Preparatory Course’s student from Ecuador shares his impressions about living and studying in St Petersburg

Could you please share with us your experience of life in St Petersburg? Are you comfortable with the weather of the city?

Scholars from 55 countries take part in the XV MAPRYAL Congress

If I had just one word to sum up what it’s like to live in Russia, I’d say it’s an amazing thing. Food, customs, clothes, people, landscapes totally different from my motherland, which in itself is an another world. I can use the example of climate situation, coming from a country in which there have never been temperatures below 10°C and now living in a country where in winter it is normal to reach −25°C, is indescribable, but as science says: "human beings can get used to everything", and so I am doing.

There’s something about Russia and even more about St Petersburg University that I love with all my heart, is the fact that it opens the door to the discovery of a huge number of cultures. Not only Russian culture, but also the Japanese, Chinese, Turkish and countless many more, it is amazing to be able to meet people from all over the world. Thanks to everything I’ve been doing, with the help of God and my family I’ve come this far, studying at the great university in a great country.

Do you have a favourite place in St Petersburg?

At the moment I could not say that I have a favorite place in St Petersburg since it is a huge city and I still have many places to visit, but I really like the residence where I live, because every day I meet new people, every day there is a new story and above all it has a great view.

Which other places would you like to visit in Russia? Did you travel around Russia?

One place I really want to visit is Moscow. Russian people I’ve met have told me that it’s a great place to visit, not only because it’s the capital but also because of the city lifestyle. Of course I also want to travel to other different cities, such as Sochi, Yekaterinburg, Kazan and so on.

Why did you choose St Petersburg University to study? What was the reason for your choice?

I chose St Petersburg University because it is honestly the best university in this city, one of the best in the country, and also because of its great academic opportunities and worldwide recognition. Besides its’ educational programmes aligns with what I was looking for to study medicine.

What motivated you to learn the Russian language?

What motivates me is the fact that I can continue my studies at this university. It is always good to know one more language, which can help you in the future to find a good job or simply travel around the world and be able to communicate with people without a translator.

What lesson have you learned while living and studying abroad?

I have learned one very valuable and important lesson that I will keep with me forever — not to give up. No matter how complicated every day gets, never throw up your hands because in the end everything will be fine and you will be rewarded.

What was the hardest part during your study at Preparatory Courses?

The most complicated thing about my studies here is undoubtedly the language, since it has many grammatical cases and a peculiar way of speaking.

What are your impressions about Preparatory Courses? How are your classes organised?

And the best thing is to meet so many people from different parts of the world and to be able to get to know their cultures and I share mine with them. Well, I think the level of SPbU Preparatory course is one of the best, since I have several friends in different parts of Russia, who also attend courses in different cities, and you can see the great difference in quality and organization that exists in this university, how prepared the teachers are and the facilities in which the classes are taught.

Do you plan to continue to study at St Petersburg University?

Yes, I plan to continue my studies at SPbU, and even more so when the university awarded me with study scholarship.

What were you most anxious about studying abroad? Did the things you worried about come true?

When I arrived to Russia my precautions was not being able to get used to a new life, new people, new food, new everything. But little by little that situation has been solved.

What do you enjoy the most about studying overseas?

What I like most about studying abroad is how little by little you change, mature and improve yourself, because being away from your "world" helps you to grow and become a better person every day.

What are your goals and dreams for the future? What field do you wish to work in?

Well, my dream is to be happy, so that at the end of my life, I can see everything I have done and be proud of what I have achieved and one step to be closer to that happiness is to be able to be a doctor, work in my own hospital helping people and thus make my family proud.

What advice would you give to international students willing to study in Russia?

It is not easy to leave everything behind, your roots, your family, your "I", but I know that in the end everything will have a reward. The best advice I can give you is to be happy and if that happiness is here in Russia, don’t be afraid to come and venture out, "we only live once".