Russian teenager wants to move to L.A. - how? (fit in, high school)

[uptown_urbanist]

Best suggestion so far is going the school route. Keep working on your English, then either try to attend a university/college in California, or, alternatively, look into schools in other countries (Russia, etc.) that also offer study abroad programs. You're young - go to school (in CA or elsewhere) get marketable skills, then go from there.

[darkdemon]

I wish to live in America because I hate Russia! I was in many cities of Russia, and everywhere the same: around dust, drunkards and nazis. We know all, that America more developed country. (and as England and Germany, IMHO) I have some questions: 1. Whether the truth that the American police is polite with citizens? (the Russian police at first beats, and then talks) 2. In what city of America you would advise me to live (Except for L.A.) 3... Yet has not thought up

[jzt83]

Visit before you decide that you want to move here. I suggest extended visits to San Francisco and New York. Both cities have large Russian populations. Police here vary depending on locations. In SF, they tend to be more lax and not as aggressive as say the police in LA. Some overzealous police in the US shoot first then ask questions after.

[darkdemon]

All not how in the American films with Russian translation I think till 18 years I shall solve, where to me to live. Thanks for advice.

[allenk893]

Originally Posted by motoman

Not necessarily older. I work with a girl in her late 30s. She's been in the US for over 10 years now. I dated her for a few months, until she started saying things like the Santa Monica Pier is too ethnic for her. I also loved when a Russian friend of hers was offended that a "black" guy at Target helped them with their Christmas tree. I honestly couldn't believe my ears.

I know that doesn't speak for all Russians, but unfortunately I just haven't had a good experience so far.

I feel you that. Because I was coming back from France last year on a trip and there were some Russians sitting behind my seat. They kept kicking the back of my seat. A whole family! I couldn't believe it. I asked one of the stewardess to ask them to quit it because she spoke the language and they still didn't stop! I thought it was a racist attack against me for no reason just because of my skin color. I will NEVER visit Russia if the opportunity ever came up.

But anyway to get back on topic OP, you should probably finish high school first before coming over here. And get a visa.

[yukiko11]

OK, I will tell you how to get here.

But you are going to have to figure out who to contact because i don't know the names of the agencies who do it. I just know they exsist, because I once worked with two people who were involved with one and they brought a lot of workers into the company I worked for.
By the way, I was born in America but I am half Russian and I studied your culture so I know what your are dealing with. If you want to know everything about the US go to a website called Lifeintheusa.com It is written just for people interested in immigrating. It will tell you in detail everything about living in the US. Also try usastudyguide.com if you are thinking of coming as a student.
There are non profit and religious agencies in the US that sponsor the immigration of Russians and Ukranians into the United States. They raise money to get you here, arrange for a job so you can get a visa. Nothing illegal. Then they get you signed up for all types of government programs like cheaper housing, food programs, welfare help, education, like getting lots of free stuff. Most employeers will hire Russians because they are considered reliable and usually have good skills in the trades like carpenters and manufacturing .
Here is where you don't qualify now. You have to have a job skill and you have to have a family.
Here is another problem, many areas in the US where this has been going on, there are areas where a lot of Russian and Ukranian immigrants live close together. In general, a lot of them don't want to be Americans, they want to be Russians living in America. They live their own culture and speak their own language and don't make any effort to be part of the American culture. Some are recruited into criminal activities by what we call the Russian Mafia. Once they are in they don't get out. Some are beat up and murdered when they cheat or don't obey.
To me, this sounds like more of the same of what you have at home. It's still your own people, just living somewhere else.
When you come here you need to be prepared to work and take care of yourself. I wouldn't want you to end up in trouble.

[darkdemon]

Unlike Russian forums, here people it is much more polite. We on all sites will have those who will want somebody to insult. Thanks all for the help.

[ire2usa]

Originally Posted by motoman

Why move from Russia to the US if you're just going to move to a Russian neighborhood?

Honestly, I haven't yet met a Russian I like. The words racists and bigots come to mind.

Sorry, but that's been my experience. Hopefully you can prove otherwise.

yes, but you must not belive they or all like that, or you would fall into that category
I think a Russian neighbourhood would be good, especially if he/she will be illegal,
It is similar to the irish areas they look out for each other accomidation and job-wise.
Otherwise, deportation would be a lot more likely!

[ire2usa]

Originally Posted by yukiko11

There are non profit and religious agencies in the US that sponsor the immigration of Russians and Ukranians into the United States. They raise money to get you here, arrange for a job so you can get a visa. Nothing illegal. Then they get you signed up for all types of government programs like cheaper housing, food programs, welfare help, education, like getting lots of free stuff.

Any for the Irish?

[gradstudent77]

Originally Posted by darkdemon

I wish to live in America because I hate Russia! I was in many cities of Russia, and everywhere the same: around dust, drunkards and nazis. We know all, that America more developed country. (and as England and Germany, IMHO) I have some questions: 1. Whether the truth that the American police is polite with citizens? (the Russian police at first beats, and then talks) 2. In what city of America you would advise me to live (Except for L.A.) 3... Yet has not thought up

Brighton Beach. Brooklyn, NY. Then, from there, after you've acclimated to the US, you might want to move to one of the cities in the nation with a low unemployment rate...

U.S. Cities With the Highest and Lowest Unemployment Rates - Careers Articles