How I moved to America and searched for my path in a new life?

Despite the fact that returning to Vladivostok didn't excite me much, I felt quite comfortable in California from day one. Of course, there were aspects I had to adapt to, such as living with a new family. Nevertheless, overall I liked everything so much that the thought of returning home wouldn't leave my mind.

When I found myself in Vladivostok again, the thought of immigrating to America struck me, where I dreamed of enjoying a vibrant and fulfilling life surrounded by friends from various continents — from Germany to South Africa and Brazil. During this time, I began actively attending language courses at the university, diligently preparing for the TOEFL exam and searching for suitable educational institutions in the USA.

I created a long list of over a hundred universities and sent my documents there along with compact discs containing recordings of my basketball achievements.Sports are highly valued in America.Therefore, students who participate in sports are offered attractive scholarships, which is what I was counting on when choosing a sports specialization, even though I was among the best in terms of academic performance.

Courage in youth

Fifteen years later, looking back on those events, I realize how bold it was! At the age of sixteen, I sent numerous letters to foreign educational institutions, attaching a disc with recordings of my achievements, and fortunately, it didn't get lost. At that time, taking such a decisive step, I truly showed courage.

The challenges of sports training in America

Nevertheless, sports training in America turned out to be much more challenging than I initially thought. In 2006, I moved to the United States and enrolled in a small college in California. The institution covered my expenses for housing, meals, and tuition, and also provided me with a sports scholarship. I spent five months at the college playing for the local basketball team and realized that I couldn't continue in the same way.

In the USA, the requirements and approaches to education were completely different. In Vladivostok, the focus was on:

• game strategy,
• analytical tactics.

In California, the focus was on:

• physical training,
• in muscle mass gain,
• endurance.

We did a lot of running, throwing, and strength training. The sessions took place six times a week for three hours and could start at any time, even at six in the morning. However, these were not first division college workouts.

Aspiration to a dream

Soon I realized that I didn't have enough strength to balance studying and sports. Moreover, I was striving for that very...“the American Dream”...the freedom and ease that I had always dreamed of. This was the reason for my move six months later to San Diego, which captured my heart during my first visit. I enrolled in a state university, where I studied on a paid basis.

Comparison of educational systems

I believe that more attention is paid to the level of school education in Russia, but higher education in the United States has a number of clear advantages. There is a more creative approach to learning, greater freedom in the educational process, active group work, presentations, and participation in various projects. Living on campus, I experienced truly unforgettable moments.

Choosing educational paths

Students primarily choose fields of study that genuinely interest them. It's great that there is a flexible schedule system that allows them to complete their education at different times: some manage to finish the program in two years, studying intensively even in the summer and selecting numerous subjects, while others, moving around the country, may continue their studies for up to six years.

However, the overwhelming majority of students complete their courses in four years. It is also worth noting that cheating on exams is strictly prohibited in the United States. This rule is not just a formality, as attempting to cheat can lead to expulsion.

Interest in studying abroad

When it comes to studying abroad and emigration, I have always been interested in questions such as investments and real estate. In America, lifelong education is considered a common practice.

Education and career

I completed my bachelor's degree in business management, which is suitable for representatives of various professions. After that, I enrolled in a master's program, choosing a more specialized field – real estate and development. My studies took place in San Diego, a place where I enjoyed the calm beach atmosphere during my student years.

However, after completing the training courses, I did not plan to stay there. With age comes a desire for development, attending cultural events, professional growth, and meeting influential people.

Moving to the East Coast

I moved to the East Coast and continued my education at Harvard University's architecture and design school. It's normal for Americans to constantly learn and acquire new skills. Many of them earn multiple degrees, take professional development courses, and participate in various educational initiatives.

Job search

The job search turned out to be a challenging experience. Initially, I planned to return to Russia, but then I decided to try to find my place in New York. Interviews with major development companies showed that I came across as "nice, pleasant, and educated," but many employers were not willing to sponsor a work visa.

It is important to understand that in America, legal stay without a green card is only possible based on a visa, which can be:

• educational
• working
• investment
• “talent visa”

I was counting on a work visa, which should be paid for by the employer, and to obtain which one had to win a lottery. In 2013, there were 60,000 work visas available for 180,000 applicants, and currently, more than 300,000 people are applying for such visas.

Unexpected proposal

Given the situation, I was already ready to go home with a sense of inner peace, as I missed my parents and my country. But at a crucial moment, I met a well-known lawyer who speaks Russian in New York, who offered me a job at his new investment company in real estate – exactly what I had been missing.

Moreover, I was promised help with the processing of my work visa, which was great news for me.

My decision to stay with the company

I have decided to stay with my company! After working here for four years, I have been able to develop many valuable skills in different areas. During this time, I have held various positions: I was the operations director, an assistant, and a broker. We interacted with wealthy clients who spoke Russian.

Reflections on Return

However, at some point, I realized that I needed something more engaging and interesting, and that made me reconsider returning to Russia.

Feelings towards America

Although I generally liked the United States, I always felt that I couldn't fully immerse myself in their culture. The thought of having to return home filled me with anxiety. Moreover, that decision seemed quite expected to me.

To be honest, adapting to life in America turned out to be more difficult than I had thought. It wasn't due to any negative attitude towards me as a foreigner — on the contrary, I always felt respected. However, even after eleven years of living there, I still felt like an outsider: my accent remained, and the constant issues with questions about visa sponsorship kept me on edge. I understood that my value in the job market was much higher than the offers I received.

Mindset as a decisive factor

However, the decisive factor in my choice to stay or leave was the mentality.

Many Russians prefer to relocate to Florida, particularly to the urban center of Miami, which attracts them with its warm climate and proximity to the ocean. There is also a significant concentration of Russian-speaking population in major U.S. cities like Boston, Los Angeles, and New York. Chicago, while still appealing, lags a bit behind in this regard. When considering financial realities, Texas offers quite acceptable living conditions, whereas the cost of living in California and Florida is noticeably higher. New York, in turn, requires particularly close attention to financial capabilities — it is almost impossible to survive there without a stable and sufficient income.

Housing conditions in New York City

Despite the fact that you can find housing in New York outside of Manhattan, it's important to consider the need for regular subway trips. I believe the best way to settle in New York is to choose Manhattan, where there are fantastic restaurants, theaters, and a multitude of cultural activities. To live comfortably in this huge city, you need to have an income of at least100 thousand dollarsper year per person. However, many successful residents of New York earn an amount close to500 thousand dollarsand sometimes they even reachseveral million dollarsper year.

By the age of forty, they can afford an apartment in Manhattan starting at10 million dollarsThe main sources of income are typically generated in sectors such as:

• financial
• legal
• real estate market

Living expenses in New York City

To live decently in New York, such amounts are clearly insufficient. For example, the costs of tuition in private kindergartens and schools average50-60 thousand dollarsa year, which is common for many. Additionally, wealthy people often have homes inHamptonthat can be compared to well-known suburban communities in Russia.

Lifestyle in California

The state of California offers a more relaxed lifestyle, allowing people to live with lower expenses. For comfortable living here, having a home and a car is usually enough, and good transportation access allows for housing options outside the city. Although California is also considered expensive, it provides more space, and ultimately, life can be cheaper. For example, in New York, a decent apartment costs at least...million dollarsIn some regions of California or Florida, similar options can be found for300 thousand dollars.

Climate conditions in the USA

One should not forget about the variety of climate conditions in the USA: from warm California, you can reach ski resorts in just an hour and a half. You can go for a walk in flip-flops, and shortly after, you'll be heading to the mountains in a warm jacket. Colorado is famous for its snowy slopes and picturesque forests, while Florida offers a tropical atmosphere.

Education and opportunities

For many people in the USA, access to high-quality education is an important aspect. After completing their studies, they have the opportunity to apply their knowledge in various fields. Each city has its strengths that correspond to the characteristics of the region. For example:

• California— Silicon Valley, high technology, the film industry, and music.
• San Diego— active development of the IT sector and biotechnology.
• Washington and Seattle— the companies Amazon and Nordstrom.
• Texas— oil and aviation industries.
• New York— financial services and the real estate market.

Safety and crime rate

Speaking of safety, it's worth noting that the crime rate varies depending on the specific city and its neighborhoods. Overall, the U.S. is quite safe, but it's important to exercise caution and avoid certain areas that may be unfavorable. In every region, there are zones that are better to avoid unless absolutely necessary.

Conclusion

Thus, my journey from Vladivostok to California and then to New York turned out to be rich and full of unexpected twists. I went through many challenges, starting with language courses and ending with job hunting in the unpredictable world of American business. Each stage of this journey became a significant experience, shaping not only my professional skills but also my personal qualities.

Experience in California

Life in California taught me to work in a team, adapt to new experiences, and understand the importance of physical fitness, although it was initially a real challenge for me. I realized that not all dreams come true easily. However, the education here, despite its complexity, gave me the opportunity to glimpse a world where creativity and the exchange of ideas form the foundation of success.

Transition to San Diego

My move to San Diego opened up a whole new level of development as a professional. I learned to choose only what truly interests me, and this has been a huge step towards self-realization. The flexibility of the study schedule and the constant pursuit of knowledge, characteristic of the American system, have become important components of my life.

Job search

Job hunting after graduation is yet another challenge that I accepted. Despite initial setbacks, meeting a Russian-speaking lawyer in New York at the last moment changed everything. The job offer in real estate investment, which became not just an opportunity but the beginning of a new chapter in my career, was made possible by my willingness to try something new and take action.

Result

Now, looking back, I feel grateful for all the emotions and experiences I've gone through. Each challenge on this journey has shaped me into who I am today. Moving to America was not just a change of geography, but a profound rethinking of my life's goals and individuality. I hope that my journey inspires others to follow their dreams, despite the obstacles, and reminds them that even the boldest ideas can become a reality if they are not afraid to take action.