6 Opinions: Working at a U.S. embassy in a Russian-speaking country

Respondent: Peter B., an American who worked at a U.S. embassy in Russia

Interview date: September 2021

In the interview with Peter B., an American who worked at a U.S. embassy in Russia, several significant insights were shared regarding the challenges and adjustments faced by Americans transitioning to work in Russia.

One notable aspect highlighted was the cultural difference in personal space, posing a challenge for Americans accustomed to a different concept of personal boundaries.

Moreover, American employees often find themselves relying on their Russian colleagues for various everyday queries and tasks, indicating a dependence on local knowledge and support networks. This reliance underscores the importance of collaboration and integration within the embassy community to navigate daily life effectively.

Consideration of family dynamics also emerged, with the recommendation to settle in larger cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg for those relocating with families. This advice speaks to the availability of amenities and support systems in urban centers, catering to the needs of families transitioning to life in Russia.

Furthermore, specific roles within the embassy, such as those in the public affairs office, demand readiness for frequent interaction with Russian journalists. Employees must be equipped to handle diverse situations professionally, including linguistic preparedness to communicate a stance of non-engagement on political matters (to let Russian journalists know that all political issues are only discussed – if discussion is allowed – in English.)

Cultural awareness was emphasized in preparing Americans for the traditional treatment of gender issues in Russia, signaling the importance of understanding and respecting local customs and norms. Similarly, the lack of awareness among Russians regarding the extent of racism problems in the U.S. underscores the need for linguistic preparation to provide historical context of American realia when discussing sensitive topics.

Overall, the interview shed light on the multifaceted challenges and considerations encountered by Americans working in U.S. embassies in Russia, emphasizing the importance of cultural adaptation, collaboration, and effective communication in navigating diplomatic roles within a foreign context.

Respondent: Kyle, an American who worked at a U.S. embassy in Russia

Interview date: January 2022

During the interview with Kyle, several insights were shared regarding the necessary skills and preparations for a career in such a setting. One notable observation was the distinction between embassy workers who had undergone extended formal study of Russian and those who received quick preparation at the Foreign Service Institute. Kyle emphasized that the former tended to possess better communication skills and exhibited more natural speech, while the latter often had a more advanced grasp of specific vocabulary, particularly related to military and political matters.

Effective communication was highlighted as a crucial aspect of embassy work, with an emphasis on the ability to construct coherent sentences, defend positions, and understand and utilize colloquial phrases in regular conversations. Kyle stressed the importance of interpersonal interactions within the office environment, including providing and requesting daily updates, engaging in discussions about recent news, and engaging in small talk and colloquial conversations.

In addition to communication skills, Kyle underscored the significance of analytical abilities and critical thinking for embassy duties. Employees must be adept at extracting information, engaging in deep thought on various matters, and connecting abstract concepts. Given the diverse range of responsibilities within the embassy, from conducting visa interviews to managing embassy operations and defending policy positions, a versatile skill set is essential.

Kyle also discussed the importance of staying informed about local events and maintaining proficiency in tracking social media platforms. This enables embassy personnel to engage with journalists and informed analysts effectively and contribute meaningfully to discussions on political issues.

Furthermore, Kyle mentioned that students with language proficiency have the opportunity to apply for governmental jobs earlier, emphasizing the value of language skills in this context. He also noted that embassy employees create portfolios to showcase their achievements and contributions.

Regarding language skills, Kyle identified speaking as the area most lacking among employees, despite their proficiency in listening and reading. Casual conversation skills were particularly emphasized as important for building rapport and conducting day-to-day interactions effectively.

Finally, Kyle provided insights into the types of questions typically asked during visa interviews, highlighting the importance of researching key information from visa applications and assessing applicants’ ties to their home country, including occupation, education, salary, past travel history, and the purpose of their trip to the U.S.

Respondent: Mikhail B., a Russian who worked at a U.S. embassy in Russia

Interview date: October 2021

In this interview with Mikhail, a Russian individual employed at a U.S. embassy, several key points were raised regarding the preparation and challenges faced by embassy personnel. The respondent noted that most employees underwent training at the Foreign Service Institute (FSI), but highlighted concerns about the effectiveness of this preparation. Specifically, they mentioned that FSI’s understanding of what to prepare employees for often resulted in a lack of practical language skills, leading to what they described as “нерабочий русский” or non-functional Russian.

A notable critique of FSI’s training program was its reliance on outdated materials and overly academic approaches. Mikhail suggested that the language taught at FSI tended to be antiquated, failing to reflect modern usage and speech patterns. He emphasized the need for more contemporary Russian language instruction, including updated speech patterns and intonation.

One of the main difficulties identified by Mikhail was Americans’ struggle to distinguish between different accents, such as Ukrainian and Armenian. He also underscored the importance of developing listening and speaking skills, particularly in understanding and expressing emotions, which they noted as a significant challenge for many embassy employees.

Bilingual individuals were acknowledged to have an advantage in language acquisition, but Mikhail cautioned that success in language learning was not guaranteed and varied depending on the individual. Common issues faced by bilinguals included difficulties with case endings, addressing using “ты” or “вы,” numerals, and informal ways of telling time. All of these linguistic aspects are important in communication with the Russian people, and the more proficient an American appears (as is the case with bilingual individuals), the less tolerant Russians can be towards mistakes of this type.

Additionally, Mikhail highlighted specific areas where embassy personnel needed improvement, such as familiarity with idiomatic expressions, proficiency in pronunciation (particularly with soft consonants), and the ability to use English borrowed words with Russian pronunciation.

In terms of practical skills, Mikhail suggested that embassy employees should be able to effectively communicate during catering events, indicating a need for proficiency in ordering catering services and interacting with catering staff when organizing events at the embassy.

Overall, the interview provided valuable insights into the challenges faced by embassy personnel in acquiring and applying Russian language skills, as well as suggestions for improving language training programs to better meet the needs of employees working in diplomatic settings.

Respondent: Slava S., a Russian who worked at a U.S. embassy in Russia

Interview date: November 2021

In the interview with Slava S., a female employee who primarily worked in public affairs and public diplomacy at a U.S. embassy, several key points were highlighted regarding the preparation and challenges faced by embassy personnel in their roles.

Slava noted that employees in public affairs and public diplomacy are generally well-prepared in terms of communication skills, including the ability to engage with people, listen actively, ask questions, and engage in small talk in Russian. However, they still encounter difficulties, particularly at the entry level, in understanding the intricacies of the Russian reality, such as the educational system. For example, she shared an anecdote about an American embassy employee struggling to organize a presentation at a school due to confusion about the approval process, highlighting a lack of understanding of how the hierarchy system operates.

Employees in public affairs roles are involved in various tasks, including working with the media and social media, organizing special events and educational programs, and facilitating English language clubs. Listening skills are crucial for tasks such as transcribing audio, translating news, and understanding news transcripts.

A notable challenge for public affairs officers (POs) is effectively discussing American realities in Russian while adhering to the policy that political topics must be addressed in English only. Additionally, Russian employees often handle logistics and organizational tasks for the embassy, and often lack sufficient preparation for such tasks, mostly relying on the Russian native speakers employed at the embassy.

The respondent emphasized the importance of understanding nuances in communication, including interpreting hidden aggression, sarcasm, and cynicism in social media comments, which can be challenging for embassy personnel. Additionally, employees may struggle with understanding colloquial speech (просторечия) and addressing or navigating widespread sexism in Russian society. She mentioned that female employees in particular may need linguistic and cultural strategies to address or deflect sexism. Similarly, male employees may face challenges in reconciling their softer demeanor with Russian cultural expectations of masculinity.

Overall, the interview shed light on the diverse responsibilities and communication challenges faced by embassy personnel, highlighting the importance of linguistic and cultural competence in navigating diplomatic interactions and daily tasks within the embassy setting.

Respondent: Natalya, a Russian who worked at a U.S. embassy in Russia

Interview date: December 2021

In the interview with Natalya, who was involved in visa interviews at a U.S. embassy, several significant points were highlighted regarding the preparation and challenges faced by embassy personnel, particularly those undergoing training at the Foreign Language Institute.

The respondent noted that while those completing interviews tend to be the best-prepared in terms of language, they still often struggle with understanding and discussing details, leading to misunderstandings and negative outcomes for visa applicants. The time constraints imposed during consular interviews add to the stress, making it challenging to navigate complex topics efficiently.

Professions and family relations, including the concept of civil marriage in Russian culture, were identified as particularly confusing topics for embassy workers due to cultural differences. Additionally, regional expressions pose challenges for incoming embassy workers, who may find themselves struggling to comprehend local dialects and idiomatic language.

Even for student visa interviews, proficiency in Russian is important, as not all applicants are fluent in English. Similarly, bride visas require knowledge of Russian, especially for cross-interviews where doubts may arise.

Pronunciation emerged as a significant linguistic difficulty, with embassy workers struggling to articulate certain sounds correctly and adapting to regional accents. Political officers require skills in quick reading, report writing, and effective verbal communication, as some tasks do not allow for the presence of translators.

Topics that would benefit Americans working in the embassy include practical everyday matters, such as navigating local services independently, understanding pension and healthcare systems, and familiarizing themselves with unique travel scenarios, such as Russian individuals seeking childbirth in American hospitals. Readiness for the Russian climate, including appropriate clothing for different weather conditions, was cited as another area where new embassy employees often lack preparation.

Preparation for community meetings, where issues like promoting English, answering questions about U.S. elections, and addressing local concerns arise, is also essential. Additionally, providing employees with a list of clichés for general topics and information on common aspects of daily life in Russia, such as utilities, electronic payments, and childcare services, would be beneficial.

Overall, the interview highlighted the diverse challenges faced by embassy personnel and underscored the importance of comprehensive preparation, particularly in linguistic and cultural aspects, for effective diplomatic engagement.

Across the five interviews with individuals working at U.S. embassies, several common themes and challenges emerge:

Language Proficiency and Communication Skills: In all interviews, the importance of language proficiency was emphasized. Effective communication skills, including listening, speaking, and understanding colloquial language, were identified as essential for embassy personnel to navigate various tasks, from visa interviews to public diplomacy efforts.

Cultural Understanding and Adaptability: Respondents highlighted the need for embassy workers to possess a deep understanding of Russian culture, societal norms, and regional dynamics. Cultural competence was deemed crucial for successful interactions with local communities, media, and officials, as well as for addressing sensitive issues such as sexism.

Challenges with Specific Topics: Several specific topics were identified as challenging for embassy personnel, including navigating the Russian educational system, understanding family relations, and interpreting regional accents and idiomatic language. Climate, professions, and social customs were also areas where employees often lacked preparation.

Professional Duties and Responsibilities: The interviews shed light on the diverse responsibilities of embassy personnel, ranging from conducting visa interviews and managing public affairs to engaging with the media and organizing events. Proficiency in tasks such as report writing, quick reading, and handling social media communications was highlighted for certain roles.

Preparation and Training: While training at the Foreign Language Institute was commonly mentioned, concerns were raised about the adequacy of preparation provided. The need for more practical, updated, and culturally relevant training materials was emphasized, along with the importance of hands-on experience and exposure to real-life scenarios.

Adapting to Russian Society: Embassy employees often encounter challenges related to adapting to Russian society, including understanding administrative procedures, addressing cultural expectations, and navigating everyday tasks such as childcare and utilities.

Overall, the interviews underscored the multifaceted nature of embassy work, highlighting the importance of language proficiency, cultural understanding, and adaptability for effective diplomatic engagement in Russia. They also revealed areas where improvements in training and preparation could better equip embassy personnel to fulfill their roles successfully. Additionally, insights from individual interviews highlighted specific challenges such as adjusting to personal space norms, reliance on Russian colleagues for everyday queries, and preparation for interactions with Russian journalists and cultural differences in gender issues and racism awareness. These nuances further emphasize the need for comprehensive training and support for embassy personnel transitioning to work in Russia.