I am a Russian who lives in Kenya. Being an expat, I know how it feels not to understand people around you. I am also very familiar with the frustration of learning a language by books or on the internet, when all this information is crushing in on you, when you have a lack of time for repetition and are unable to practice in-between classes.

Definitely, a committed tutor with whom you have got a "communication chemistry" will assist a lot in this process. I passed through the same issues like you - not being able to memorise simple words, struggling with pronunciation, forgetting even how to say, "my name is..." I promise, we will solve it together. We will find your way - what works best for you, how YOU can overcome the difficulties and so on.

I have a Master degree in International Journalism. Since university I have been working as a tutor of Russian language for foreigners. My students have been of different nationalities and had completely different reasons and purposes of studying (from pupils in school up to businessmen).

I prefer the natural style of teaching, I talk and see what are the difficulties, goals, which method is suiting more for this certain student. I advise a lot on other techniques for self-studying and self-helping. Actually I find it more pleasant, when the student is not afraid of "class" and looks on it like a another "chat with Katya" . He/She learns something new every time and eliminates previous mistakes.