What about the older kids?

I'm drawn to Eastern European adoption. I was looking at some Russian photo-listings and saw some kids between, say, 13 and 16. [Isn't it correct you can't adopt kids from other countries into the US after they pass 16, unless they're part of a sibling groups with younger kids in it?] Anyway, these kids seemed bright and all, and some even wanted to go to college, but... 1) I can't afford a Russian adoption, since they sound SO expensive, or really any adoption right now, as I'm out of work and have no credit and no savings left. And I've never had a really good income for that matter. (Though from what I've read about Russian orphanages the kids would probably think I live like a sultan.) Tax credits wouldn't help me much, as I'd have to have the money up front first anyway, THEN get re-imbursed. So I'm just kind of studying up on the subject for now, thinking this may never happen. And people in other threads on this site say I should concentrate on getting familiar with kids first, doing baby-sitting or something like that, since I have little background with kids. And that advice just discouraged me more. 2) I worry what will happen to these kids who are getting close to what in the US would be high school graduation. I don't think I could have the money together or paperwork and processing done before some of them are kicked out of their orphanages and onto the street, which I would think will pretty much ruin their chances in life. Time seems a real problem with older kids. I've heard most of the options a kid has when tossed out of a Russian orphanage are homelessness, prostitution, suicide, or maybe a rough stint in the military. What a lousy set of options! 3) I've read some of these profiles of older kids, kids who would be ideally taking college prep work. But if they are that old, say, mid- to late-teens, wouldn't it be really difficult for them to pick up the language to the level they'd need in an American college? I was reading about one boy, 15 or 16. Has all sorts of scientific and mathematical abilities that'd get him a great career. I'd consider adopting him if I had the money and there was time. He has no one to get him into for college, and will presumably be out on the street soon, yet at the same time it looks like time is running out for him to be adopted into the US. Seems like he's gonna lose out either way. What a shame brains and talent like that will be lost. I've read about kids who've dreamed all their lives to have a bike or a computer or something like that that would be so minor to most Americans. Gee, I think how many of those sorts of items I've bought, worn out, and tossed over the years. Even if I couldn't help any of these kids, I wish there was some way I could find out what happens to them. It's all just so d#%n grim. Any thoughts, anybody?