Sometime during the spring I found out that I was lucky enough to return to Russia on a Teaching Assistantship Fulbright. It wasn't but a few weeks ago that I finally found out that I am being sent to NOVOSIBIRSK. For those of you who may not speak Russian, that basically means "New Siberia."
The city is Russia's third largest, but isn't very well known because it is tucked far away in southern Siberia on the other side of the Urals. Despite the fact that the average high from November through March is below freezing, I am looking forward to the exciting experiences that will surely come my way so far from my home in Columbus, OH. In fact, Novosibirsk is practically on the exact opposite side of the planet from Ohio, except that it is higher in latitude than Columbus. This change in winter weather may only be difficult because of its extreme duration. I plan to go with a carefree heart, not being pessimistic about the frigid weather. Besides, Russians tend to keep their buildings so well heated that I doubt it will be a problem.
As of right now I am mostly concerned with housing and whether it will come out of my stipend. There are three options that I am faced with at the moment: I am assigned university housing. This may be the cheapest, but probably the most inconvenient. I would prefer to have my own refrigerator and bathroom, or to share them at the very least with a limited number of people. The next option is that I would rent out an apartment with another student. This option would be great, except that I would almost surely be paying for it from my stipend. The third option is that I am either placed with or aided in finding a household from whom I would rent out a room. This option would certainly be welcomed and nice, though I would be concerned about how they would be payed. Would they prepare dinner? How would that affect the rent? Would I be allowed to cook sometimes? I do not worry that we wouldn't get along, so long as they aren't unkind to me.
In July I will attend an orientation session about the Fulbright as well as about my responsibilities as a T.A. which will probably be different at each school anyway. I do hope that I will be given a certain amount of freedom in leading a class or two. Anyway, I think most of my questions will be answered as soon as the kafedra (like the office of a department) that is hosting me decides to get in touch, which may not even be until their current student leaves (assuming they have someone).
I am still unsure about my departure date, which I will not have any concrete idea about until the university in Novosibirsk gets in contact with me. The university where I am going looks to be in the center of the city. It is called "The Siberian Academy of State Service" (Сибирская академия государственной службы), which in other words probably means: How to become a good bureaucrat. Hahaha. I am glad I will make good contacts with these people!
I am really looking forward to the trip abroad. I do not care that it is far away from Moscow. I will have so much fun there despite the cold! I am very excited!!!!!
