Vladivostok is a port city on the Russian Pacific coast. It is located on the shore of the Golden Horn Bay near the borders with China and North Korea. As of 2023, the population of the city of Vladivostok, Russia is 592,119 people. Vladivostok ranks 22nd in terms of population in Russia.

This European Asian city with a European lifestyle amazes visitors. Its unique cuisine combines Russian, Asian, European and modern dishes.

World-class events are taking place here, including the APEC Summit and the Eastern Economic Forum.

Vladivostok is home to dozens of institutions of higher education (including FEFU - one of the Open Doors organizing universities).

Local tour operators offer low-cost flights, ferry, and cruise tours to Asian countries, including Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore.

Mobile communication here costs about 500 rub a month, Internet is 1000 rub, food is ~ 2000 rub a week, a bus ride costs ~ 42 rubles).

Kazan is one of the oldest cities in Russia, more than a 1000 years old. The climate of Kazan is moderately continental, severe frosts and scorching heat are rare and not typical for the city.

The population of the city is 1,308,660 people (as of January 01, 2023), it is the fifth most populous city in Russia. Kazan is one of the largest industrial, religious, economic, political, scientific, educational, cultural and sports centers of Russia. The Kazan Kremlin is a World Heritage Site.

Kazan is one of the most well-equipped cities in Russia in terms of sports infrastructure. In 2009, in an Internet poll, Russians recognized it as the country's sports capital.

Kazan Planetarium, located on the territory of KFU (one of the Open Doors organizing universities), offers visitors interesting excursions, watching popular science films in special effects mode, astronomical observations, and romantic evenings.

The second largest city in Russia, St. Petersburg is rightfully called the cultural capital of Russia. A metropolitan city of five million people, it attracts nearly seven million tourists every year.

St. Petersburg architecture is renowned all over the world, and the drawbridges going up at night fascinate all guests and residents of our city. In summer, you will get a chance to see the famous White Nights and go by boat along the numerous rivers and canals of the "Northern Venice."

St. Petersburg is a coastal city, it has a rather mild climate with winter temperatures normally no lower than -10ºC, and mid-summer temperatures varying between 20ºC and 25ºC.

When in St. Petersburg, you can pay with your credit/debit card most everywhere, e.g., restaurants, cafes, shops, train stations, etc. However, private vendors might prefer cash. You can always use the currency exchange bank offices which are easily available in every part of the city.