How I’m Dealing with a Chronic Disease Abroad

“I am not trying to start a pity party or anything like that. I just want to shed more light on an aspect of life that a lot of people don’t get to experience or even have an idea of. My diagnosis didn’t come as a shock to me. I’ve always been that sick child, […]

Ranking the Best Cities in Russia: From the Perspective of One African in Russia

photography of cathedral near lake during daytime

Some people found themselves in some cities by chance while others intentionally chose them before they came to Russia or even after living here for some time. When an African in Russia is choosing a city to live in, it depends on so many factors such as school rankings, university life, cost of living, job/business […]

JJC in Moscow: A Hard-Earned Word on How to Survive This City

I arrived in Moscow roughly a year and a half ago. Let me tell you, those first few months were a string of embarrassing and confusing occurrences. I was the very definition of JJC (‘Johnny Just Come’). One look at me back then, and you probably could have guessed I was new in town. I […]

AURA FOR AURA: How to Guard from Unsolicited Advice and Nosy Questions

My eyes have seen plenty things for this life o. I completed my master’s program in Russia three months ago and since then, I have come to understand that a lot of people don’t understand the word ‘privacy.’ Some questions just should not be asked, especially if you’re not close enough to that person. The […]

NO ONE WANTS TO TALK ABOUT THIS: The Temptation of Illegal Jobs in Russia

Listen up. We actually need to talk about something serious. And this is something that people don’t really want to discuss, especially among the foreigners here. So back in the day, when I first landed in Russia, things were pretty tough for foreigners. In fact, finding a decent job was almost impossible, and I myself […]

BACK TO SCHOOL: EVEN IF YOU ARE NOT READY FOR THE DAY…

a book shelf filled with lots of books

Summer is over. That statement is a huge blow to some people hehe. As the first of September is upon us, the beginning of a new academic session brings a host of responsibilities, particularly for foreign students. In fact, this academic year starting on a Monday is no joke at all so you just have […]

RENTING AN APARTMENT IN MOSCOW IS NOT IMPOSSIBLE

a boat traveling down a river next to tall buildings

Anyone that has stayed in Moscow long enough knows there’s the narrative that it is difficult to find good apartments in Moscow. That’s why we are here for you today. The thing about finding a place as a foreigner in Moscow is that you need to be very patient and wise. Renting an apartment comes […]

MY CR*ZY EXPERIENCE WITH A SCAMMER IN RUSSIA

I have been hearing about scammers and how the number of internet fraud has soared recently. It is still a mystery to me how these scammers get numbers and personal details but that is a story for another time.  On this day I received a phone call, the person started with my full name, date […]

IN EVERYTHING YOU DO THIS SUMMER…

city with high rise buildings during night time

We hope your summer is going great and your plans are working out. Summer is the perfect time to take on extra jobs, travel, sightsee, learn a skill or two, attend festivals and parties. In all your ‘summering’, we’ve outlined a number of things you should pay attention to as a foreigner in Russia to […]

ILLEGAL FOREIGNERS HAVE 2 MONTHS LEFT TO REGULATE THEIR LEGAL STATUS IN RUSSIA

people walking inside brown concrete building

All foreign nationals currently residing in Russia take note: If you are in the country without legal status, there is an important deadline approaching. You must take action within the next two months to either resolve your legal status or leave Russia. Failing to do so will result in expulsion measures and a ban on […]

“THE INNOCENT CHILD THEY SENT ABROAD IS NOT WHO THEY WILL TO RECEIVE”

man in black crew neck t-shirt standing near brown concrete building during daytime

I think, aside from the changes that have clearly occurred back home over the years, I am scared of the changes I have also undergone while being very far from home. Today’s article is from a 23-year-old who has had a rough journey in Russia. He has something to tell us concerning friendship and the […]

IF YOU HAVE A GOOD LANDLORD, YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT THE LORD HAS DONE FOR YOU

white and black quote wall decor

Hmm, if you have a landlord or landlady who isn’t a threat to your mental health, you should be thanking God! I arrived in Russia in 2017, and until last year, I had been living in my school’s hostel. After graduation, I decided to move into an apartment. Friends, I found a fairly nice place, […]

QUALIFIED, EXAGGERATED OR LIES? 

This past week, my Twitter feed was full of posts about people lying on their resumes and landing jobs they weren’t qualified for. It immediately brought back a memory that, for a while, felt pretty bitter. During the COVID lockdown, I was desperately job hunting, applying to all the big companies in Russia. The pressure […]

“MY FIRST MONTH IN RUSSIA WAS TERRIBLE”

people walking inside brown concrete building

We interviewed a final year student on her experience upon getting to Russia and her perception of the country. This interview is sure worth reading. When did you first know you wanted to leave Nigeria? I had a cousin that was studying here already. I think she was in her final year that year. My […]

NEW SIM CARD RULES IN RUSSIA: WHAT FOREIGNERS NEED TO KNOW IN 2025

person writing on white paper

Starting January 1, 2025, Russia is shaking things up when it comes to how foreigners can get and use SIM cards. If you’re a foreign citizen or a stateless person living in Russia (or planning to), here’s a quick and simple breakdown of what’s changing, and what you’ll need to do. 1. Getting a SIM […]

Simplified Residence Permit Process for Foreign Specialists in Russia (2025 Update)

The Russian government has introduced significant changes to the immigration process for foreign professionals seeking a residence permit (RP/ ВНЖ). The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection has approved a new List of Professions (Order No. 172n, dated April 3, 2025) that allows qualified foreign workers to obtain an RP without first securing a temporary […]

ADMISSION OF FOREIGN CHILDREN TO RUSSIAN SCHOOLS (2025 UPDATE)

A while ago, we posted on our Whatsapp status concerning the admission of children of  foreign citizenship into Russian schools.  Below is the necessary information on the new bill passed for children in this category.  On April 1, 2025,  an amendment of the Federal Law “On Education in the Russian Federation” came into force, according […]

DATING MARRIED MEN: MOSCOW BIG BOY EDITION 

aerial-photography of city

I always considered myself a good girl, I was well brought up and very in tune with what was considered good and bad. I particularly hated the topic of dating married men because of what it did to my parent’s marriage. I was one of those people who swore never to date a married man. […]

THE BATTLE BETWEEN MY WALLET AND SUPERMARKETS

A city street at night with lights reflecting off of the wet pavement

I was looking at my cart and was wondering how I got here. I had bought so many things that I now needed to order a taxi. This was not the plan at all because I planned on buying just a few things and now I can barely even carry my purchases in one hand. […]

HE TOLD ME “FORGET IT”— MY TERRIBLE EXPERIENCE AS A FREELANCER IN RUSSIA

Recently, there has been a discussion on the E-Solutions page about people who render services or lend money, only to be met with excuses when it’s time for repayment. The infamous line, “Is it because of this small amount that you’re disturbing me?” has been used time and again. Today, we share a story of […]

MY SHIPPING WOES AS A FOREIGNER IN RUSSIA

My eyes have seen plenty things in this country sha… Today is for shipping and logistics companies that work with foreigners in Russia– and for those people who like to think they are special because they travel to and fro African countries every other week. I understand that some situations are unavoidable when dealing with […]

YOU ASKED AND WE ANSWERED- THE COMPLETE AMNESTY PROCESS FOR ILLEGAL FOREIGNERS IN RUSSIA

person writing on white paper

If you’re living in Russia without legal status, there’s good news! President Putin has signed Decree № 1126, giving all illegal foreigners a chance to regularize their status without the risk of deportation or a ban. We interviewed someone that has gone through the Amnesty Procedure and has knowledge on the peculiarities of the whole journey. […]