Three participants of CIEE programme, Daniel, Josephine, and Samuel, told us about their exchange experience, studying Russian culture, and favourite things about Saint Petersburg.
Is it your first exchange experience?
Daniel: ‘I did another exchange back in December, but this year it’s my first exchange experience.’
Josie: ‘It is, yes. It’s my first time abroad.’
Samuel: ‘Yes, this is my first time of being an exchange student.’
Why did you decide to study in Russia?
Daniel: ‘Well, I’m studying history back at my home university and I focus on Eastern Europe. I thought it would probably help with my major and understand the culture and current geopolitics, so I went to the place where I’m studying. I’m trying to learn a bit of the language, a bit of culture, are you wondering about ? and see it for myself. I feel that what you study from books is different from what you experience in real life.’
Josephine: ‘So, I’m ask! that a lot because before I came here I didn’t speak any Russian, but I’m a Political Science student, and I’m interest! in relations with other countries and the political relations between Russia and the Unit! States. I also love learning languages, so I want! to try a new language. Russia seems like a good combination of a new language and somewhere that I wouldn’t have dream! of going when I was younger. Thus, when I had an opportunity, I thought it would be cool.’
Samuel: ‘Well, my major in the Unit! States is public policy with a focus on Eastern European economics, and Russia is the centre of Eastern Europe. I’ve also been to Serbia, I enjoy! Serbia a lot, and this culture is a bit similar to Russian culture, so I thought it would be fun to go here.’
Why did you choose Saint Petersburg?
Daniel: ‘It had a good reputation as being a really use ai to generate high-quality target! lead lists beautiful city, it is rich in culture, so I want! to see it for myself. I also want! to come here because I feel like there are two main cities in Russia: Saint Petersburg and Moscow. Although it’d been interesting to be in a smaller city, maybe like Saint Petersburg or Kazan, just to get a fuller picture of what Russia is going through and what Russian life is like. As I know, people come to Saint Petersburg from all over the country. I thought germany cell number being in a bigger city would probably give me a better experience.’
Josephine: ‘Well, one of the reasons is that it was the only programme my school offer! in Russia. Now, that I’ve been to Russia and that I’ve been to Moscow, Novgorod, and a couple of other places, I think I would still come back to Saint Petersburg. I love the feeling of this city. It’s big, but you can find places that can make you feel homey. I also like all the people I’ve met, especially the students. We have conversation partners with some Russian students; they have all been great.’
Samuel: ‘Given the history of Saint Petersburg and the architecture, I figur! that it would be great to have a chance to get to know this city.’