You will definitely have to interact with people an indecent amount; so, if you are shy or just too modest, don't be afraid, it will pass.

Communication is the key

Wherever you work, whatever position you strive for, I am sure you will talk to people, and talk a lot. If only because sociable people get paid more. If only because you will want to improve your language. If only because Americans are very sociable, and that is the norm here.

Don't be afraid to say that you are from Russia. Whatever you might think and whatever they show you on TV - people in the world are not that bitter towards you personally, and the fact that you are from Russia can spark interest in you: you definitely look at things differently.

And yes, in the house where I lived, along with me were a Spaniard, Poles, Croatians, a Slovenian, and a Czech. I only spoke Russian on Skype)

Tip: Don't be shy if you don't know English too well. Even the English don't know it at birth, everything comes with experience!

Maybe you've heard about friendly Americans. You've probably also heard about the artificial American smile. Well, both these statements are true, but one does not interfere with the other. You shouldn't, Americans believe, upset others with the fact that you are having a bad time, so be friendly and kind. Inside, these people are just as kind and responsive as they are on the outside.

But what really surprised me was the elderly. Forget everything you know about people over 55. Elderly people in the States take care of themselves, wear stylish clothes, drive yellow/pink/blue convertibles, go jogging in the mornings, play basketball, and go to the beach. It is truly very, very unusual.