Meeting:

Our group was small, about 12 people. Everyone made it safely to the long-awaited destination (the Embassy) and, more importantly, on time! We were greeted by an IEC.Exchange staff member, who then outlined a few details. We were asked to empty our pockets so we wouldn't lose face at security or annoy the guards.

The challenge begins:

A small digression! I want to clarify the "angry or mean guards" part.

I don't know about you, but we were intimidated by them. This is not an exaggeration, but the absolute truth. "They are angry, bitter, in short, it's better not to touch them or talk to them unnecessarily." After such statements, a fairly clear image of these "monsters" forms.

What are they really like, through my eyes? Surprisingly, I want to and will defend them! Of course, after the ordeal (not just for our group), some participants spoke unflatteringly about them. Nevertheless, I will try to be objective. To put myself in their shoes.

What would you do if you were in that position and had the same "power" as them? For example: a guard (or you in his place) sees a student, far from the first one in his "guarding" life, scared or just stunned. Let's assume the student is acting inappropriately (stuttering, thinking "slowly")! The person in uniform thinks to himself: "Here we go again, I'm so tired of all this..." and what if this employee is also tired (for some reason, feeling unwell). It's better not to even mention the "taking it out on someone" state. So, let's assume this is our situation. What would you do in his place? Help for the 125th-126th-127th time or take a break and mock them? A difficult choice, isn't it?

Confident people have nothing to worry about! Any predator chooses a weakened victim or one that has strayed from the "herd"! If you are not a victim and are not used to letting yourself be bullied, there shouldn't be any problems. With one small caveat: "I don't advise being arrogant"! Be polite and friendly, and a little patient.

All equal, as if selected:

The long-awaited moment has arrived – the "awards ceremony," of course, that's a joke. It's time to come face to face with the embassy and its inhabitants.

What did this meeting start with? Don't try, you won't guess anyway. I'll help you, it starts with a lineup. Previously (before being sent to the consulate), each participant was given a sequence number and strongly advised to remember it. You are all lined up in one row, in accordance with your sequence number. And, thank God, in one row! Why, thank God? There are two reasons!

First: Equality is "in full swing." No, there is no gender or height gradation;

Second: Haven't you ever wanted to lead this line back in school? No-no, you won't hear commands like "attention" or "at ease," but... What if it happens that you are first? I think it's great! The only downside, the first in line is the first on the scaffold (interview).

After everyone settled down and calmed down, the guard said a few words and gave a couple of tips. G – guard; S – students; A – author.

G: Hello guys, how's the mood? (not exactly, but he surely meant that)

S: Hello.

A: Someone asked about the fate of the "visa is easy" group that had their interview before us.

A: The person in uniform smiled (slyly) and began to tell. From this story, one moment stuck in my memory.

G: Only one girl didn't get the visa!

S: Why?

G: God forbid, guys, when the consul asks: "Is there anything keeping you in Russia or are you ready to "very bravely" move across the pond (USA)?" you answer: "absolutely nothing, always ready."

A: The "G" smile grew wider.

S: Was she blonde?

A: A very inappropriate, stereotypical question, but still.

G: Yes. And unmarried.

A: Perhaps the story would have dragged on, but the "bell" rang and the first of us set off on the journey......