Russian inmigration
In a previous interview, we got acquainted with the life of emigrants from South America in Russia. But in Latin America itself, there are also many visitors from Russia. Let’s see how they live there. Two wonderful girls from Khabarovsk, Oksana and Irina, now living in Chile, agreed to share their immigration experience.
Your name, citizenship, profession?
Irina Sayapina , Russian, an engineer by profession.
Oksana Gorodnicheva , Russian; Economist – accountant for accounting, analysis and audit. Graduated from the Khabarovsk State Academy of Economics.
How did you end up in Chile?
Irina: My parents wanted to move, because my sister already lived, at that time, in Chile.
First days in Chile, 2005 Concepcion.
Oksana: She left to live in another country after her fiancé and uncle, the closest and most loving people at that time.
How many years have you lived in Chile?
Irina: 15
Oksana: almost 8 years
Was it difficult to get a job, learn the language, find a job?
Irina: I was 16 when I arrived, I immediately went to school, and after 3 months I could already speak and understand something. She has already graduated from high school and university here.
Oksana: The most important thing is to know the language in order to get a job and to “survive”. Everyone has their own story, but knowledge of the language is the most important thing for any emigrant in any country. I did not feel the enormous difficulty in learning and mastering the Spanish language. Plus influenced by my knowledge of Portuguese when I lived in Brazil. And the ability for languages. Learning English from school.
What is your education? Do you use it here?
Irina: I am an engineer by profession, I finished my studies in Chile.
Oksana: I came with a clear idea – to do what I like, what makes me happy and contributes to society, at that time and today (among other things), the most important thing is hairdressing and development in this industry.
She began to work after six months of living in Chile, but with very little earnings, to be honest, it is impossible to live on the salary of a beginner unknown hairdresser, without help, support from someone or additional income, anywhere in the world. Or perhaps – but with the right approach and mentality 
,
,According to my economic education, I have not worked for a long time .. 10 years .., I do not regret and do not seek, despite the fact that I know that I had enormous potential and a wonderful start to a career in my specialty .. And I still have not reached those material heights. Everything is ahead … Nevertheless, a mathematical mindset, with knowledge of economy and accounting, helps me in my own business – a hairdressing salon.
My diploma is not translated into Spanish, and does not matter.
Do you have a Hispanic husband? How did you meet?
Irina: Yes, we met at work.
Oksana: My common-law husband and fiancé from Chile. We have been together for several years, and he supports me in everything, a wonderful partner in life and in the family.
Does your husband share your plans?
Irina: Probably
Oksana: We met on the 2nd year of my stay, after parting with my ex-fiance … Initially, there were several years of friendship, smoothly flowing into a relationship, love with plans to build a family.
How do you solve the housing issue?
Irina: We bought an apartment.
Oksana: We still live in rented housing, but with plans to purchase our own land and build a house.
What are your plans for the future?
Irina: So far, I am raising my daughter.
Oksana: Doing what I like and making me happy.
Are you planning children and what citizenship do you want for them?
Irina: We have a daughter, Chilean citizenship, there is no point in doing Russian.
Oksana: In the future, we plan to have children, Chilean citizenship …
Do you like living in Chile? Do you feel the difference in mentality, communication, culture? Are prices and living standards very different?
Irina: We like Chile, people are friendlier. But the mentality is different from the Russian one. There is a slight difference between the sexes, which is annoying, although, depending on what social circle (the older generation is more conservative). The standard of living, I think, is much better here, food is cheaper. If prices are raised, then they are reduced.
Oksana: I like living in Chile, I feel comfortable in communication and relationships with people. There is, of course, a difference in mentality, but not significant. There is a difference in prices, as well as in salaries … But again, depending on which city in Russia to compare with (since Russia is a BIG COUNTRY), in terms of living standards, I would say that Chile is similar to Russia .. .). I would say that in terms of access to better quality food, Chile is much better …, again depending on which city in Russia …
Do you have a business and was it easy to organize it here?
Irina: no
Oksana: I have my own small business – a hairdressing salon, there were no problems with the organization.
Is the climate right for you?
Irina: Not really, the climate is humid.
Oksana: I like the climate, but I will never get used to the humidity, for the first 3 years I was constantly sick because of this …
Do you feel safe in South America?
Irina: I feel protected economically and emotionally.
Oksana: I feel safe in Latin America.
Do you like local food?
Irina: Yes and no. There is food that, in our opinion, is very strange (cow stomachs or intestines are cooked here), and I’m even afraid to try. And so, they cook in everyday life almost the same thing that we cooked in Russia.
Oksana: I like the local food, home cooking is similar to Russia in cooking. In addition, there is a huge assortment of everything for the preparation of any dish …
How often do you see your family, which remained at home?
Irina: Since I arrived, I have never visited.
Oksana: There is no special family left in Russia. For 7 years I was able to fly in and see everyone 1 time.
Do you like local morals, religion?
Irina: I don’t even know, I almost spent half my life here, which I don’t remember how it is in Russia in order to compare.
Oksana: I have nothing against local moral principles and religion. I’m fine with everything, for the most part. There is, of course, social services. problems, inequalities, etc., as elsewhere. Overall, I really enjoy living in Chile and I like the people.
Thanks to the girls for sharing their story and perspective on immigration.
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