u/StrongEffort5070

I'm 20M from Russia and I'm trying to figure out a realistic long-term path to leave Russia.

Because of the current political situation and the risk of military mobilization, I'd like to leave sooner rather than later.

My idea is to first move to Vietnam, ideally while working remotely for an international company in AI/ML or software development. I want to use this time to improve my English, mathematics and technical skills, gain professional experience and save money.

My long-term goal is to build a strong career in AI/ML and eventually move to the United States, probably through education or employment.

My current background:

Python: beginner/intermediate

Mathematics: currently studying linear algebra, probability, statistics and other math needed for ML

AI/ML: strong interest, but still learning fundamentals

English: intermediate, actively improving

Professional experience: very limited

University degree: don't currently have a strong relevant degree

Money: limited

I'm especially interested in advice from people who have actually emigrated from Russia/Eastern Europe or built an international tech career from a similar starting point.

Is Vietnam a sensible first step, or would you recommend a completely different route?

What would you prioritize first: education, getting a remote tech job, building a portfolio, or trying to move to another country directly?

I'm looking for realistic criticism rather than encouragement. If there are obvious flaws in this plan, I'd rather hear them now.

I'm a Russian speaker looking for someone to practice English with.

I'm currently learning English and I'd like to improve mainly through actual conversations rather than only studying grammar.

I'm interested in programming, Python, AI/ML, mathematics, science, music, history, philosophy and different cultures. I'm also interested in moving abroad in the future, so I'd really like to meet people from other countries and learn what their lives are actually like.

My English isn't perfect, so I'm looking for someone who doesn't mind mistakes and is okay with correcting me sometimes.

I'd also be happy to help with Russian in return.

I'm mostly interested in casual conversations about normal life, technology, music, culture and whatever interesting topic comes up.

I'd prefer to start with Reddit chat/DMs and see whether we get along before moving anywhere else.