- Learn Russian language
There is no doubt: Russian is a tough language. Phonetics and grammar are complex. This scares many students. But have you noticed that you are not doing yourself a favor if you only practice the language in the classroom? This may be more true for the Russian language than for other European languages. Thus, you should immerse yourself in everyday speech in order to learn to speak Russian fluently.
“It’s a lot more fun,” says Alessandro Ciuci, a student of Educa from Italy “I first understood the genitive case when I asked for a glass of wine in a bar located on the roof in St. Petersburg.” This is much better than grammar tables, right?
Many students who want to practice Russian are frustrated because locals often respond in English. Although in Russia there is nothing to worry about. Local people like when foreigners try to learn their language. At the same time, the level of English in Russia is the second lowest in Europe. It doesn’t matter what happens, but almost certainly you will have to use the Russian language, which you know, and this will help you progress.
- Leave your comfort zone (but not much)
No one has yet decided whether Russia is a European country or not, but at least one thing is clear: studying in Russia is a different experience than spending a year in Europe. On the one hand, it is a developed country, which has everything you need for everyday life. Supermarkets, shops and public transport are on par with what you can find in the West. However, when you eat buckwheat porridge in the dining room, give flowers on the first date and other events may make you think that you are returning to the past. This is one of the beauties of this place: it’s interesting and different, but you don’t have to sacrifice materially to experience it. Even if Russia makes a big impression on you, you will soon realize that they are not so far from home.
- Meet interesting people
It is often said that the beauty of Russia lies in its people. Russia is a country of rare and amazing things, and you can meet interesting and unique people. For Betina, a student from the US, one of the most exciting things at EDUCA school was meeting a new friend. She shares her experience about becoming friends with another student Alice: “Alice and I turned out to be in one group, and we both came from the same country, in addition, we are the same age, so we had a lot in common. Studying is much more fun when you have a friend by your side. Overall, we were very lucky to meet each other at this school”.
What is clear is that you return home with a lot of stories.
- Save money
One of the main advantages of studying in Russia is free accommodation offered by most universities. Russian university residences are an experience in themselves. If you are using a kitchen or bathroom, be prepared to experience every aspect of life in the community. It has its bad role for those who value intimacy and their own space, but it’s free and important for others, so it’s worth it.
In addition to housing, everyday expenses are usually lower than in Europe and the USA, even in more expensive cities such as Moscow or St. Petersburg. This is especially true if you have dollars or rubles, since the exchange rate is much better than it was until 2014, when the ruble was stronger. For Theo and Maverick, British students who were enrolled in an internship program provided by EDUCA School in Saint Petersburg , it came as a pleasant surprise: “We had to use public transport every single day, and we were surprised in a positive way possible with how cheap tickets were comparing to London. Also, we had lunch at different restaurants every day, and the check was always ridiculously inexpensive”.
- Expand your horizons
Let’s be clear. Most Westerners believe in some kind of negative stereotype about the country, which may make them not want to visit Russia. A trip to Russia as a student is a great opportunity to challenge these points of view, as you will experience everyday life and communicate with people of your age.
In addition, it is most likely that the crowd does not steal you down the street (in fact, the crime rate in St Petersburg is lower than in New York or London). If you come here and speak with the locals, you will no doubt be pleasantly surprised, at least you will understand several different points of view. Having experienced this from personal experience, it may seem that Russia’s attitude to the media is sensational. Just come with mint, and Russia will meet you with open arms.
- Experience of living in a big city
Compared with other European countries, Russia has huge cities. With a population of 17 million people officially living in urban areas, Moscow is undoubtedly the largest city in Europe. For its part, with 5.3 million, St. Petersburg ranks fifth. There are also 15 other cities with a population of over a million inhabitants. Russian cities tend to be huge, with colossal boulevards and grand buildings. There is nothing better than the dynamic feeling of excitement that a Russian city causes, and if you are in Moscow or St. Petersburg, you can also see the lively nightlife that these cities offer. Take the opportunity to learn Russian while you can, perhaps you will never have that experience again.
