After nearly a half century of quiet opposition, the cosmetic similarities between Russians and Americans are growing. Our kids both wear fashionable clothes that are vaguely reminiscent of the eighties, they listen to music that’s too loud (and not as good as the stuff we listened to), and they all aspire to live in a freer, more rewarding country. However similar the up-and-coming generation in the United States and Russia might seem, the cultural differences run deep between the two nations. Sure, both country’s presidents might be BFF’s, but that doesn’t mean their teenagers are carbon copies. There’s still some big differences in the culture. Here are a few.
1. Russian Schools Are Much More Formal Than in America
These days, most high schools allow their kids a whole mess of freedom. A lot of schools have no problem with kids bringing a drink into class so long as the kid actually shows up and stays conscious. Russian classrooms are a little bit more business-like. Not only are food and drink prohibited, but Russian students aren’t allowed to choose their curriculum. Everyone in public school takes the same classes.
