Hello Keith! I want to tell you what I know. I studied English twice here in my town. And both of times there were teachers of English that came form different countries. The first year it was a man from Britain, the second year it was a man from US Washington. I know a bit more about history of American man. The guy of 27 years, he came to Russia without knowing any Russian word. He came in winter, was froze near -30C and he successfully got town from airport by himself. (Still alives ha ha). Both worked with a company here which organize lessons of English in official way. Foreign guys teach students the highest level of English so we understood a bit and there were not so many problems of communication. In real life of course they had problems but here people r very benevolent and help at shop with a pleasure. Then we also helped if they were need a doctor for example. Official job is very good for sure but company pays not so big money. That’s why they made money giving private lessons, They r expensive. After a year all of them already loved Russia , had many friends and ets. American guy married after 3 years, born a baby here and left for home with a wife. And there was a guy from Australia who worked for a long time here , got a very expensive car, then flat and didn’t want to come back home. So all is not so dreadfully. If u have a real intention , u need only to start. And by the way, none of them hadn’t learned Russian language. Take with u a bit adventurism and try , may be its ur chance!!! Good luck!