<p>So it's very very highly likely that I will end up going to college in Russia. Obviously my fears are still similar to a lot of yours too. But since it's a different country, with different customs and all, should I just lay low for a while? Or should I try to put myself out there and make friends? I'm just scared that everyone there will see me as the "American" if I stand out too much...</p>
<p>My cousin did his graduate studies in Russia. Are you fluent? You would have to be 100% comfortable with the language, because they don’t teach in English.</p>
<p>Read a good book or two on cross-cultural adjustment. </p>
<h1>1 Always carry change to bribe a cop.</h1>
<h1>2 Be pessimistic. Don’t use superlatives or call things “awesome”.</h1>
<h1>3 Stay clear of politics, unless you think that the Russian political system is superior to the American one.</h1>
<h1>4 …</h1>
<p>Sup, I’m Russian. 99% of Russian people view Americans as all being in Beverly hills. So instinctively, they will like you. Just don’t screw up or else KGB will come to your dorm and steal your microwave.</p>