"I will take Bachelor's degree and Master's degree here in Irkutsk. Because Irkutsk is a good place for students"

Currently 19 international students from Indonesia are studying at INRTU in different programs. The students of Intensive Course of Russian as a Foreign Language has shared the impressions of why they chose INRTU and told about their future plans and first feelings about life in Russia. 

We asked them:

  1. What is the biggest difference between living there in Indonesia and here in Irkutsk? What do you like about Russia?
  2. How do you spend your spare time, what are your favorite things to do here?
  3. How do your Russian language classes go? Tell us more about your classes.
  4. Will you study in Russian or in English program after? What is your plan for the future?

"The biggest difference between living in Indonesia and here in Irkutsk are:

Irkutsk is cold, and we have to adapt with the weather. Because in Indonesia we don't have winter, that's why winter is interesting new thing for us, people from equatorial area.
Irkutsk is good place for students, because Irkutsk is really cheap and every place has history in it. We also can get wonderful city and nature at the same time.

I spend my spare time to explore this city, it has a lot places to explore. My favorite place is “Ynost” island in Angara river. It's a beautiful place to go rather in winter or summer.

I think it's better to study Russian language in Russia, because we get pressure to learn more of Russian language, also we could practice anywhere and anytime. I went to some event and excursions in Irkutsk, held by INRTU. It was great time to know more about Russia, Irkutsk, and Russian language.

After my preparation courses I will take English program in International Business. I take English program because it's easier for me and they have program in English language in my major. Also, they have great lectures".

Sweny Reef Herves Giorify

"I feel myself more comfortable here in Irkutsk than in Indonesia and the cost of living is cheaper here. Russian people are very friendly. But this place is colder than Indonesia.

I spend my spare time mostly in dormitory but sometimes I love to walk beside Angara River. There is very beautiful view.

My Russian language classes runs well for now, the way of teaching is excellent, my teachers are very good and they are able to speak English pretty well.

I am going to enroll English-taught International Business program after finishing preparatory course. I think Irkutsk is a good place for students, so I will also take my Master’s degree here".

Daniel Komba

"What I really like about Russia is the people who look not very friendly but actually they really care, especially for foreign students like us who are not very fluent in speaking Russian.

I like to go downtown and see buildings that look retro and classic, go to the market in the city center, or sometimes I just take a walk in the park on campus.

Michael is our Russian teacher, he teaches us not only Russian language but also some cultural things of Irkutsk, he is a cool teacher in my opinion. In my class, I have friends from other countries, such as Afghanistan, Syria, Ethiopia, Egypt, and Mongolia, we are all good friends. Russian is one of the most difficult languages, for now I am not fluent in speaking Russian or listening to native speakers but I already know some words when we want to order something or other simple everyday words.

I will enroll Russian-taught program, because the major I will take will use Russian as the language of instruction.

My future plan is to achieve my goals, which is to be able to speak fluent Russian and almost become a native speaker, and to continue my studies and use my free time to travel around Russia".

Rifanita Ella Wenda