Is this what I dreamed of? 🧐 Q&A about life and studies in NYC 

Where do you think I arrived in this video? I gave a little hint at the end :) Also, check out Lingopie and start learning a new language today! They offer a 7-day free trial + 70% off the lifetime plan: learn.lingopie.com/DariStep

When you go to a doctor here, ask the price before. They can vary a lot in prices. Sometimes they make a deal with you too, if you pay cash. There are also clinics that are supposed to be for lower income people. The tests are the same, lol.

Very fair and accurate analysis of life in NYC vs. other countries! Honestly, I have no idea why NYC and other major American cities don't do better with public transportation. It just seems that the city governments have decided that only very basic transportation is needed for the masses while the government and senior corporate officials have jets, a car service or a special parking place so it does not affect them. This debate has been going on in the country for decades. Dave in Boston

There are other states in USA...where the quality of life is better than New York. I highly recommend you to explore at some point, Colorado..if you like to connect with nature. Colorado is so....beautiful. And the weather is so nice. Very mild snow storms that last 1 day. Beautiful Nacional parks. The mountains are magnificent.You are going to love Colorado.

Dari, I'm an American but i don't think I could live in NYC. I give you a lot of credit for doing so and making it work. Interesting video getting your take on NYC.

Thanks for posting!

This episode was a reminder that Dasha is great on camera communicating her thoughts on her experiences. I appreciate her perspective on the cities she has traveled to and how NYC fits into her current stage of life. I hope she does get the kind of salary where she can live comfortably in NYC and continue to explore in the rest of the US. But I believe her heart already resides in Spain. 😅

Your positive energy is so brightening,thanks for sharing!😍

I live in small town, USA but New York wouldl be a huge cultural shock to me. I hope you get the chance to see more of the USA that is very different from New York City. With my job I have had the opportunity to visit several countries in Europe. So awesome seeing the different cultures. You have accomplished so much in your young life. I love watching your journey.

I love your insights as always, Dari. I’m the first to acknowledge that the USA has its good points and faults just like anywhere. However, having a parent who’s an immigrant makes me appreciate this country for the fact that anyone who comes here can become fully accepted as an American. But I have a question: You mentioned that your two American friends’ families came here from Uzbekistan and Israel. So, does this mean they are ethnic Russians? And if so, do they speak Russian? (I’m curious because Uzbekistan was part of the USSR and still has a number of ethnic Russians, if I’m not mistaken. And I believe Israel has received more than a million Russian immigrants as well since the breakup of the USSR.)

Finding the best place to live is a tradeoff between quality of life and opportunities. Good luck with your projects.

In my experience it takes about 3 or 4+ years to get to know a city. If you try. The second year you realize that most of what you thought you learned the first year was wrong. The third year you make the kind of discoveries that resonate with who you are. As far as health care. Most people will give you somewhat bad advice because they only know what works for them. Since I’ve had money and been poor and have known people of different means I know a bit about how the health care system works that many don’t - at least in California and New York and Thailand. In most places in the US, if you can’t afford big bills you can’t let the bills you initially receive scare you. Don’t pay them. In your case, you’d go to the financial assistance office at the hospital and tell them you can only afford your rent. That you’re an International student. Don’t offer a way to pay. Simply say you can’t. I know you think I’m crazy but that’s ok. I’m used to it. I’ve known people that didn’t do this because they didn’t believe it. They told themselves that it’s just the way it is in the US and paid tens of thousands of dollars. Without questioning anything. But they did have the money so that’s ok. Others, who actually didn’t have the money, and didn’t really have an option, took my advice and worked with the hospital, instead of paying over $10,000+. They paid a $15 administration fee only. I did this myself as well. Many many times. This lesson goes for the difference between living in a place one year or two and several years. If you only live a year or so, you listen to a few people and have some experiences that confirm it and you think that’s the way it is. ( Not just in America. Most places. ) Then, if you are or become street wise, you learn why things are the way they are. And how to make the system work for you instead of fighting it or just going with the flow. I understand that having a You Tube channel you have to report everything all the time. But as long as you keep an open mind going forward and are willing to accept when you were wrong, you’ll do ok. Also, New York is a certain kind of place. As I said before. You can become a New Yorker or not. You either are or aren’t. Living in New York doesn’t make you a New Yorker. You grow into it and one day you realize you’re a New Yorker or you don’t. There’s a dark side of NYC you may not have experienced or explored. But the experience of living in a new place like NYC isn’t about judging it’s amenities and the price of it’s advertised eateries. It’s about getting outside your bubble, exploring outside your comfort zone. Not being afraid of becoming a different person and then doing so. You can’t do this in the pleasantness of most cities. But you can in New York. Look for the door. That door that has caught your eye that you never noticed before. Maybe you haven’t seen it yet. That door. Does it go in or go out. Is it an entrance or an exit. You’ll never know until you open it. When you’re ready...

DARI Thanks for this great video 🤗 you are the best 💖 i always love watching your videos 😍 please keep up with the great work you do for us 💯 take care of yourself and be safe beautiful 😍❤️✌️🤗You are always so Gorgeous 🤩

You’re super determined and brave ❤ I always enjoy your vlogs 😊 I’m sure you’ll accomplish many things

America is a vast country, Dasha. There are so many places and people you have yet to experience. Give it a chance and hopefully you will make some amazing discoveries! When I first drove out to the west coast from the east coast, I felt it was a different country from the people to the natural geography.

I have to agree with you Dari about the long waits for trains on American subways. Here in DC it can be the same at times like late at night or midday. I guess that’s b/c public trans is still secondary to cars in the US. The wifi works well here in the subway for the last 3 years. Wishing you the best on your studies for rest of this yr and next. And travels, I hope you make the cross country trip and see all the places you want. Hype, hype & have fun. 👍🏻

Your thoughts and comparisons of living abroad in various countries was so interesting and honest to me. Don't forget that if you get a job in the US you will able to afford the higher prices of everything :) Being a US citizen, and one of your biggest fans, I am very prejudiced and would love for you to choose to live and work in the US. You would be a wonderful addition to my country bringing your many skills, talent, drive, and sparkling personality to our shore. PS: Fantastic editing and video content as usual by the way,.......and Happy Easter! My guess is in the Bahamas?

Good summary. Well balanced. I wonder how you will take the US summer heat. I hope you have some air conditioning in your apartment. Also make sure to go to Washington Square Park and St Marks street in the Village. And Prospect Park in Brooklyn.

Moscow does not have many opportunities for people that are not Russian. New York does. That is the difference. You say Istanbul and tbisi aren't great but if you were from one of those countries, you would probably be saying the same thing about those places as you do about Russia.

The population of the New York metropolitan area is 19 million. The metropolitan area of Moscow is 12.7 million. Los Angeles is about 12.5 million. Saint Petersburg and San Francisco are also about the same size (considering metro areas). In the US more people live in suburban towns.

I'm always interested in how you are doing. It looks like you're enjoying your time in America. I hope you get to see as much as you can here. The National Parks are amazing to see.

Hello Dari--I just discovered your channel,and love it! I hope you feel welcome here. Have visited NYC a few times,and while I liked the visit,would not live there(I'm from the Midwest.)I just saw a video of the Moscow subway and was knocked out! It's fantastic! You could eat off the floors-it's so clean! I have ridden the subways in NY and Boston--NO comparison at all! We are a great country,like yours is,but it's starting to show a 'little wear and tear" lately.But surely I hope you get to see more of America--there are some truly beautiful places here.Enjoy your stay!

😂 wow that was quite a transition to be walking around in NYC one moment and then to be chillin' at the Nassau Starbucks in the next moment. Loved those cat-style sunglasses! 😂 Happy Easter / Spring Break!

Ha your visa! I knew it. Looks like a nice place to go for a visa application.

Dasha, I truly appreciate your candid review of your time in the U.S.A. Your perspective is refreshingly unique, offering valuable insights into your experiences. Your extensive travels and exposure to diverse cultures have undoubtedly broadened your horizons, making your journey all the more inspiring. Your determination and hard work in accomplishing various goals serve as a beacon of motivation for others. Thank you for generously sharing your experiences. Wishing you a joyful Easter!

A key difference for subways here in NYC is it’s not a national system. It’s local. Locally funded, etc. and very political whether those funds should go to suburban transport into the city, or transport within the city, and further the same funds support roads upstate that are not economic but it’s very political. So the subway system is not subsidized to the level it is in other countries where they are a showcase of the power and efficiency of the national government. No one other than the riders and local officials really have a stake in ensuring the system works. There is efficiency in this to some degree, for such a spread out nation with so many major cities that would also demand similar investment nationally. However, it makes our public transport not the best, though we had early subways, but the systems were originally separate companies that built the orange or red or other lines. It was not built from one idea, these were driven entrepreneurs early on, and we are just nursing those subway systems. And today, fixing it even building new subways are phenomenally expensive and slow because of all of the conflicting issues and long built and owned properties.

Come visit Tampa!

Dari, enjoyed your perspective on living in NYC. Your an honest, interesting and very intelligent person! Im not sure where you are...I see palm tree's and a big cruise ship in background..🤔 Florida? Miami? Bahama's? Where ever you are..enjoy! Best wishes to you and Happy Easter! ❤❤❤😊

Great Video Dari Step, at the end of the video I thought you were in Miami , Florida because of The Cuban Royal Palms in your background as you were walking the area. I was shocked that up in Long Island they have Cuban Royal Palms, they don't even survive our North Florida (Tallahassee) weather. God Bless Y'all and thanks for sharing

Hi Dari your videos always bring a smile to my face. Thanks for the great content.

I think it's terrific that you have traveled to so many places in the world! I have been following you for like three years now, and I have enjoyed sharing your experiences, good and bad. It seems to me that when you graduate, you might want to work in international relations, because this world needs friendly intelligent people like you to bring people closer together. These ridiculous wars need to stop. Most people want peace. They, like you, want to travel and see the world and make friends in all countries.

Happy Easter Dari. 🐣 Good luck with the future from Europe!😊

Hello Dari! Thank you very much for answering our questions in a very detailed way and I am so happy to know that you are fine in the Usa, a country which undoubtedly allow you to achieve your study and job goals. Anyway you could become a local in Italy, too!!! Wish you Happy Easter and take care ❤

Dari, I hope you take as many opportunities as you can to get out and see more of the U.S. NYC, like many big cities, is a place unto itself and may not give you a complete picture of the country as a whole. As has been said, the U.S. has a massive amount of diversity, from people and cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds to the natural world, climate, and topography, that you have yet to experience first hand. It will be eye opening for you, I'm sure, if you keep an open mind and a willingness to learn. You will never be the same again, and you will grow as a person. I would bet money on it. 😊

You don't go to New York unless you're a tourist, or unless you have a mindset to compete with the best of the best in the world. Otherwise, enjoy other places, they are cheaper and easier.

Hi Dari! NYC has a saying "If you can make it there you can make it anywhere". So glad to see that you have adjusted well to the States and NYC in particular. So glad you have gotten the opportunity to study here at a very good University. Wishing you the best and really looking forward to your next video. Also so glad to hear you say that you realize that you have accomplished so much because you definitely have. Take care!

Wow I love to hear your perspective! Every time I learn something new!🙂

Hello Dari, happy Eastern from Germany. In any case, you've been really shining since you've been in NYC.🐣🐇🐥🐓🐤🌿

I am form India your video is informative

Also, I just wanted to say that in the USA, medical/healthcare is a FOR PROFIT industry which makes it more expensive and less accessible than it is in every other developed countries. This is also why the USA has some of the best doctors and medical professionals in the world while simultaneously having a population which is generally speaking, in poor health. The majority of the capital generated by this industry is siphoned off by the investors and shareholders in the medical and pharmaceutical companies rather than being reinvested to improve the system and industry.

Hi Dari,thanks for sharing your thoughts ,looks very tropical were you are ,only place i can think of is miami ,safe travels and take care

I saw a cruise ship in the back. Wouldn't it nice to be a stowaway and go on a Caribbean cruise to Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic? ⛴️👙🩴🏖️

I really hope you're able to travel around the United States. There is a lot of variety from city to city and state to state.

Hello Dari, great to see you my dear

Happy Easter, Dari. Looks like you are in The Bahamas. Have a wonderful time!❤❤❤

What you mention about the tube or underground is very true and it applies not just for NY but also many other cities of the US. In DC, where the metro network is far smaller than NY happens exactly the same. Long times waiting for my train, the frecuency was quite bad and it stops in the tunnels for some reason. Quite alike in Miami and LA.

Wow Dari very nice video 🙏👍, how come Russian youtubers make excellent videos? Is it taught in your schools 🏫? What is minimum monthly salary required to live comfortably in NY-USA?

You’re spot on in many of your observations of the USA. Quality food is expensive to buy here, which is partly why so many Americans resort to processed or fast foods. Public transportation is underfunded simply because we don’t prioritize it, and that creates a lot of inequity in terms of access. There are definitely improvements that need to be made (I won’t even go into healthcare!) Still, there is so much beauty in America. I look forward to your reaction when you get to the Western United States!

Come to California!!

The public transport in NYC is just good enough to save the cost of having your own vehicle. But the high rent eats up those savings.

Bravo! I agree with, respect, and generally understand all your points. But living in a big American suburban or rural home with ultra-high tech on 10 quiet acres you can plant, farm, or develop as you wish, with four vehicles in the driveway offers more "American style freedom" to go anywhere, do anything, most anytime. Most Americans don't miss the lack of good public transport and few have NYC prices too. Health care is the big problem that hurts even those with upper middle class salaries. A buddy of mine said "We're going to Lake Tahoe this weekend...trying to decide if we take the solar-powered motorhome or the fly in with the Cesna". He makes $150K a year which only some people would consider rich but it's technically UMC.

Yo no way st. Johns lol i played lacrosse at st.johns University. Im originally from California. I now live in Tennessee.

Good luck with having the chosen business plan in this contest. It is a tough sell. I also entered such a contest when I was at university, and I won 2nd place, because I spelled one word wrong on my written presentation. The spell check on the computer was incorrect for that word. 2nd was still good. I have no regrets in how everything turned out in the end. We are blessed.

I enjoyed hearing your views Dari. Great video. If anybody can achieve their dreams it is obvious that that person is you. Best wishes Dari.

Last summer I had a work trip that took me on a drive from PA to CA and OR and back, I HIGHLY advise you do the same before leaving. The whole middle of the US is pretty boring, but the west is absolutely mind blowing. The terrain and scenery are just breath taking. You could spend a lifetime just exploring around the Grand Canyon area. In CA you can go from desert heat to mountain snow in the same day for like half the year or more. If you ever wanna go, I'd totally take a sabbatical or extended remote work vacation and drive you. 😁 (I've been looking for any good excuse to do it again ever since I got back😅)

Great answers as always. I get the feeling New York is not quite the perfect place you imagined, but it will do for now while you complete your studies. You can always move somewhere else after university! Maybe you are a European girl at heart after all where you can get a better quality of life at a cheaper cost. Of course you may end up with big US salary and then think differently! Anyway, enjoyed the video and always good to see you looking happy and having a nice drink!

I recommend you visit as many states as possible. Many foreigners think NY and California are the entire country. This isn't the case. You should experience as much of the country as you can.

Great video! I think you are in the Bahamas! But not sure. I love playing “Where in the Word is Dari Step?”

US is more hype. Europe wins with healthcare, social programs, living, safety, food, travel, and all the things.

Thank you. Your honesty was pleasently surprising.

You cannot judge the most of the USA by living in NY. I used to go there a lot for business travel because my company's headquarters was in New York. I live in Houston. As for NY, not only did I not want to live there, I didn't even like to visit NY. So when I first heard you were going to live in NY, I worried for you but you have handled it way better than I would. California is very expensive too. Try visiting the south and southeast and you will probably be surprised at how much less expensive it is.

I love your honesty!

Yes, America is still the land of opportunity, even with its many serious and growing problems.

YOU ARE BRILLIANT!! I agree with everything you said here. I am so glad you have had so many valuable experiences around the world and you made good use of those opportunities. God bless you. You will do a lot of good in this world wherever you go. Best wishes from Dave in Lexington, Kentucky (PS- If you can, go to Marie's Crisis piano bar in Greenwich Village! You get to meet great talented kids from Broadway shows and sing with them!)

you would probably like Chicago.

Loved Barcelona.

I hope that you enjoyed your short beach holiday in the Bahamas once you got the good news.

Were you in the Bahamas?

Have fun Dari, and good food! 😃🥯🥬🥙🥞

People around the world think New York City is this magical place. Most American wouldn’t consider living there. Los Angeles and NYC are two good places to visit for a week or so but not very livable. Foreigners think these are cities are where you should be and then are disappointed when they find that they aren’t very “magical”. I spent most of my life in/near these two metros. Other major cities are much more livable however most Americans would rather live in the suburbs. Americans rely on their cars so public transit isn’t nearly as important as it is in Europe and Asia.

Did you notice the New York earthquake? Did you notice any damage after the earthquake?

You really should go to Texas, you will LOVE the food, and the Southern parts of the USA are less expensive, honestly.

I enjoyed your video. It's good to see you here again.😊❤

Happy Easter Dari ❤

Thanks!

would you be comfotable in providing information on how can foreigners apply for scholarships for U.S. master degrees from abroad?

Hey...I've been to NYC as I have been to most places and I have no need to return there. I'm sure it's a good place but I will stay here. Good luck to everyone and Happy Easter.

Great positive video, great to hear. Thanks

You have achieved so much, seen and loved in so many places. I didn't know that you studied in Austria. Were you at the WU?

Happy Easter Dasha!! Spring is here and I hope you are enjoying the warmer days in NYC!! 🐇🐣🙏❤️

Good stuff.

Don't associate living in New York City with living literally anywhere else in the United States. For better and for worse, New York City is unique.

I answer its a dreams live in usa for imigrant

Dari, your ambitions and your attitude towards life make you an absolute dream woman. The West Coast is a lot different than the East Coast. I am in Colorado. Not, many people know us but just our mountains mostly. Pikes Peak is a famous peak near me. Both Denver and Colorado Springs are on the top fifty largest cities in this country. Do you want to explore a smaller city? You seem like a large city woman.

For US standards, New York has high costs but wages aren't high enough to make up for it. New York is a state people are leaving. In 1950 New York had the highest population of all 50 states. Texas and Florida now have higher populations. People are moving to those states because things are better.

Just like anything where you are or no matter what you do it's what you make of it. If you think it sucks then it sucks if you keep an open mind some stuff sucks and some doesn't. Some people if one thing sucks then everything sucks no matter how good it really is. I agree Europe is better I would go back to Spain or many other countries but I do at least understand Spanish and French better than some other countries but more and more countries speak more English and I can learn.

Hey! You never told us where you were with all the cruise shops. LOL!!!!!!

Remember that many of us in America rarely think of NYC as a good representation of America. I remember traveling internationally, and the flight attendants would be asked if they have been to America before. They would immediately answer and say, oh yes, I’ve been to New York City. We would just smile at them and tell them that they haven’t really been in America yet.

is ny as cold as moscow?

Moscow resident is here :) The gaps between metro trains Moscow is as big as 50 seconds at rush hour…! I noted the time myself. NYC public transportation is the best in the whole country….

Hi Dari, Yiu are a very brave girl and are doing very well exploring the world. Iwas born in the USA and not traveled much outside the USA but NYC, LA and Chicago are probably the most typical and varied and inpersonal. Other smaller cities will have less variety and appear more locally and limited culturally. More travel locally show you more things but it will be like looking at an elephant with a magnifying glass. You have gotten a good taste of the USA in NYC. Best of luck

Having been in NYC and in Barcelona, I agree with what you say. A blood test in Europe costs about a 100$ and this is usually paid by public insurance. I do it about once a year, and think other people in developed countries should do the same. Sadly, when it comes to public transport and rubbish collection this is unlikely to get better in NYC.

Dari this was a good episode!.......Pat w

Your English is very beautiful & fluent !

Interesting vlog

7:00, 'Integrate'

I have only ever been to Niagra Falls New York and drove there through Canada before the Terrorist attacks. You could do it with just a Driver's License. My feeling just by seeing the city area of Niagra Falls that New York overall is much more different than the central part of the U.S.A. I personally love Michigan and also love Tennessee/Kentucky as well. Also, Utah is amazing. You ever come west be sure to check out "Cedar Point" is Sandusky Ohio. The Lake View is amazing, and the whole area. If you ever want to see lake Michigan forget about going to Chicago and stay on the east side of the lake and stay in Michigan. New Buffalo Michigan is a beautiful small town and nice but gets a lot of Chicago implants in the summertime though. I know my comment is kind of rambling, but New York is so much different than the rest of the U.S.A.

You don’t go to NYC for quality of life, that is for sure. Gotta head south or west for that. That’s why I was urging Dari to go to a prestigious school in the southern or western United States. I think she would have loved going to a place like the University of Texas in Austin for instance.

Hi Dari. You have an amazing journey through many countries. I am an American with Sri Lankan father and American mother. The met in New York City in the 1960s and lived the life you live now. I have lived in three different parts of the country. I now live in Boston. My dream for eight years was to get married to a Russian woman. I have had some success with this dream, but I am not married yet. But it has been a very nice journey for me too and to learn culture and language. I hope we can be friends as I enjoy following your blog.

I’m always fascinated with foreign impressions of the US! I connect with your impressions as a local who has also lived in Europe. Medical cost is crazy and enough reason not to live here. Friends are not as easy to make in the “bluer” states and cities. Many will disagree but I’ve lived from coast to coast from north to south. You can make many friendly acquaintances most places, but true friends who genuinely care about you is less common. Why? It’s a busy, stressful, work-focused system and quite narcissistic by nature. I’ve met the nicest people in more rural areas including the SE, Montana, Idaho, Texas etc. Jobs may seem better here but cost of living is higher and quality of life not nearly as high as it was decades ago. There is a jobs crisis now, by the way. Educated college graduates are unable to find the jobs they studied for. Many working in restaurants for tips. Not sure what you meant by comparing NYC to Moscow “politically,” but in terms of safety, rational policies and personal freedoms, Moscow is miles ahead of NYC right now. There has been a mass exodus of people leaving. I actually can’t imagine a worse time to be in NYC than now, and I’ve spent lots of time there since childhood, had family there etc. You may think the US is more diversity friendly, but racism is on the rise, as is sexism and ageism. The US might be the least tolerant country in the western world right now. It’s ground zero for failed multiculturalism. Who would have guessed that “birds of a feather flock together?” I have great friends of different ethnicities. As individuals we are able to cross these divides. But generally speaking, I feel much safer and relaxed today in situations with my own flock. Be careful traveling around the US, especially if you are traveling alone. I travel a lot and now avoid major cities like the plague. A major misconception Russians make (I know many of them) is that city people are more cultural, civilized, better educated, affluent etc. They think country people are ignorant, poor, etc. That’s not true in the US. Wealthy people, who may need to keep an apartment in a big city for work, will generally have their primary residences in a rural area, in the mountains, coastal town etc. Big cities do have some great amenities but they tend to be filthy, rat and cockroach infested, poor air quality, and hotbeds for crime. Young people go there to be bad and anonymous! Seriously, that’s long been the stigma of NYC and LA - the devil’s playground. Then they get married, have kids and move to the suburbs. Often you will find poor, dangerous ghettos next to wealthy neighborhoods. Baltimore, Philadelphia, Richmond, Memphis, Detroit, Chicago etc etc. Anyway sorry for the rant! Wishing you an amazing time wherever you go! 🙏