Welcome to our online-resource!
Page highlights
Here, you will find:
use the navigation menu on the left to jump to a specific topic or use right and left arrows on your keyboard to flip through the pages
!!! Each page of this OER contains interactive H5P resources — they might not display in all browsers — read more here
Welcome to our project!
Welcome to the open educational resource “Preparing Russian-language learners for successful careers in the federal government and NGOs” created by Dr. Anna Kolesnikova (University of Iowa) and Dr. Olga Klimova (University of Pittsburgh) with funding from the Center for Russian, East European & Eurasian Studies at the University of Pittsburgh. The OER* project and its goals respond to the current need for skilled Russian-language specialists who can work in a variety of federal and NGO careers that require mastery of a foreign language. To be successful in assisting Russian-speaking people in the United States or in working in a Russian-speaking country, candidates should have robust language proficiency as well as an in-depth understanding of the target culture. Job tasks of federal and NGO employees require specialized linguistic and cultural knowledge, which in turn requires materials that provide opportunities to practice and master these language skills: knowledge of vocabulary specific to practical needs and a clear understanding of cultural nuances to make communication with Russian-speaking people more efficient and successful. We hope that this resource provides future and current specialists with additional knowledge and practice to develop these skills.
*OER – open educational resource
Who is this resource for?
Our target audience is American individuals who currently work or plan to work in a Russian-speaking country or with Russian-speaking people in the United States. While our primary objective was to create a resource that enhances Russian language skills for those already at intermediate or advanced levels of proficiency, we also ensured this resource is beneficial to a broader range of users: anyone interested in the cultural and linguistic nuances between our cultures. In the “How to work with this resource” section, we provide detailed suggestions on how various types of users can benefit from the information in our OER. However, it can truly be utilized by anyone: individuals with no knowledge of Russian, novice learners, intermediate and advanced learners, and even Russian-speaking individuals can find valuable information here.
About this project
We envisioned this project as a collection of information and interactive practice that would enrich the knowledge of culture and language for anyone who plans to work in a Russian-speaking country or with Russian-speaking people. Initially, our goal was to create materials preparing Russian-language learners in the United States for careers in diplomacy, often starting with positions at U.S. embassies in various roles. In February 2022, we put the project on hold after the start of Russian aggression in Ukraine and the closing of U.S. embassies in Russia. After that pause, we revamped the idea of the project to create materials focused on the cultural and linguistic preparation for those students and alumni who plan to work with refugees and immigrants arriving in the U.S. from Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, and other Russian-speaking countries. In this project phase, we interviewed current and former employees of American embassies in Russia and developed materials on the cultural differences frequently causing culture shock, along with language practice tasks. The project’s shift in focus in the second half of the project resulted in the creation of materials about emotional support for recent immigrants to the United States.
In 2023, we started the second phase of this project, also thanks to funding from the Center for Russian, East European & Eurasian Studies at the University of Pittsburgh. We continued focusing on creating resources and materials for current and future language specialists who can work in a variety of federal and NGOs careers that require mastery of a foreign language and cultural competence. We continued adding materials that help those working with Russian-speaking immigrants in the United States to better understand this cohort of people and their problems.
The first four parts of this online resource were finished in 2024. This project remains ongoing because the nature of the project demands a wide range of cultural and linguistic explanations and practice tasks. Addressing all of them was beyond the scope of this project, but we plan to continue seeking funding to expand this online resource further, making it even more beneficial for everyone planning to work in a Russian-speaking country or with Russian-speaking people.
OER overview
This online resource is a collection of various kinds of materials – traditional and interactive – that help current and future Russian-language specialists finetune their knowledge of the culture and language. In our resource, you will find:
Part 1: Contrasting Cultural Perspectives : In this section, we’ll dive into the differences between Russian and American mindsets and behaviors, which are crucial for professional and personal interactions. We’ll cover insights relevant not only for Russia, but also for other Russian-speaking countries like Ukraine, Belarus, and Kazakhstan, emphasizing their shared cultural foundations and communication styles. Our focus will be on key details that help you avoid culture shock and adapt quickly when working with Russian-speaking individuals, either abroad or in the United States. We’ll explore topics like the individualistic versus collectivist mindset, the importance of group loyalty, networking, and reciprocity, and differences in attitudes towards politics, finances, and communication. These insights aim to help you understand how cultural backgrounds shape behaviors, reactions, and relationships, ultimately fostering stronger, more respectful connections in both professional and personal settings.
Part 2: Preparing for work in a Russian-speaking country: This section is designed for those working in Russia or other Russian-speaking countries, providing crucial insights into Russian culture and its Soviet-influenced counterparts. It offers practical tips and background information to help individuals understand and adjust to these environments. Key topics include the importance of language proficiency, cultural understanding, and adaptability in communication and workplace dynamics. The section also shares firsthand accounts from American and Russian embassy employees, highlighting the challenges and strategies for working in Russian-speaking settings. Additionally, it delves into the nuances of Russian work habits, ethics, and the value of personal connections, contrasts Russian and American hospitality customs, and explores traditional and contemporary gender roles. Finally, it includes multimedia collections on essential cultural concepts and artifacts for anyone planning to live and work in these regions.
Part 3: Preparing for work with Russian-speaking immigrants in the US: This section is designed for those working with Russian-speaking immigrants adapting to life in the United States, providing valuable insights into Russian culture. It addresses common issues faced by Russian-speaking immigrants, highlighting research on stress they experience during their adaptation to American culture. One part features an essay by a team member sharing firsthand insights about challenges newcomers face. Another section offers practical advice on supporting Russian-speaking immigrants, including overcoming language barriers and navigating local systems like education and healthcare. Mental health is also covered, discussing psychological impact of immigration and providing practical suggestions for managing stress, anxiety, and isolation. Additionally, there’s guidance on navigating the U.S. healthcare system, contrasting it with expectations from the Russian system and offering advice to ease the transition. Finally, the section includes video collections in Russian, covering various aspects of American life to help immigrants understand and navigate their new environment.
Part 4: Practice and Interactive materials : This section of our online book offers a variety of tasks to help you practice concepts introduced in previous chapters. It features multimedia and interactive materials on diverse topics, targeting Americans planning to work in Russian-speaking countries or with Russian-speaking individuals in the U.S. The resources provide general overviews and practice opportunities, including language exercises, cultural insights, and practical tips for navigating daily life and professional settings. The materials cater to different proficiency levels, with many resources including explanations and transcripts in both Russian and English, making them accessible to all users. The section aims to enhance understanding and practical skills through engaging and comprehensive learning experiences.
