I should've added that I do plan on getting a certification before going. I'm just deciding between a TESOL or CELTA. CELTA is by far the better one, no doubt, and price isn't really a problem. The only thing is that the CELTA course ends in mid October and I have been told that August/September is the hiring season. If I have a CELTA, would that help me find students in November?

Yes, hard work and luck will be needed! I learn quite quickly though, I've only been learning Russian for a month and haven't been spending as much time on it as I should (only 30min to 1 hr a day, not even all days :/ ) but I plan to spend more time on it. Russian will be the 4th language that I learn so I have some experience with learning languages and knowing how long it should take. I think with 3 months of studying, I can speak well enough to get around. I have also found a couple people to skype with that are willing to help me with Russian too so that should really be great! I realize that my ability to speak Russian will directly impact my ability to find students so I am really wanting to improve a ton before I go.