A gap year in Russia

Gap years in Russia

So you’ve got your fluffy hat and your Russian phrase book, and you fancy a year in the country of vodka? You’d better be prepared. Russia’s an invigorating place full of drama and opportunity, not to mention fabulously glamorous people. But it’s also the biggest challenge you could ever face. You’ll have to contend with a complex language, intense winters, and frustrating bureaucracy. If you’re looking for a gap year that will challenge, develop, and reward you, Russia might be the gap-filler for you…

There’s a wealth of opportunities available in Russia, from Summer Camp Counsellors to Teaching English (you don’t need to be fluent in Russian, either). These opportunities are offered on a voluntary basis, as you’ll be provided with accommodation and food but very little – if any – wage.

The first piece of advice regarding transport might be to avoid internal flights. As the Lonely Planet guide tactfully puts it, Russia has the “worst regional safety record in the world”. Quite enough said. As for driving, you might find the roads more challenging than you’re used to – parallel parking will be the least of your worries. Instead, stick to the brilliant rail network and the bumpy but cheap buses connecting towns and villages. For long-haul adventures, book your tickets on the Trans-Siberian…

Spending a year in Russia without stepping onto a Trans-Siberian carriage is a bit like skipping ten chapters of War and Peace. You can’t really say you’ve experienced this huge country without traversing some of its innards on this magnificent railway. Connecting Moscow to St Petersbourg, Hong Kong and Beijing, the Trans-Siberian is a beast of a route. Where do you start?

Like British train routes, you can’t buy a ‘hop-on-hop-off’ ticket, so you’ll need to plan your journey in advance. Tickets are cheapest bought in person from a station although, during the summer, trains can be booked up way ahead of schedule. Save yourself time and trouble by booking from home (or online) with an agency speaking your native language. But you’ll still have to pick your route. If you’re working in Moscow for your gap year, stick to weekenders like St Petersbourg (European elegance), Vladimir (historically fascinating) and Perm (Dr Zhivago). Otherwise, the Siberian is your oyster!

There are so many sights, cities and events in Russia that it would be impossible to cover them all. Here are just a few highlights.

Well, it would be hard to miss these two. Moscow is the country’s high-powered political centre, its modern fascia studded with evidence of the former Soviet leadership. Vandalised churches and monuments stand side by side with glossy department stores. You might want to see Lenin’s tomb, the Kremlin, and the giant Izmaylovo Market, where you’ll pick up bargain souvenirs, antiques and art. In contrast, St Petersbourg is the ultimate in shabby chic – summer finds this elegant city packed with trendy Russian tourists, as it’s on the warmer side of Moscow. Spend time admiring the cathedrals and don’t forget to take a walk in the blissful Summer Gardens.

Russian people know how to celebrate properly. The non-religious Winter Festival starts in mid December and continues right through past New Year (which is celebrated with lots of vodka, as you’d expect). It’s a time when tradition takes the spotlight, and you’ll get the chance to see shows about Russian folklore and legend. Come Spring, make some time to head for St Petersbourg’s classy Classical Music festival, whether you’re listening to operas or just people-watching from a chic coffee bar.