After graduation in June 2006, the twins decided to start their careers in China, but initially couldn't find a job and had to leave the country for three months before getting new visas.

The twins then returned to Shenyang and attended every job fair they could, in addition to sending out their resumes to prospective employers.

Tomara landed a job first in January 2007. Then Vera earned a chance of interview at Shenyang Brilliant Elevator Co Ltd and was hired. Two months later, Tomara quit her job and joined her elder sister in the company.

"Russian employees will improve our service quality and keep in close touch with our Russian customers," says Cui Guangyu, Russian regional president of Shenyang Brilliant Elevator Co.

Shenyang Brilliant is among the top five elevator manufacturers in China. The company entered the Russian market in 2004 and at the end of 2012 had sold 2,500 elevators there.

"We like the working environment here. For example, there are meet-and-send buses and a wonderful cafeteria for employees. All these benefits are rare in Russia," Vera says.

"They are diligent workers. Sometimes they work overtime till the early morning because of the time difference between the two countries," Cui adds.

In their spare time, the twins like to stay at home, do housework and listen to Chinese music.

"She likes Zhao Benshan while I prefer Xiao Shenyang (both famous comedians). And we both like Emil Wakin Chau's songs," Tomara says.

"In fact, when we were in Russia, a friend sent me Chau's tapes as a gift. I like his songs so much that I listen to them nearly every day," Vera says.

Both twins say they are looking for Chinese boyfriends, but admit they miss their parents.

"They like Chinese tea so we bring them some every time we go back. We bought our father a Tang-suit as a birthday gift when we returned in February. He was so happy about it," Tomara says.

Contact the writers at wuyong@chinadaily.com.cn and liuce@chinadaily.com.cn