Life in Russia as an International Student

Learning a new language can be a great way to open new opportunities and explore different cultures. For me, one of the most exciting languages to learn is Russian. I have had the pleasure of taking several Russian classes over the months, and I would like to share my favourite ones. From online courses to in-person classes, there are plenty of options for anyone looking to learn Russian. Whether you’re just starting out or already have some experience with the language, these classes will help you improve your skills and reach your goals in no time!

What is Russian? Russian is a language that has been spoken in the East Slavic region of Eastern Europe since at least the 9th century. It is an official language in Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. It is also spoken by millions of people in other parts of the world, including the United States, Israel, and other countries. Russian is a part of the Indo-European language family, and it is closely related to other Slavic languages. 

Why do you need to learn Russian? Learning Russian can be a great way to open up new opportunities in business and travel. It can also give you a deeper understanding of Russian culture and history. Additionally, learning Russian can help you understand other Slavic languages and cultures.

As an international student from Nigeria, I had the opportunity to take some amazing Russian classes with my teacher Natalia Petrova. She is an experienced language educator who has taught many international students and helped them develop a better understanding of the language and its culture. Through her classes, I was able to learn more about the country's rich history and culture. I also got to practice my conversational skills in a fun way with fellow learners from all over the world. With her guidance, I was able to gain a better understanding of Russian and improve my overall proficiency in the language.

Outside of class, I would practice my Russian by talking with some locals who spoke the language, watching Russian movies and TV shows, and reading books in Russian. I also attended a few student seminars hosted by the university wh ere we discussed current events in Russia. Overall, my experience with Natalia Petrova as my Russian teacher was very positive. She was an excellent teacher who was patient, knowledgeable, and encouraging. I am thankful for all that I learned fr om her classes and for the opportunity to have studied with her.

One of my most memorable experiences while studying in Russia was my first trip to Taltsy. I had heard about the village from some of my friends, and I was excited to see it for myself. Taltsy is a historical open-air museum wh ere visitors can explore centuries-old wooden architecture, see traditional crafts being made, and even take part in folk festivals. It was a great opportunity to learn more about Russian culture and history.

I also enjoyed attending the musical concerts at Baikal School BRICS. The university has a large auditorium, and they often host concerts featuring both local and international students. It was always a great experience to see live music.

Overall, my experiences in Russia were incredibly enriching and rewarding. Fr om exploring Taltsy to attending concerts at Baikal School BRICS, I was able to learn more about Russian culture and make some wonderful memories along the way.

How has this experience impacted your life?

My experience studying in Russia has had a profound impact on my life. It has given me a greater appreciation for different cultures and perspectives, and it has also helped me to become more open-minded and tolerant of others. I am also more confident in my ability to learn new languages, which has been incredibly helpful in my career. Most importantly, my experience in Russia has taught me the importance of being flexible and adapting to new situations. I have learned that no matter wh ere I am or what I am doing, I can always find ways to make the most of the situation and learn something new.

How did you stay motivated while studying Russian?

I stayed motivated while learning Russian by setting small goals for myself and rewarding myself when I achieved them. For example, I would give myself a treat or a break when I learned a new word or phrase. I also kept a journal of my progress so that I could look back and see how far I had come. Finally, I found it helpful to have someone to practice with. Some locals who spoke Russian were always willing to help me out, and they were very encouraging. Having someone to practice with making the process much more enjoyable and kept me motivated to keep learning.

Did you ever get overwhelmed while learning Russian?

Yes, I did feel overwhelmed at times while learning Russian. It can be difficult to remember all of the new words and phrases, and it can be discouraging when you make mistakes. However, I found that it was important to stay positive and keep trying. I also found it helpful to break down the language into smaller pieces. Instead of trying to learn everything at once, I focused on one thing at a time and gradually built up my knowledge. 

What strategies did you use to learn new words?

To remember new words, I used a variety of strategies. I wrote down new words in a notebook and reviewed them regularly. I also tried to use the words in conversations with my friends who spoke Russian. Finally, I used flashcards and online quizzes to test my knowledge.

Studying at BS BRICS has also been an eye-opening educational experience for me as a Nigerian student. Not only do I get to learn with some of the brightest minds in Russia but also have access to excellent resources that have helped me further my knowledge in various disciplines such as Russian and European History, Economics, and Business Management. Despite the initial challenges of adapting to a new environment and learning a foreign language, BS BRICS  has provided me with many opportunities.

Coming to BRICS in Irkutsk, Russia was a big step for me. As an international student from Nigeria, I was quite apprehensive about the new environment, culture, and language. But so far, my experience here has been great! I have been able to successfully adjust and adapt to the culture and language of Russia. My professors have been very understanding of my language barrier and have patiently helped me with whatever I needed. All in all, studying at Baikal School BRICS, Irkutsk in Russia as an international student from Nigeria has been a unique experience! After growing up in the vibrant and bustling city of Abuja, I find the slower pace of life in Irkutsk to be refreshing and calming. It also gives me an opportunity to explore a new culture and meet people with different backgrounds. I am learning about new customs, and practices and trying out different cuisines which is something that I had never experienced before. Overall, my experience so far has been positive, and I am looking forward to exploring more of this beautiful country.