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Coming to and Living in Russia
Often, the local country representatives will know any local rules and can assist with the issuance of the visa by the Consulate. Most Russian Consulates, and all those in India, offer same day issuance of the visa for an extra charge. Flying to Russia: Many flights from Asia and the Middle East fly into Moscow, where it is necessary to change airports and to get a connecting flight St. Petersburg. Aeroflot is probably the cheapest carrier, and it is possible to book through to St. Petersburg, but the student must change airports in Moscow. Upon landing in Moscow, the student must clear immigration and customs, collect baggage and change airports from the International airport Sheremetyevo 2 to Sheremetyevo 1 the domestic airport. If you have booked through Aeroflot, a free shuttle bus between the two airports leaves every 15 minutes. Avoid taking any other form of transportation, and especially taxis because they are expensive for the short distance between airports. Persons flying to St Petersburg from Western Europe or the USA and Canada usually fly directly to St. Petersburg's International airport Pulkova 2. Missing Connecting Flights in Moscow: You will be provided several mobile phone numbers you can phone in the event you miss your connecting flight in Moscow. Delays can be encountered for any number of reasons, e.g. your flight to Moscow arrives late, delays in immigration or customs, etc. There are numerous phone services available at the airports to phone within the country, and let us know if your are not arriving as scheduled. Arriving at St. Petersburg: All doctors and students arriving in St. Petersburg are personally received at the airports by a representative of PMT. Receiving you at the airport is included in your processing fees, so you can expect and depend on our being there to meet you personally. Doctors and Student Dormitories: The Doctor or Student will be driven to their respective dormitories. MAPS doctors are housed in MAPS doctor's dormitories and charged $100 per month. Accommodations are Four person self contained apartments. 7 apartments per wing. Two bedrooms per apartment, Two persons per bedroom. Each apartment has its own kitchen, shower and toilet. Bedroom furnishings, mattresses, sheets, pillows and blankets included. Kitchen has own stove, refrigerator, pots, pans, plates, cups, utensils, etc. Internet access is provided within the dormitories where the doctors reside, and a study room is available to the doctors on the floor (wing) where their apartments are located. Russian language classes (included in cost of course) are provided the doctors during their first two weeks which permits them to learn the basics for getting around, making purchases, and simple conversation. Public transportation including buses, min-buses, trams, trolly buses and an extensive Metro system are approximate and convenient to the doctor's dormitories, expensive, and literally all doctors enrolled in the MAPS program use Public Transportation. NCLEX-RN review manual is provided each doctor (included in cost of course) for use with the nurse courses they receive, and to prepare for NCLEX-RN and CGFNS. Food: Essentially all food products are available. Most doctors prepare their own meals in their apartments. There are specialty stores selling Indian spices, seasoning and indigenous food products, but are somewhat costly because imported. Doctors should bring any spices or seasonings they customarily eat at home. Money Payments: Tuition is paid directly to the MAPS registrars office by the doctor, and only in Rubles. MAPS does not accept Demand Drafts made payable to MAPS and the doctor. It is possible to cash such two-party DDs, but takes up to month, when possible, and costs from 3% to 5% of the value. If it cannot be cashed in Russia, it is the doctors responsibility. Recommended: It is recommended that doctors bring credit or debit cards with them. Both US Dollars and Rubles are available throughout the city in ATM machines, including in the Metros. Doctors do not have to travel with large amounts of cash, and money can be deposited in the doctors home country for withdrawal here. Documents required:
Entertainment: St. Petersburg is a world class city, and all types of entertainment are available, from Ballet, opera, philharmonic symphonies, jazz, rock, night clubs, museums, palaces, parks, major sporting events, rivers and canals, movie and performing arts theaters, movie house, Indian and other country film festivals, etc.. During May and June, St. Petersburg enjoys "White Nights", when the city never sleeps because it does not get dark. |
