Dude, if anything, don't listen to Barm-boy, he is full of youknowwhat .

Go to Russia, you will be ABSOLUTELY FINE. You don't need to studay umpteen years and speak the language backwards to go there. It sounds like you will be taken care of a host family, so you are really set. A head start is always useful, it makes the shock easier to bear. But you are doing the right thing, the best way to learn the language is to go there. That is what I have always said, that is what I always say and that is what I always am going to say ((c)собачье сердце).

When you go to Russia your school will take care of you and put you probably in one of the lower level classes (which is fine and not a big black hole for money as farmely would say ).

DOn't be afraid of being mugged or anything, just keep a low profile don't wander around drunk in the streets in the middle of the night, and DO NOT RUN DOWN THE STREET NAKED. RESIST THE TEMPTATION.

10k for 2 years is fine. Which city is this?

Good luck!!!