I agree with those, who say that you should go for a visit first. Maybe as an English language tutor (there are always vacancies in various language schools). To make your experience more extreme and authentic move in in winter. You'll get a feel for people, way of life, living conditions. Then you'll be able to make an informed decision.
Quote Originally Posted by chaika View Post
>tips or suggestions regarding emigration
For instance, in Moscow the hot water system is city-wide, not heated in each individual building as it is here. [...]Short life spans.
Water is not a problem, you always can buy a boiler and have your own supply of hot water. BTW, the good side of centralised water system is that hot water does not run cold, however long you use it. If anything it gets hotter in the process.
And I hope that short life spans are not contagious.