Where to travel in Europe to practice Russian?

Hi there,

I’m thinking of doing a short language-stay this summer to practice Russian. Given the current situation, I’d prefer to stay in Europe if possible (no visa). And I don’t think Ukraine is really a good idea either—I’d feel weird being a tourist while they have more important concerns right now. Any ideas where I could go?

Thanks so much!

Hi,

I want to do a trip to practice my Russian this summer. Since it’s simpler, I’d rather stay in Europe (no visa). And I’m not sure Ukraine is a good idea—being a tourist there right now doesn’t feel quite right to me. Do you have any destination ideas?

Thanks!

Hi there, Closest options: You can head to the autonomous region of Gagauzia (a Russophile area) in southern Moldova or also to Transnistria. Otherwise, Kyrgyzstan.

Good evening,

In Gagauzia, they mostly speak Turkish—I actually experienced that firsthand. In Latvia, everyone understands Russian, except for some young people. Of course, in Transnistria too. In Kazakhstan, and possibly the other "Stan" countries.

Michel

The Gagauz people are bilingual and speak Russian. Also, two-thirds of Moldovans speak Russian. Did you speak Turkish with them?

If you say so. As for me, I remember exchanging a few words in Turkish with an elderly person. It’s a bit of an odd Turkish, but I think there was mutual understanding. Isn’t it the official language of Gagauzia, by the way? Everyone there also understands Russian, of course.

Michel

Just like you can exchange a few words in Breton in a bar in Quimper even though French is the common language in Brittany. The fact that the original language comes from Turkish is another story...

I don’t know, I think you’re exaggerating. Everyone speaks Russian, but in Moldova too, and even in the Baltic countries—no offense to them—you often hear people speaking Russian. That said, Gagauz is the official language, I believe, and it’s much closer to Turkish than Kazakh is, at any rate. Moldovans also speak Romanian, by the way.

Michel

PS: The parallel you drew with Brittany isn’t very relevant, but let’s leave the topic to Comrat.

And FYI, Gagauzia is in Moldova, where Russian is spoken by a large majority.

Hi,

In Budva or Bar in Montenegro, there are lots of Russians there...

In Budva or Bar in Montenegro, lots of Russians there...

They mostly come for holidays, but it's like that pretty much all over Eastern Europe, like in Bulgaria on the Black Sea coast.

Check out how many people have settled there since the war with Ukraine—Ukrainians too, by the way...

Hello, There’s also Serbia. Best regards, Patrick