Russian language courses in Africa

Dambala Jillo, Kenya

I am a graduate from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa having pursued a Master of Arts in Philosophy and graduated last year, 2023. I did not know much about Russia apart from the political image Russia portrays through president Putin, and I must admit that I love what Mr. Putin stands for; the authenticity of the Russian culture, values, and respect for the Russian History. The opportunity to learn Russian was a chance I wouldn’t miss, I have never heard of Russian language being taught in Kenya, and if there are any language schools teaching Russian then they must be very few and highly costly. SPbU was offering to learn Russian language for free, how could I miss?

Irvine Meyer, South Africa

The learning process has been wonderful, and the levels of growth took massive steps. My lecturer Mariya Maksimovna Zhukova was quite saintly in her patient teachings, with occasional injections of humour. At the beginnings of most classes I was rather intimidated, but that disappeared with the group interactions in the learning process. At the end of each lesson, I felt a bit exhausted, but eager to tackle the homework assignment. Mastering the mysteries of cursive writing has also been tremendous fun. Now understand a great deal more than when I started: vocabulary, rudimentary sentence structure, and probably most important, a feeling of confidence in my learning ability. In these regards, the course superseded my expectations.

Daniel Kamau, Kenya

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 helps to keep the classes interesting and makes 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. 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.

Abdoulahi Sahabi, Niger

I decided to learn Russian because it is a language that is very close to my heart, speaking a foreign language like Russian increases professional opportunities, helps to establish a real connection with native speakers. I chose SPbU because it is one of the best universities in Russia and the course definitely met my expectations.I would like to continue learning Russian if an opportunity arises until I have a C1 level.

Collins Wandera, Kenya

I saw a post from the Russian Embassy in Kenya, it was an advertisement for anyone willing to learn Russian language online. That was my turning point, the chance of getting closer to my dream began in March same year, since I was part of the first cohort to be admitted to St Petersburg University to study Russian language online. I have since then enjoyed my study and participated in various online activities including; The IV SPBU Olympiad of Russian as a foreign language, and World Youth Festival 2024. Sincere gratitude to my teacher Maria Gromakova and the entire staff of St Petersburg University.

Ali Mahaman, Niger

I decided to learn Russian because I have been a fan of President Putin since I was 10 years old, I love Russian culture. The SPbU course is a mixture of everything: listening, grammar, vocabulary, writing. The course meets my expectations. We had an exemplary teacher; Prof Mikhail is very good. With my doctorate in Agroeconomics and mastery of the Russian language, I hope to promote cooperation between Russia and Nigeria.

Chantalle Bergh, South Africa

I’m from South Africa and I’m 29 years old. I studied Choreography and Pedagogy at the Kazan State Institute of Culture in Kazan, Russia from 2017-2022. When I returned to South Africa I opened a ballet academy. I invited the Russian Embassy in South Africa to our first Gala concert in 2023. When I saw the Russian Embassy in South Africa post about the Russian language course and decided I wanted to keep on improving in the Russian language and not forget what I have learnt in Russia.