to pay off the student loans.  $6,000 to go and the plan worked out for me.  My house is not underwater, but not as much equity as this time last year.

I think the life experiences are great, that you would have in Russia.  You can always do it, after you finish your core studies in America.  Use the time to learn and understand the women there. 

Maturity is about the same, from what I can tell.  Always people on both sides of the bell curve.  I would though, share your relationship experience with us.  I would advise, that dating any woman from a different culture adds strain.  The FSUW ,are at about PHD level in the relationship experience level requirements.

As a man of logic, I am giving you fair warning.  You will be faced with conversations that are beyond logic and scientific models.  As an introvert, make sure you are looking for a woman that is similar to you in that regard.

Learn Russian starting today. It will look good on your resume, at the very least.  It will show a company that you are more than a one trick pony.  You can make learning Russian language and culture a passion.  It has quickly become that for me.  The fact that you know any Russian goes a long way.  They have a saying there that made me laugh.  If you know many languages you are Russian, some languages you are European, only English, then you are an American.

I was told that after I defied the myth.  They were impressed in every way.  Especially after finding out, I had only been studying for months and not years.

I hope you are getting some sort of exercise also.  Please take time to keep yourself in good shape.  That is one of the most important things a man can do for his family.  Make sure that he is healthy, and his family.

[OlgaH]

I'm probably going to give Elena's models a try. I'm very serious about this. I've actually been looking into this for two years and would like to travel to Russia this Summer.

I have the money to support a second person, it's just some luxury items would be out of the picture for the first two years(A second new car for example). However, I could fully support her basic needs and quite a few wants(Clothes, Movies, Cell phone). Not to mention we'd be living in a very nice recently built apartment in a university student neighborhood.

2009 Poverty Guidelines
http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/I-864P.pdf

To bring her in US your own income must be no less than 18, 212 per year.
 
To be more realistic:  the dreams of the most young girls who place their profiles on Elena's models are beyond the basic needs. They dream about life from the pages of fancy glossy magazines... 

[Diplomacy]

Olga:

My life is like Cinderella right now, what are my chances?  Wash the floors, clean the bathrooms, an epic battle with a washer and dryer, and chatted for an hour with my fiance.  That was all before lunch.

Ate a bowl of Lentil soup and bopped into to post on the forums from time to time.

Now, I am gearing up to load the dishwasher, after I wash the pots.  Then try to get the fish tanks ready for salt water.  Go to the gym, and try to get my basketball game back.

I did not even get a single Woman's Day Card!   All I get is giggles and best husband comments.

[topofthekey]

  Go to the gym, and try to get my basketball game back.

Not sure if it is something you can lose  , but I hope this helps.

[youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msIRk5sQUV0[/youtube]

[OlgaH]

Olga:

My life is like Cinderella right now, what are my chances?  Wash the floors, clean the bathrooms, an epic battle with a washer and dryer, and chatted for an hour with my fiance. 

Diplomacy, knowing that your fiancee is not a young girl now and already has her own life expirience  you have pretty good chance 

[mies]

1. Biology and Chemistry.
2. No. She can be anything she desires.
3. It's very likely, but I would almost definitely be getting income from scholarships.
4. Marriage.

on 3 - you have misinterpreted my question. I was not asking about money.
If you quit college after getting your first degree - you will go to work in Industry - it will be quite good income from the start. However - most good jobs in industry - of what i've heard - do require a PhD. or even a postdoc.

If you go to grad school - you'll need another 5-6 years for PhD, maybe less if you are very smart and have good professors. During this 5-6 years or less - your income will be somewhere around 2000-2500/mo - the amount may vary depending on the state and college type, and also how many scholarships you would be getting. With scholarships you may have more. If you will stay for postdoc - after the PhD, your income will be somewhere around 50K/year. For the 2-3 years of postdoc program. And only after the 7-9 years of grad school or postdoc you'll be earning real money. Add to this that you will need to work your a** off during the grad school, that you are not going to be seen often at home, and when you'll be at home you'll be usually preparing your papers, publications, and presentations for the conferences, and if you'd want to get your doctoral degree early - you won't have much time for going out - you will need very understanding woman - who will wait for you at home while you work in your cubicle or in the lab, and won't be going out and getting affairs with other college kids while you run your experiments.
University life is very specific, and it's hard to explain to the "outsider" how much work you need to do in order to get published, and how you need to get 3-6 publications in 3-4 years after getting first appointment in the university in order to get tenure, and so on. Plus, if you are going to stay in university - how likely it is that you will get employment in your university, and won't need to relocate? Of course your future wife may do as you say whatever she likes to do, but if she will get a good job and get settled in the place you currently live - she may not be too excited to relocate in several years - when you get job in another state. 

In short - you need to keep all these things in mind when picking wife. And this is the reason why I asked you the questions, and why i advised you to look for russian women in your college (or check other colleges?) I'm sure you can meet females at conferences. Several russian friends of mine did their PhDs in biology and chemistry in USA, and contrary to the common "science geek" prejudice - they are super hot and super nice ladies.
Just look harder.