@ eric - Honestly my desire was not much more than to be able to live there for a period of time, so the cost of living would have to be met.. Ramil mentioned I suppose that often teachers don't make enough for this... Teachers are underpaid here in USA too, of course... But there is the infamous story of a time not too long ago when teachers in Russia were being paid in vodka.. (Of course I'm not suggesting this, haha)

@ Ramil - thank you for the information in your post.. So after reading this, I'm thinking that having somewhat exclusive hospitality certification like CHA or some such might be a better shoe-in-the-door..? Also I've just read a lot about visa laws and work/visa laws in russia, and it seems a hotel or an employer can be functional in bringing a person in and helping them with having/maintaining the correct paperwork.. It sesms a long shot but maybe there is some merit in the hospitality edge of things.

Then again, maybe not - =) A lot to consider.. and subsequently more research =)

{RAMIL} "If you feel like it, you can try some business here (import some goods from the US), but again, it must be something unique (something that is not made in China ) " <-- "Hm, made in america, let me think... come on, man, think, there's got to be something!!" =))