My name is Daniel Kamau, and I’m from Nairobi, Kenya. I studied Finance (Bachelor of Commerce — Finance Option), however, I later transitioned into tech and have been particularly focused on AWS Cloud Technologies and DevOps. I enjoy reading books (particularly on philosophy), watching movies, and traveling, if the occasion arises.
I have always wanted to learn a foreign language, but did not have a concrete plan about it until I stumbled upon a post from the Russian Embassy in Kenya offering the opportunity to learn Russian. I quickly applied and was fortunately accepted.
I first heard about Saint Petersburg University (SPbU) through online forums discussing top universities for learning Russian. After doing some research, I was impressed by SPbU’s reputation and the quality of its language programmes. I decided to learn Russian because I am fascinated by the rich cultural and historical heritage of Russia, and learning the language seemed like a natural way to deepen my understanding and appreciation of it. I also learned that Russian was one of the toughest languages to master and learn, but I always love challenging myself so I thought it would be a worthy challenge.
My impression of the learning process at SPbU has been overwhelmingly positive. The lessons are well-structured and engaging, and the instructor is very knowledgeable, patient, and supportive. Maria (my instructor) uses a variety of teaching methods, which help to keep the classes interesting and make it easier to grasp complex concepts. I particularly enjoy the interactive elements such as group discussions and practical exercises, which provide me with the opportunity to practice speaking and listening.
However, I did encounter some challenges earlier on in the class. The Cyrillic alphabet was initially quite daunting, and mastering the pronunciation of certain sounds was difficult. To overcome these challenges, I dedicated extra time to practice outside of class, using tools such as Google Translate, Duolingo, and listening to Russian videos on YouTube.
From the course, I am learning not only the basics of the Russian language but also gaining insights into Russian culture and history, which are integrated into the lessons through the texts we read. This approach makes the learning experience more enriching and fun. I’m always looking forward to the next class! The course definitely met and exceeded my expectations.
I plan to continue studying Russian and aim to achieve a higher level of proficiency. I believe that becoming fluent in Russian will open up new opportunities for personal and professional growth, and I am excited to continue this journey.
Thank you for providing such a wonderful learning experience.