Moscow: Work and Life Experience

Hi! My name is Olga. I work for Travelmania in Austria but originally, I come from Russia. In fact, I used to work in Moscow. I decided to write this article for those of you who would love to do their Erasmus+ or Turing internship in my country but might be wary of big old Russia😊! So, with that in mind, my job with this article is to try to convince you to embark on this journey, learn more about Russians and Russian work culture and benefit from what promises to be an incredible experience. It will definitely look amazing on your CV and give you the wow factor when seeking employment 😊.

Work/Internship in Moscow

Naturally, you have the choice of doing your Erasmus+ or Turing Scheme mobility in an international company and there are plenty in Moscow. Alternatively, you might prefer to do your internship in one of Russia’s companies, where you will learn more about Russian work culture and probably will have more fun 😊! I worked in both types and everywhere I learnt something useful, practical and impressive. I got to know different types of people and how to communicate with them. I also worked with expats (foreigners who live and work in Russia for a few years) and they seemed to enjoy living in Moscow and Russia very much.

Like in any big city, you could find an Erasmus+ or Turing Scheme placement in fields such as as tourism, retail, culture, general office jobs, etc.

Accommodation in Moscow

Moscow is a relatively expensive city but, on the other hand, there are so many accommodation possibilities that everyone should be able to find an affordable option. There is a wide range of hotels, hostels, apartments for every taste. If you are not sure which type of accommodation would suit you best, check out our numerous blog articles: Accommodation Options: Apartment, Host Family, Hotel or Hostel; Accommodation Options During an Erasmus+ or Turing Stay or Hostel vs. Hotel.

Transportation in Moscow

Moscow is a modern, vibrant city that impresses with its vast size and magnitude - Moscow is huge! The underground transport system (the Metro) is amazing and it’s still growing making moving around the city easier and faster. That’s why ideally, you should find a place for your Erasmus+ or Turing Scheme internship and somewhere to live not too far away from a metro station – approximately a 5–10-minute walk away. You don’t have to worry about waiting too long for a subway train. During rush hour, subway trains run every 1 to 2 minutes. It’s the fastest and most convenient way to get around the city. There are also other options of public transport in Moscow – buses, shared taxis (mini-buses), taxis – and they are fairly frequent, flexible, affordable and easy to use. There are three main international airports (SVO, DME, VKO) and from each one it’s easy to get to the city using a special train called the “Aeroexpress”.

Safety in Moscow

In my experience, Moscow is quite a safe city. For the 11 years that I studied and worked in Moscow I never experienced anything untoward or had an uncomfortable incident. However, like any big city, you should keep an eye on your belongings and valuables (passport, mobile phone, credit cards, cash) and you shouldn’t carry them in a way that they are easily accessible for pickpockets. For example, in a full subway train or a bus it’s better to wear your backpack with your valuables in front of you rather than on your back; and it’s better not to carry your passport/mobile/wallet in the back pocket of your jeans – it’s the fastest way to get rid of them 😊! You don’t want to spoil your Erasmus+ or Turing Scheme adventure, do you? Just use your common sense and you will be safe.

Activities in Moscow

There is definitely no shortage of activities in Moscow – from cultural excursions (museums, theatres, music, historic buildings to visit, etc.) to entertainment (night clubs, public parks, restaurants with all types of cuisine, etc.). Being in Moscow, you have an opportunity to not only sample Russian food but also enjoy authentic dishes from other former USSR countries: Georgia, Armenia, Uzbek, etc. Moscow’s subway stations are unique cultural, historical and architectural monuments – make sure that you see at least a couple of them – they’re sure to impress you. Visit the majestic Kremlin or the famous Gorky Park (from the legendary song “Wind of Change” by The Scorpions) or other well-known attractions – they will certainly enrich your Erasmus+ or Turing Scheme experience. If you are interested in a more authentic Russian experience, on weekends you could travel around Moscow and see life in the small towns of Russia.

Language in Moscow

Moscow is an international city, that’s why you won’t have problems of communication during your Erasmus+ or Turing Scheme work placement. The majority of people who live and work in Moscow speak English or often other languages – German, French, Spanish, etc. Russians are open, and interested in people from other cultures and, I am sure, your work colleagues will be more than happy to show you around.

I hope that my article inspired you or at least interested you in researching more on this topic. You might be interested in our Guide for Erasmus+ Funding Applicants or in our Handbook for Erasmus+ Project Management & Execution.

If you’ve asked yourself what Turing means, you are welcome to check out our helpful articles BREXIT-What’s New for You? The Turing Scheme or What to Expect from a Turing Internship or Erasmus+ vs. Turing. Just take a look at our content on our website and if you have some questions about an Erasmus+ or Turing Scheme mobility, contact us and we will be happy to help you. You could also subscribe to our blog, to stay informed.