As a child I read a fairy tale about Nikolai Pirogov, and when I saw that there was a university named after him, I thought: "This can’t be happening!” I applied to 6 different medical universities in Russia, but the Pirogov Medical University was the first on the list.
— Why have you decided to become a doctor?
— To be honest, I’ve never had a dream to become a doctor. I wondered how the human body works. I wanted to study this more deeply, so I decided to enter the Faculty of General medicine. The interest appeared in the 10th grade, when we were studying the structure of the eye at school. I was very interested in this topic, and I thought it would be great to start doing something that I would also like.
I'm from Australia. I studied there, then a little in New Zealand, where my grandmother lives. I graduated from high school in America, and that's where the lesson that sparked my interest. I started taking subjects like Chemistry and Biology to study. This served as an incentive for entering the medical university.
— When did you know about the RNRMU?
— I knew about universities in Russia not so much, but as a child I read a fairy tale about Nikolai Pirogov, and when I saw that there was a university named after him, I thought: "This can't be happening!” Then I decided to come here.
— Have you considered other universities? Maybe other countries?
— I considered the N. I. Pirogov RNRMU to be my main priority. At first I remembered the fairy tale, then I began to study it in more detail — it seemed to me that everything here would be fine. I also thought about the First St. Petersburg State Medical University named after I. P. Pavlov, but I was taken to the RNRMU, so I did not look at the other universities later.
— So you purposefully wanted to study in Russia?
— Yes. I understood that it would be difficult to go to university after school in my country: my family has many children, so there was little chance of getting a higher education. But I learned that I can take part in the Rossotrudnichestvo program, since I speak Russian, and study in a Russian university. In addition, I was interested in going somewhere, living alone, to see how everything works in another country, whether I can cope with difficulties on my own.
— Was it difficult to enter the RNRMU?
— I entered according to the results of school assessments. The Rossotrudnichestvo program helps foreigners to enter Russian universities. There is a competition in two stages: within the country and at the University itself. A certain number of quotas are allocated within the country. For Australia, that's five people. They can apply to participate in the program. If the number of people exceeds the number of quotas, then the competition begins, if not — everyone passes. After that, all the information about the applicant is uploaded: grades, achievements. And this portfolio is sent to different universities in Russia. In total, you can choose six universities, placing them in priority. Our data is sent first to one institution, then, if it is not accepted there, to the second and further down the list.
I applied to six different medical universities in Russia, but the Pirogov Medical University was the first on the list. I received a positive response from here, so I did not consider other universities anymore.
— How did you know that you entered our University? How did you react to this?
— I learned about this being in America. At first, I didn't understand what I had passed: the program is relatively new, and I didn't quite know what the reception message should look like. My status changed on the website. I just sat and waited for some days. Then I started reading about the rules, phoned to the University, but not the International School of Medicine. They said I wasn't on the list. At first I was upset, but the next day I decided to call again, I got to the staff of the International School of Medicine. And everything turned out to be correct.
— How did your family react to the fact that you were going to study so far from home, in cold Russia?
— My mother advised me this, so she didn't mind. Dad didn't really like the idea, but my word was decisive: I thought it would be interesting.
My parents are Russian. My mother went to Australia at the age of 20, and my father moved there when he was a child. He was used to living there, and it seemed too difficult for him to go to another country. Dad didn't understand why it was necessary. He said Australia had everything. But in reality I would not be able to get a higher education staying at home. We have a large family. That's why I wanted to leave. We have eight children in the family, and I am the second in a row.
Before I left, y parents told me if I got my education in Russia and then moved back, I would have to go through the process of recognizing my diploma. And this is not an easy task. But I believe that if I get enough knowledge, this will not be a problem. The skills stay with you if you learn well. Of course, I realized that it would be difficult, but I did not perceive it as a problem.
— Is coming to Russia your first experience of independent life?
— When I was in New Zealand, I lived with my grandmother. We have already moved to America with a family. So this was my first trip to the country when there are no relatives around.
— What difficulties did you face at first?
— It is a period when I got out of my comfort zone and everything seemed new. Things are much calmer now. I already know what to expect, how to communicate with people, what to say and not to say. A lot of things became clear, and I stopped worrying. If something unexpected happens now, I'll know how to react. There are a lot of bureaucracy in Russia, and I don't understand anything about it. It scared me when I arrived. I didn't know where to call and address: you go out on the street and you don't know where to go.
— Did someone help you during this period?
— Yes, I was helped by the dean's office and my classmates.
— Did senior students ever warn you or tell you what to expect?
— They told me what to expect, but they didn't scare me. For example, they advised to be ready for many subjects: everyone was warned about the Anatomy exam. They said that the third year is the most difficult. Then it will be easier. We looked at them and thought that if they had finished, then we could do it.
— Tell us about your first impressions of studying and living in Russia.
— The first week in Russia was hard, I don't like it in new places. I looked out the window and knew I wasn't at home. It seemed to me that everything was very bad, there were thoughts: "Why did I come here?" But even then I understood that it was not because of the country, but it was about the move itself, about me. I've moved many times,. In this regard, my previous experience helped me.
I also got used to people for a long time: they communicate with each other differently here, behave differently. For example, if I see a person and look into the eyes, I immediately say to them: "Hi!” It doesn't even mean "hello", just the beginning of a conversation. And in Russia, they greet each other once a day, and so I was often told: "We've already said hello". It helped that I found friends quickly. Despite the fact that not everything worked out, I felt comfortable.
Almost all foreigners are placed in the same building. My entire group lives there. I have a good relationship with others. The first year left good memories and impressions. Even though it was difficult, I liked people I had met here. They also left their countries. I was interested in them. Then I moved to another dorm. There is less communication there, but we are good friends with the neighbor. I'm glad I moved, because she's become a good friend to me.
I remember that in my first year the medical lecture on Anatomy did not begin until Wednesday, and I was especially looking forward to it. All the other subjects, Mathematics and Physics, did not attract me so much. These disciplines did not cause difficulties, although they are not easy, including Anatomy.
— Were there any fears before coming to Russia?
— Yes, a few. For example, at first there were difficulties with the text. The difficulties are now almost gone, but sometimes it's not easy for me to express my thoughts. It is also difficult to talk during classess and I try to keep quiet. Even if I know the answer, I prefer not to interfere and sit quietly. At first, I was very afraid of the Russian text. I understand the language well. But when I first arrived and started opening a textbook, for example, on Anatomy, it was very difficult for me to concentrate and understand what it says. The Russian sentences and words seemed awfully long. I tried to just memorize everything, because it was very difficult for me to understand it.
But the fear helped to fight. I knew that I could be expelled if I did not study well, so I had to push harder and learn everything in Russian.
— Tell us about the university teachers: which of the lecturers do you remember most?
— There are excellent teachers here, I think, I will remember them for a long time. I love them very much. This is Tatyana Kuznetsova from the Department of Physiology. She is the best teacher for me. I am impressed how Tatyana Evgenievna teaches, what she pays attention to, and how she treats students. Everything is clear, so it is very easy to learn and understand where to make accents. I also love Alexey Buzin from the Department of Propaedeutics of Internal Diseases and Radiation Diagnostics. He is an excellent teacher, also explains everything clearly and treats students well.
— Can you compare education in Russia and Australia? What is common, what is different?
— It is more convenient for me to compare education in Russia with the system in America, where I studied in high school. Studying at universities is very different in these two countries. It seems to me that in America everything is better organized: if they ask an abstract, I will know what to write about, what should be in it, what teacher pays attention to. There is even a special form with points for each item, how my work will be evaluated. It is always known that if something did not work out, it means that I did not reach and did not fulfill what was expected of me. And in Russia, the subject is studied widely. You need a huge amount of knowledge. If there is a colloquium, a student can memorize the entire textbook, but this is sometimes not enough: the teacher may ask from another, and the student will not be ready for this. I never go to a colloquium with a calm thought: "I taught you, I'll pass". I thought, "What if they ask me from that area? Or the teacher likes a different aspect more, and I don't understand it enough and don't even know how to prepare for this".
I also think that Russian education covers everything very broadly. There is a lot of material. Subjects may not be studied in depth, but they may cover everything. And in America the knowledge you get is different. Russian students understand more than I do, but as for me, I know Genetics more deeply. And the fact that my school had a different program is rather a disadvantage for me, if we talk about studying in Russia. It's easier for me to pay attention to something narrowly focused.
Another difference is group communication. In Russia, everything is so arranged that we interact closely with each other: we have to communicate closely, even if we do not like each other. And there is a special relationship with the teacher: he knows us, we know him too. In America, you just go to courses, take an exam, and the lecturer may not even know you by sight. He only notes your work and draws conclusions from it. That is, a completely different attitude of the teacher to the student. In Russia, teachers are very respected and even feared. In some ways, that's a good thing. But I think it's wrong to be afraid. In Russia, a teacher is a person who is better versed in the subject. He must pass on some knowledge to you. And in our country, a teacher is considered a person who works in his position. As a colleague of another level.
— Share your thoughts about the future: do you plan to continue your residency training?
— I'd like to go to residency. I don't know exactly what specialty to choose yet. Now I am attracted to the activity of a therapist — I think it is interesting. I like diagnostics, research activities.
So far, I am considering a residency in Russia. I want to get a higher education here.
— How do you assess education in Russia?
— I think it is very good. The theoretical base is wide and voluminous — this is wonderful. The practical part is not so good. Now I am applying for the position of a nurse. I can do very little. It bothers me. I understand that I will master everything, but it seems that the University should give more opportunities to learn practical skills. But this is my subjective experience: we practice in summer, and many things depend on which department you get to, what kind of doctors and nurses will be there. There are guys who know how to do everything. They worked in intensive care units, where they were taught everything.
It is difficult to evaluate how the material is taught, because all mentors are different. But the amount of knowledge that is expected of us is very rich and good.
— Do you plan to return to Australia, stay in Russia, or maybe you are going to work in another country after graduation?
— I'm thinking about it. I travel a lot and I understand that the most important thing is the people you are with. I understand that in the future I will study or live where it is interesting, where there are friends. And if I have them in Russia, I will most likely also be here.
I don't regret moving here in the least. I think it was and it is a great experience. Here I have met so many people that I like, who inspires me.
— What do you like and dislike most about Russia?
— Everything is so different here, there is a large selection of everything. Someone like it, someone doesn't. Because of this choice, I am interested in Russia. I also like the fact that it is convenient for me to live here as a student. There is a student card for transport, accommodation in the dorm corresponds to what the student usually has. Everything is arranged so that you can both learn and live. This is very convenient, because in America, education, textbooks and dorm are paid, and if you want to study, you need to have a lot of money.
If we talk about negative things, I still sometimes find it surprising when people are rude. But you get used to it somehow over time. I understand that this happens and you need to be able to cope with it.
— Would you recommend your compatriots to study in Russia, at the Russian National Research Medical University named after N. I. Pirogov?
— It depends on what kind of person he is, how he will be able to adapt here. My sister plans to enter a university in Russia in 2021. I think she can handle it. It will be very difficult for a person who is not familiar with Russian culture. I have some guys in my group who have learned Russian in a year. They have no one in Russia, but they managed to adapt, did such a difficult job, that I respect them for it. I would not recommend studying in Russia to those people who find it difficult to perceive the new. For example, some members of my family did not like America at all. They took everything there with incredible effort. It's really hard to live in a place where you don't like anything. Therefore, for someone who wants to get an education in another country, it is important to be able to accept, find something good. And if a person is not able to do this, it will be difficult for him to even move.
— Can you give some advice to a person who is going to study in Russia and go directly to the RNRMU?
— First — don't be afraid. If you know how to work and work hard, then everything will be fine. You need to be able to work hard. Second, it is important to prepare for what will be difficult: both adapt and learn. However, if you know how to allocate time and work, then everything will work out. This is difficult for those who doesn’t not have such skills or are not sufficiently developed. I can also advise you not to take everything too seriously. Problems pass, it is necessary to treat everything calmly and try to see something good in everything.
I remember my first History lecture: there were a lot of new terms for me. Only 2 or 3 words were familiar in the whole sentence… In the first Moscow winter, my hands were cracked from the cold…
— Eminelia where have you learnt the Russian language?
— Here, in Russia. I hadn’t known a word in Russian before I moved here.
— Was it difficult to learn a new language?
— Yes, of course. When I came to Russia, to Rostov-on-Don, I found myself all alone in an unfamiliar country. No one met me at the airport. I got into a taxi, showed the driver a piece of paper with the address, and he drove me to the hostel. Fortunately, the female commandant knew English, and I could explain myself to her. There I entered the preparatory faculty for training foreign citizens of the Rostov State Medical University. There we studied all the subjects of secondary school, but in Russian only. The entire program was completed in one year. And it was very difficult. I remember my first History lecture. There were a lot of new terms for me. Only two or three words were familiar in the sentence. I wrote them down into a notebook. So I began to understand more and more of what we were told. That year, I even won the Biology Olympiad, which was held at the preparatory faculty. It was attended by 30 students from different countries of the world.
— Did your parents easily let you go to another country?
— Yes, they wanted me to learn different culture, and gave me an opportunity to choose where to study: in Albania, in Germany or in Russia. I chose Russia because I didn't want my parents to pay for my education. And here I'm learning for free. Now my family has moved to Germany, so after graduating from University, I’m going to Germany to enter the residency program. I've already started learning German.
— Why did your parents decide to move?
– My mother is a doctor, and Germany is now in great need of qualified medical stuff. At the age of 48, she got a job in a German clinic in order to educate my younger brother. In comparison with Albania, the work is easier and the conditions are better.
— Have you decided to become a doctor because of your mom’s example?
— Yes. I remember when I was a little girl, my mother worked as an operating nurse and told me about operations doctors did in the clinic. I listened with interest about the removal of the appendix, hernioplasty and other surgical interventions. So since the early childhood, I have not even thought that I would become someone else besides a doctor. One day my mother brought an operating clothes from work, and I put it on and went to see my father. When he looked at me, he almost cried with joy, believing that I would become a doctor in the future. And now my parents are very proud of me.
— Why have you chosen Pirogov Medical University?
— Because of good reviews on the Internet. I came to Moscow through Rossotrudnichestvo. In Albania, the best applicants who applied to study in Russia were given the opportunity to choose several universities. In the end, I was offered Pirogov Medical University.
— What do you like about learning?
— I like to study clinical subjects. With a teacher of gynecology, we visited the Maternity, attended the birth, where we were explained in detail the stages of birth. It was very interesting and informative.
— Have you already chosen your future specialization?
— At first I wanted to be a surgeon. I'm not afraid of blood. And in general, surgery is a very interesting area. But all the surgeons I talk to said: "You're a girl, it's going to be physically hard." According to them, if I choose surgery, I won't have time for my family. And my parents don't want me to be a surgeon, either. As a result, I decided to become a neurologist, now I attend classes of neurology. I study the structure of brain. My mother once asked: "What do you want as a birthday present?" I said, "I want brains." (Laughs.). And my mother sent me a package with a artificial brain.
— Were your parents in Russia?
— Yes, in my first year of study, they came to Rostov-on-Don. They wanted to know how I was doing. They were a little scared by the conditions in the hostel. (Laughs) They brought a comfortable mattress, and it helped me a lot. They came to Russia in February. It was cold, and there was snow everywhere. So I didn't show them the whole city, but we walked along the embankment. Although I must say that in comparison with Moscow, Rostov-on-Don was still quite warm. But in the first Moscow winter, my hands were cracked from the cold. There was even blood on my skin, even though I was wearing gloves when I went out. Then I got used to it, everything became normal.
— Is the climate in Albania much warmer than in Russia?
– It's similar in the eastern part. There we have mountains, and in winter it can be cold and snowy. And in the western part, where I live, it is much warmer. My house is 20 minutes away by car from the Mediterranean Sea. And on the sea-side, it almost never snows, even if it snows — no longer than for five minutes.
— Do you regret that you came to study in Russia?
— No, I don't regret it. I’ve learned Russian here, gained new knowledge, and met interesting people. By the way, Russians are more open and sociable than Europeans, who are often focused on their own affairs. I was told earlier that Russian people are very cold. But I don't think so. Here, the winters are cold, but people are warm. (Laughs)
— Has the life of your peers in Russia and Albania any difference?
— In Russia, we study more. And young Albanians spend a lot of time in cafes. I think it's less productive. In Russia, I rarely leave the room. I read, I learn something, because that's what everyone does. This, of course, is also my desire, because I do not want to be distracted. I think in Albania, I would lose time because of the constant meetings with friends, and we have cafes in literally every building.
— Is it hard working profiable?
— Probably. Last year, I took part in the First International Competition of Young Scientists “Hygienic Science is the way to the public health", held in Voronezh. I presented my scientific work and took second place.
— What are your goals?
— I want to master several specialties. Not just neurology. I know it will be difficult. I’m planning to do my residency in Germany. It will be longer there than in Russia. And before the residency, I have to work for two years there, because I am not a native German.
— In Russia, we have an idiom for such cases. It sounds like: "Patience and work will wear everything out."
— Yes, the hardest thing is to start. At first, it was very difficult for me to learn, to overcome the language barrier. Medicine is complex in itself. And when you learn in another language that you didn't know before, it's even harder. It was very unusual to hear unfamiliar speech on the bus or in the store. People are talking around you, and you don't even know if they're talking to you or not. Two girls from Albania begged their parents to take them home after a week of training. So they missed the opportunity to study in another country. I also immediately realized that it would be difficult for me, but I never thought of running away, because if I set a goal, I have to succeed.
When you grow up in an imperfect world, you want to change it, to help those around you. And the profession of a doctor allows you to help people…
— Ait-Aissa, why have you decided to become a doctor?
— I’d been choosing a profession for a long time, but in the end I decided on medicine. The fact is life is difficult in the third world today, far from perfect. Wars are waging, there is lack of water in many places around the world. People do not have the most necessary things. When you grow up in an imperfect world, you want to change it, to help those around you. And the profession of a doctor allows you to help people.
— Were you born in Algeria?
— Yes. I have been living in Russia since 2017, when I came here to study. However, before that, I had been here several times with my parents. My mother is Russian and my father is Algerian.
— How did they meet?
— Algeria was friendly with the Soviet Union, and the government sent a certain number of students to Russia every year. My dad was one of them.
— Did your parents meet in Moscow?
— Yes. Both were students at the time and rented an apartment. My two sisters were born in Russia. After a while, about five years later, my father began to miss his homeland, and then my parents decided to move to Algeria.
— Who are your parents by profession?
— My Dad’s job is related to land management. And my mother is an electronics engineer. But she did not have time to work after graduation – she went to Algeria, where she took up housekeeping.
— Does your mother speak Russian to you?
— Yes, she does. She speaks Russian with me and my father. And she communicates with my father's family in Berber. It is an ancient language of the North Africans. It is common in our country along with Arabic and dialects.
— You speak Russian well.
— My mother taught me spoken Russian. I learned writing before entering the university. But I’ve been always speaking well enough. At home we watch Russian TV and it helps to develop speeking skills.
— Have you got acquainted with Russian literature?
— Only in early childhood. I remember my mother reading me “Bussy-Wuzzy, Busy Fly”, “Kolobok”, “The Wolf and the seven Little Goats”, and other fairy tales. It was a long time ago, so I don't remember much.
— Why have you decided to study in Russia, not in Algeria?
— It is very difficult to enter a medical university in Algeria – you need to have at least 16 points on the State Exam. It's not easy. They rarely give high marks and many do not even get a passing grade.
— And why did you choose the Pirogov Medical University (RSMU)?
— There is an educational association in Algeria which selects and distributes students. From the list of universities we choose those we are interested in. I decided on two universities with medical faculties. They are PFUR (RUDN University) and the Russian national research medical University. I was sent to Russian national research medical University. And I've never regretted it.
— What do you like about learning?
— The fact that we have a clear program, certain topics. I like it very much. For example, the department of Biochemistry offered a complete list of questions that we have to study. And we are strictly following the program .
— Is there a language barrier in the study of scientific disciplines?
— No, there isn’t. It's easier for me to grasp the medical information and talk about science. I understand everything here. But communication, for example, with you is a little difficult. I find it difficult to express my thoughts if it is a conversation on abstract topics. If we were talking about science, it would be easier.
— Have you already got used to living in another country?
— In general, yes. But I still can't get used to the weather. Especially winter. Probably, there are people who like when it is cloudy, dark, slushy and snowy. But I love when the sun is shining and the sea is warm. When the weather is bad, I dream of opening a branch of our university in Algeria or in other Mediterranean countries.
— Yes, in winter we all dream of the sea! Are you going to return home after graduation? Or will you stay in Russia?
— I think I'll stay. In Algeria, the path to medicine is longer and more difficult. The future doctor must study at the university for seven years, then he has to master the specialty – this is another three or five years. Then you have to do distribution work for to years. Moreover, you are usually sent to remote southern regions, to the Sahara (it's like sending to Siberia in Russia). And then you have to complete military service.
— Yes... it's easier here. And what Algeria can surprise foreigners?
— For example, you can eat for free there. If you have financial difficulties, you just go into a store or café and tell the clerk that you have no money, then you take food or eat like a regular customer. I think there is no such thing in other countries.
— Where will you look for a bride: at home or in Russia?
— I don't think ahead. Many people believe that in Arab countries parents make the choice for their children. But it is not true. Many seek their own destiny. For me, the main thing is to find a good person, and everything else is secondary.
— What made the greatest impression on you in our country?
— A lot of things are impressive. For example, the fact that people in Russia are ready to self-sacrifice. I read about the Chernobyl disaster, watched movies about it. And I haven’t ever seen such willingness to sacrifice themselves in any other people, neither in Europe, nor in Algeria. Although, we had the War of Independence. One and a half million people died… There was a case when in the old city of our capital, called "Kasbah", the French captured and tortured about a hundred residents, and only four of them gave information to the enemy. Therefore, the Algerians have a strong spirit! Strictly speaking, I consider it’s impossible to compare tragic moments, because each nation has its own history and certain "collective" character traits.
— What "collective" character traits do you think Russians and Algerians have?
— An Algerian is a proud and right person. Equality and justice are important to him. And a Russian man is a hero. He is ready to do everything for the sake of his idea, his traditions. And this is the main thing. We were told about the biography of N. I. Pirogov, how he secretly helped patients, left them money and medicines, about his scientific and medical achievements. Nikolai Ivanovich was a brilliant surgeon, a talented organizer and a wonderful person. His example inspires me. He is a true genius who should be admired by the whole world!
— The whole of Russia admires him. Not without a reason our University is named after N. I. Pirogov, where, by the way, students from all over the world receive education. Do you think that Russian fellow students differ from students at home?
— Yes, they differ. I think it is due to living conditions. They are better in Russia. A person in need becomes more purposeful. He studies hard because he understands that education is the only chance to get settled in life. He understands how important it is to get a diploma. For him studying is a great responsibility. And many Russian students perceive education just as next stage in life. They go through this stage and wait for it to end. But if there are difficulties, I think they will wake up and become more active.
— Do you try to be active, participate in extracurricular projects of the university?
— Yes, I recently joined the rescue team. We are taught to provide first aid in case of accidents, to transport critical patients. We will be able to be on duty together with the firefighters after passing the test. I am very interested in the work of the ambulance. It is a pity that Russian universities do not have such a specialty. In Russia, the ambulance doctors are GP, while in the West I’s a specialty of it’s own. But the work with emergency patients is organized quite right in Russia. Patients with different diagnoses are immediately taken to specialized hospitals, where doctors promptly provide the necessary assistance... In addition to studying, I work as a nurse in a polyclinic.
— Do you like your job?
— Yes, as a first stage. This is a good practice. Soon I will be able to work as a doctor in a polyclinic, and then I will move to a hospital.
— What specialization will you choose?
— I'm not quite sure. But probably surgery. Anatomy is easy for me. And I also think it is very important to save people's lives, to help in emergency, severe cases.
— What are your goals for the future?
— I would like to make a personal contribution to science, leave my name in the history of medicine, so that posterity will remember that there was such a person whose achievements made it possible to cure many patients. Of course you need to study hard and spare no effort in your work to do this.
«Russia became a part of my life»
— Rudival, why did you decide to become a doctor?
— My mother is an obstetrician in Angola. When I was a child, we often talked about her work. We both understood that I wanted to be a doctor. When I was 11, my mother said that I needed to prepare for admission to medical college and pass the exams. The college is a high school in Angola. You can go there at about 15 years, and study for three years. Therefore, I graduated from medical school.
— So your mother is an obstetrician, and who is your father?
— There is a large diamond mine near my hometown, he used to work there. But now he is not working there, it's too hard work.
— How did you come into Russia?
— After graduating from college, I worked for a while in my hometown. I planned to stock some money and move to another place to go to university. And it turned out that I received a state grant to study abroad. In 2013, I came to Russia for this purpose.
— Did you have some other variants, except Russia?
— At first I wanted to move into Cuba, many students from Angola moving there in accordance with cooperation programs. They speak Spanish there, and our official language is Portuguese. It would be easier for me to study there. But I moved into Russia, as it is modern country with developed medicine, unlike Cuba. I immediately realized that it would be difficult for me: sophisticated language, special weather ... I did not know anything, even the alphabet.
— Did you come to Moscow at once?
— No, at first I came to Belgorod. For the first eight-nine months, I studied Russian, after which I entered the local university. After graduating there, I was admitted into the residency of Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University. I saw that Second Medical University is a very high-quality university that constantly graduates skillful doctors, so I decided to move into the capital. Moscow is not a city, but it is truly different country!
— Please tell about first months of your living in Moscow.
— It was hard to adopt for the weather. I arrived in October, and even then I was cold. As for the rest… So it is always difficult for us to live in new country first time. Then I found the friends, they helped me a lot. The Russian study process is also very different from ours. In Angola, we use to write more different final works, but here we are mostly speaking.
— Did you come alone?
— Three of us went from Angola to Belgorod.
— How did people in Belgorod react to three men from Angola?
— We are not the first students from Africa in this city. Everyone is fine; they are already accustomed to foreigners. Were there bad cases? You know, you can find the fools everywhere and every time.
— Let's get back to studying at RNRMU. What subjects do you like?
— Perhaps, therapy. I am currently studying to be a cardiologist and I am intern assistant at the City Clinical Hospital named after N.E. Bauman. There are no problems with patients! So I have my own office, where I receive the patients. If I have any questions, I can easily contact the manager and he will help me. Some patients feel insecure about the fact that their doctor is a foreigner, but everything is going to be all right after a conversation.
We have a wonderful head in the second cardiology department of the 29th hospital – Boris Vladimirovich Kuznetsov. And in general, we are working in the excellent team: Zholdoshbek Kayypbekovich Kadyraliev, Elena V. Grezina, Yulia Vladimirovna Artamonova – they are all high-qualified specialists, and they support me a lot.
— Are you going to be a cardiologist in Russia or in Angola?
— While I want to continue my studies, but then I plan to come back to home. More and more young doctors work there and now the situation with medicine is improving. Specialists of narrow profiles appear there.
I have not been to my homeland since 2019. My whole family is there, I miss them a lot, just as if they miss me. It was hard for them to accept my move into Russia. Certainly, my mother was especially worried. It was difficult for her to let me go, because I am her first son. Still relatives understand that I need to get an education.
— There are many different ethnic groups inside Angola, which one do you belong to?
— Lunda. We live in the northeast of the country, on the border with Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I come from the province of North Lunda. There is also South Lunda and Moxico in our area. We all speak the same language, and we have a large tribe. It is not the largest tribe in the country, but...
— Angola still has a close relationship with Portugal, the former metropolis, hasn’t it?
— Yes, sure. We have state relations, I personally feel good about Portugal, and many of my fellow citizens do too. In general, we have been an independent country for a long time, and there is no such thing that they help us in some way or somehow influence us, although our state language is Portuguese, and everyone speaks it. Certainly, many Angolans go there, but I still didn’t have such an option.
— Why is the state language not one of the local ones, but Portuguese?
— Otherwise, we will not understand a person from another city or region, because they speak different dialects in Angola - depending on the region.
— In Angola, almost the entire population is Christians, isn’t it?
— Yes, that's right. Many people profess Catholicism, and I am one of them. There are other religions, for example, Islam. But it is practiced mainly by foreigners who come to the country. We also have our own beliefs that appeared even before Christianity, I know little about them, and the number of their followers is too small.
— Please, tell us about Angola in general, what kind of country is it?
— It is a large country by African standards. It is divided into 18 provinces, and more than 32 million people live there. Young people are now trying to run a business or to study, be scientists. Our country is a young country. Tourists will be interested in the provinces of Huila and Malanje, where there are very beautiful places. There is simply incredible nature: rocks, waterfalls, rivers. There are many national parks in our country. If you want to go to the beach, then you should go to the capital of the country - Luanda. In general, we have four resort towns.
— Do you have some plans in future?
— Sure, I want to finish my studies in Russia. After that, I will come back to Angola. Honestly speaking, Russia has become a part of my life. I think I will miss Russia a lot.
In Afghanistan a woman can be not only a housewife, but also develop professionally. But it depends on the traditions of each family. In our family, the professional development of women is not suppressed.
— Tabasom, you have the Afghan roots. Why has your family gone to Russia?
— My dad had come to Russia. He was looking for a job here, because the situation in Afghanistan at that time was very difficult. Soon, he brought my mother here, and I was born in Moscow.
— Do you know Afghani languages well?
— There are two main languages in Afghanistan. They are Pashto and Dari. There are peoples who speak mostly one of them. I know Dari. And both languages are taught in Afghan schools.
— Do your parents miss their homeland?
— Yes. And we try to visit Afghanistan almost every summer. Almost all our relatives live there – grandmother, aunt, uncle. We stay with them in Kabul. However, we have not been able to leave Russia the last few years.
— Do you have a large family in Moscow?
— Yes, I have a brother and two sisters. One of them is a second-year student at RANEPA, the other is in the 7th grade. Little brother is a second-grader.
— What do your parents do?
— My father is an engineer, and my mother is a pharmacist, but she devoted her life to her family and brining up children.
— Why have you decided to become a doctor?
— I have been dreaming of it since my childhood. I wanted to heal people, not maim them, as it happens at war. I didn't even think about anything else.
— Why have you decided to go to Russian National Research Medical University?
—The main medical universities in Moscow are Sechenov University, Russian national research medical University and MSUMD. The last one specializes in dentistry, and I did not want to be a dentist, so I came to Russian National Research Medical University, filled in the papers, and so I’m here. There were very nice people in the admissions office who told me everything I was interested in at that moment.
— What do you like and dislike in the learning process?
— I really like studying medicine. Especially, I am fond of clinical disciplines of the third year. Then the pandemic period began and, unfortunately, we had to skip some of the classes. It helps that we have very qualified teachers working with us at the University. Even in distance learning, they try to convey all the necessary information to us. We have studied gynecology recently. The head of the department, Zhanna Leonidovna Kholodova, taught us. She had a lot of work to do, but she always managed to find time for us. We studied in the evenings. And she came to her office between surgeries to meet us at Zoom.
— Is distance learning more difficult?
— It seems to me that medicine cannot be studied only remotely. It is important to see patients, communicate with them, and have a dialogue with teachers. But now is the time. Nothing can be done. I really hope that in the second term we will meet with everyone in full-time format.
— You were born and grown up in Russia, but, obviously, you have absorbed the national culture of your parents. Do you feel a little different compared to your fellow students?
— Practically not. I think students from all countries are the same. I also studied at a Russian school and know all the local traditions, as well as the customs of my people. All this is combined in me.
— And what national holidays are celebrated in Afghanistan?
— The New Year. It is celebrated on March 21, the day of the spring equinox, and is called Nowruz. There are also Eid al-Adha. At this time, all doors are open for three days in Afghanistan. Anyone can enter each house. All guests are welcomed. Weddings are also widely celebrated here. In general, old traditions are integrated into modern life.
— Can modern Afghani woman be not only a housewife, but also develop professionally?
— Of course, she can, but it depends on the traditions of each family. In our family, the professional development of women is not suppressed.
— Do you connect your future with Russia?
— Yes. I have to study and do my residency. There's a long way to go.
— Have you already decided on your future specialization?
— I'm still thinking. I am studying at the International School of Medicine. I've already realized that I don't want to be a surgeon. I prefer therapeutic specialties, but I haven't decided which one yet. Now I go to the classes of the scientific club on neurology. I am interested in this discipline and the issues that it studies. I want to try myself at neurology. Perhaps I will choose this specialty in the future.
— What goals do you set for yourself?
— I would like to have a large family and combine the role of wife with professional activities. I strive to become a good specialist to do the best for my patients and know exactly how to help them.
— Haven’t you regretted you entered Russian National Research Medical University?
— Never. Even when it was very difficult for me to cope with the program and large amount of information, I did not doubt my choice for a minute.
I noticed that many things depend on the teacher. If he can interest you, then the subject becomes incredibly exciting, and you try to study well…
— Sabih, why have you decided to become a doctor?
— My parents wanted someone in our family to become a doctor. It is an honorable profession. In my opinion, it’s very important to realize your work is helpful to people.
— Do you have a large family?
— In Moscow, where I was born, graduated from school and went to university, there are four of us: dad, mom, me and my little sister. But there are many relatives in Bangladesh. My dad has five siblings. My mother has a brother and two sisters, as well as many cousins, who live in the neighborhood. And I am always very pleased to visit them.
— Do you communicate freely with them?
— Almost free. In Bangladesh, the official language is Bengali. In the XX century there was an independence war in our region, for the native language. And in 1956, it received the status of the native language. By the decision of UNESCO, February 21 is celebrated as the International Mother Language Day in memory of these events. After the end of the Independence War, East Pakistan became an independent state — Bangladesh. It happened in 1971. So the struggle for the native language led to the formation of the country.
— What are your impressions of your trips to Bangladesh?
— It is very interesting. Bangladesh is a small country, the 92nd in the world in terms of territory. But its population is 162 million people and it’s more than in Russia. Despite the high population density, high-rise buildings can be seen only in the largest cities. Usually buildings are no higher than six or seven floors. My father's relatives have a two-story house that we inherited from my grandfather. When I come to Bangladesh, I love to stay with relatives, and they are always have a party.
— Is Bengali cuisine different from Russian?
— Yes, and very much. We have, in fact, Indian cuisine, but there are also its own features. The main product in the diet is long-grain rice. Many spices are used in cooking. We cook in the same way at home, in Moscow.
— What dishes of Russian cuisine does your family like?
— We love borscht, dumplings, buckwheat…
— And the sweet stuff?
— We prefer Bengali sweets. My mother cooks mishti doi. The word "mishti" is translated as "sweetness". It is made from a mixture of thick milk and palm sugar. You get balls in sweet syrup. For my mother, it's a taste of childhood.
— When did your parents come to Russia?
— My father came here in the early 1990s looking for new opportunities. After three or four years, he brought my mother to Russia. Now Dad has his own business related to the production of children's clothing. My mother is a housewife, who is engaged in the upbringing of my younger sister.
— Why have you chosen Russian National Research Medical University?
— I graduated from school with a gold medal. Before entering, I asked my friends, studied the reviews. I submitted the documents to the Sechenov University and Pirogov Medical University. I have chosen the last one and I do not regret it.
— What do you like about learning?
— I noticed that many things depend on the teacher. If he can interest you, then the subject becomes incredibly exciting, and you try to study well. Physiology and pathological physiology, microbiology were very interesting. I also have a hobby. I like History. We taught this subject in our first year, and everyone was surprised that a foreigner like me knows a lot of facts about the country better than Russian students.
— What do you dislike?
— The way the control tests for certain subjects are compiled. I remember that by the first colloquium in the 1st year, I had learned the entire topic set out in the textbook, but when I took the test in the computer room, I answered correctly only 13 questions out of 20. And the passing score was 14. Then I realized that you need to prepare not according to the textbook, but according to the answers to the test questions. Otherwise, you will not be able to pass some items. However, not everything is so bad, there are disciplines whose program fits well into the test system.
— Have you already chosen your future specialization?
— I am considering virology and bacteriology. We have a cyclical training process now, and I am choosing what I like more.
— How do you spend your free time?
— I meet with my classmates, go to the gym.
— What is your main goal?
— I would like to become a good doctor, work in a high-status clinic, but the main thing is to be useful for people. There are things much more important than material wealth. Life and health have no price, and money comes and goes.
My father is the role-model for me. He works as an anesthesiologist-resuscitator in the capital of Benin. Every day he participates in surgical operations, so he supported my choice…
— Osean, why have you decided to become a doctor?
— When I was a child, I always wanted to practice medicine. Moreover, despite the fact that I heard a lot about the difficulties of the profession, it did not change my decision at all. My father is the role-model for me. He works as an anesthesiologist-resuscitator in Porto Novo, the capital of Benin. Every day he participates in surgical operations. He supported my choice and said that helping people is an important and noble task.
— Do you have a large family?
— I have two sisters and three brothers. My elder sister is also studying medicine.
— Why have you decided to study in Russia?
— When I graduated from high school, I was offered to go to study to another country, because I was one of the best graduates. In addition to Russia, I considered Tunisia, China, and Morocco. But my friends advised me to choose your country, because it has the best education of international level.
— Why did you choose Pirogov Medical University?
— It is one of the leading medical universities in Russia. A friend of my parents recommended this university to me. She graduated it. She told me they teach medicine very well here. Now she is a successful doctor in Benin.
— Are there any differences in the educational process?
— Yes, there is a difference between the Russian and Beninese systems. In Russia more attention is paid to theory than to practice in the first years. And in Benin, since the second year, students are in contact with patients thanks to regular visits to hospitals. I would like to have more practice here, but now, unfortunately, this is impossible.
— What are your impressions of exploring Russia?
— Russia is a very large country with a special, diverse climate. It is quite cold in winter and hot in summer. I am glad that I have the opportunity to get acquainted with this country.
— What difficulties did you have to face?
— The most difficult thing is learning Russian. I can’t understand some words yet. Unfortunately, we are currently on distance learning. This is convenient of your language is OK, you understand all the material and perceive everything that the teacher says. But when you do not catch even half of the words, do not assimilate part of the material (sometimes it is not possible to ask a question during the lecture, to clarify some points), then it is not easy.
— How do you overcome the language barrier?
— I try to listen carefully, and ask other students who are better at Russian. I study the most difficult topics with the help of the Internet. I find online materials in French (this is the official language in Benin), read, look into the illustrations.
— What are the most interesting subjects for you?
— Anatomy and Biology. They are very difficult, but interesting.
— Do you plan to participate in the extracurricular activities of the university?
— Yes, I want to learn singing, playing the drum kit. I'm also interested in gymnastics and basketball. I also applied to the RNRMU Volunteer Center and now I’m waiting for suggestions. I am ready to help patients with COVID-19 and doctors in the "red" zone. It is important for me to get experience in the hospital.
— What goals do you set for yourself?
— I have not decided which country I choose for my residency, but I would like to become a surgeon. Obviously, this is a complex specialization, but I'm not considering another option.
I was studying restaurant business: at work, everyone made fun of me that I did everything very clearly and accurately, just like a doctor, and these words were stored in my memory…
— Why have you decided to become a doctor?
— I received a secondary education in another profession. It is connected with the restaurant business. But at work, everyone made fun of me that I did everything very clearly and accurately, like a doctor, and these words were stored in my memory. And there were many moments in my life when someone needed help, and I was not afraid and tried to help this man.
— And what were these situations?
— For example, a person fainted on the street or in transport, and I was not lost.
— Did you know the basics of first aid?
— No, I was not indifferent to others. I noticed that many people were afraid so they turned away and left. I have never had this - I always wanted to understand how to help. I called an ambulance, met the doctors, showed the victim, helped to carry him to the car. I understood that I could not personally help a person, because I did not have the necessary knowledge, so I relied on adults. And this prompted me to apply to a medical university. My mother was working in Moscow. After returning to Bulgaria for a week, she told me about studying in Russia. Before this conversation, I had no plans to study abroad, but I decided to try.
— What had you finished before going to study medicine?
— In Russia, after the ninth grade, you can leave school, and in Bulgaria, you need to learn 12 classes without fail. You just have to choose: continue to study ordinary subjects, such as mathematics, chemistry, biology, history, or choose some specialization and, along with the main disciplines, also study professional ones. And I settled on a school related to tourism, hotels, restaurants and their management. My family used to run a small cafe, I grew up there, and it was the closest thing for me. As a result, I was in the restaurant business for almost four years.
— What did you do?
— First I worked as a bartender in a five-star hotel. Later, in the same hotel, I was a waiter and even a cook — all that skills I’ve got at school. Of course, I was not given any difficult, responsible work, I just helped. Then I won the second place in the competition for the title of the best young waiter in my district in Bulgaria. One of the jury members was the head of a restaurant and he offered me a job. I agreed. I had worked in his restaurant for a year and a half before I quit and went to study in Russia. I was 18 or 19 at that time.
— How did you prepare for admission to a Russian university? Did you have to take any exams?
— In some countries, you have to pass certain exams, but under the agreement between Russia and Bulgaria, foreign students are admitted on the final school grades.
— And what conditions were prescribed for admission: did you pay for your flight, training, and accommodation?
— The contract includes six years of free training and language acquisition. But you pay for everything else yourself. The offered conditions were very good. And if I had to choose again to study in Bulgaria or in Russia, I would go abroad again.
— What do you dislike about Bulgarian universities?
— Not that I don't like it... Just for admission to our university, you had to pass exams in biology and chemistry, and since I had studied at school where more time was devoted to professional subjects, I did not know those disciplines well enough. I would have to work with private teachers for at least a year. Even so, no one could guarantee that I would pass the exams. I did not regret for a minute that I entered a Russian university to study.
— It was hard without in-depth knowledge of chemistry and biology, wasn’t it?
- And it's hard now. The training program is quite intensive: every week you need to learn a large amount of material in different subjects. The first year was biology and chemistry, the second year was biochemistry... it's difficult, and that's the price I pay for studying here.
— Did you know Russian?
— No, and it scared me a lot. I only knew a few phrases: "Hello. My name is Krasimir. I'm a foreigner, I don't understand anything." First I was sent to study Russian language to Tula, and I was glad about it. It’s a small town, so it's not so scary to talk. Many people do not know English. For the last six years in Bulgaria I lived in Sofia, but there are only 1.5 million people there, so Moscow would frighten me with its greatness. We had been learning language for seven months. And, I think, that was not enough. It helped me that we had a lot of grammar and that Bulgarian and Russian have a a lot of similar words or even the same ones. As for my friends from India and Africa Russian was very difficult.
— Did you have any other classes in parallel?
— At first, we had four hours of Russian per day. Then, after a month or two, we began to study biology and chemistry in Russian. Only the first month we had a teacher who spoke English. Further training was only in Russian. It was interesting and at the same time quite difficult for many of us. We worked with online translators, so everything was very slowly. But I believe that if there is a desire, then there is a way to learn everything.
— What language level did you have at the end of the course?
-Not as good as it is now. I was lucky that when I arrived in Moscow, I met not only foreigners, but also locals. It helped. But in Tula it was different: my group consisted of only foreigners, and I heard Russian only during the classes. In the dorm, too, I spoke only in my own language.
— How did you learn about Pirogov Medical University and why have you chosen our university?
— When I filled in the application form, no one told me that you can choose only two universities from one city. Since my mother has been living and working in Moscow, at the Bulgarian Embassy, I pointed out four universities located in the capital. I didn't really know anything about any of them - I just read about them on the Internet. Russian national research medical University was the third on the list. First two universities denied me, and suddenly I was sent to study in Smolensk. As you can imagine, this city is quite far from the capital, and we have decided to stick together with my mother. Moreover, I didn't know Russian well enough, and I was a little scared. Then we contacted the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, where we were told what to do. It was necessary to write a letter to Smolensk with a request to transfer me to another university, as well as to make written requests to the Ministry of Education and Science and to the RSMU. We personally met with Nadezhda Alexandrovna Bylova, she looked through my documents and grades and agreed to take me to study. So I was redirected to Moscow.
— Did you put the Smolensk State Medical University into the list?
— I didn’t! I choose only the universities in Moscow. It’s strange that I was committed myself to learn Russian in Rostov-on-Don. It was a mistake. My mother and I asked if it was possible to study somewhere near Moscow, and the nearest one was Tula.
— How were yourecieved at our University. What do you like and dislike about studying?
— When I first arrived, it was very scary: on the first day we were met by tutors, and the next day we started studying. I didn't know Russian very well at that time, but the teachers, since the whole group consisted of only 28 foreigners, treated us with understanding. All the material was read more slowly than for Russian-speaking students. It also happened that the same thing was explained again and again, until the topic became clear. This made a good impression, because we were not just told and left, but wanted to keep something in our head. Then ten of us were given the opportunity to transfer to an English-speaking group, and five dropped out. The team became small, so we were disbanded and divided into some groups. There is a fairly high opinion of Russian education abroad. When I told someone in Bulgaria that I would study in Moscow, they admired me. As you know, the connection between our countries used to be stronger, but people still consider Russian education to be the best.
— Where do you live now?
— Since the beginning of spring this year, due to the situation with the coronavirus, I have been living with my mother at the Bulgarian Embassy. And it was hard to be with three classmates in the same room: someone prepares for classes at night, someone wants to listen to music or talk. And at home, you can calmly concentrate and remember everything faster.
— What are your favorite subjects?
— I am interested in anatomy, although it is undoubtedly a difficult subject. The teacher, Professor Vladislav Vasilyevich Kulikov explains the material clearly, and asks if we understand everything. And this affects the desire to study the subject. I also like physiology, which is closely related to anatomy. But biochemistry is harder. And it is a pity that it is allocated only a year, and not a year and a half. In my opinion, at lectures, the material on this subject is given quite superficially, and you have to sort out a lot of information at home by yourself.
— What specialization would you choose?
— A surgeon. I was lucky: in the first term, there was a practice in therapeutic and surgical care, and we were sent to the operating unit. There I was able to attend various operations. It's great to watch the doctor and nurses enter the operating room. Everyone understands what to be done. And at the end, an ordinary person who feels better comes out of the operating room. This is an incomparable feeling.
— Do you participate in extracurricular activities?
— I would like to join the student scientific circle of the Department of Anatomy of the LF to learn something new and improve my skills, but at the moment, unfortunately, there is no time left.
— When you first arrived in Russia, what traditions and local dishes made the greatest impression on you?
— When you live in a hostel, you can't touch the local traditions, but Russian cuisine at first seemed strange to me. But now I really like borscht and dumplings, they are unpopular in our country.
Many people because of the movies think that Russia lives in an eternal winter but when you arrive, you can see the changes! Also the Russian language is completely different from Spanish and it is a challenge to learn it.
— Why have you decided to become a doctor, especially children's oncologist?
— There were many factors for which I decided to study pediatric oncology. Despite the fact, the population of my country is about eleven million people, we have problems in the treatment and control of cancer patients due to the lack of specialists, trained and specialized centers in this field of Medicine.
— How many such cancer patients do you have in your country? Where do young patients get treatment in this case?
— Unfortunately, we do not have a National Cancer Registry, but according to WHO estimates 250 to 300 new cases are reported each year. Most patients receive care in small units in major hospitals in cities.
— Therefore, do you have children’s oncologists in your country? Where did they received training?
— At the moment, there are only four pediatric oncologists. All received training in Mexico.
— Where did you study before admission to the Pirogov Medical University?
— I had entered the medical residency of Pediatrics in Aquino University Bolivia in 2014 and finished 2017. Then, in 2019, I studied at Belgorod State University.
— Why did you choose Russia to continue your education, not other countries? And why have you chosen Pirogov Medical University?
— Russia is the largest country in the world. In Latin America people usually have a good concept of Education in Russia for all the achievements and intellectual development. Good relations between Bolivia and Russia allow the procedures to be carried out to study more quickly and easily. I chose Pirogov Medical University for being one of the best universities in its field and the high standard it maintains in the international rankings.
— How did your family react on your moving to another country?
— At first they were a little worried because Latin America has completely different culture and traditions.
— What differences did you find between studies in Russia and in Bolivia?
— The main is that in Latin America, we do not have simulation areas as in Russia. The practices are performed only in public and private hospitals. Also in the last year of study, we performed a year that is known as internship where we work a full year in the hospital. There we perform rotations of 3 months for pediatrics, internal medicine, surgery and gynecology.
— Please, tell us about learning environment.
— I received support through government institutions. At the end of my studies, I must return to Bolivia to work and provide support to the institutions that are mainly responsible for the area of Oncology and start a project to establish new policies and protocols for the management of oncological diseases.
— What were your first impressions of studying here?
— My first impressions were very good about the base hospital where I was assigned — Dmitry Rogachev National Medical Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology. This is one of the best in Russia and specialized entirely in children. In the short time in Russia I have seen the progressive change and improvements that have been carried out in recent years and it is something that I would like to adapt to the health system of my country. It is understandable that the system is not perfect but comparing specialists of many countries where access to health is free I think that Russian experts are doing an excellent job.
— Do you face any difficulties during your study?
Mainly in language. The Russian language is completely different from Spanish and it is a challenge to learn it. I have been studying it for 8 months and at first I had to ask my colleagues for help, and little by little I was improving.
— I guess you find it difficult to work with Russian-speaking children…
— If it is a little complicated to talk with children especially with children under 5 years because they are also in the process of learning and development. In general, parents are the ones who collaborate most and understand the fact that someone comes from another country and try to help you with the conversation.
— Do you participate in social life of our University? Maybe you are travelling around our country.
— Unfortunately, because of the pandemic many activities were suspended. I was able to attend only some lectures by teachers from other countries before it started.
As for tourism, I could know only St. Petersburg, Belgorod, Kazan and Saransk.
— Was it difficult for you to get used to new climate?
— During the winter, the changes are very remarkable but unlike what many thinks in Latin America. Russia has varied climates according to the season. Unfortunately, because of the movies many people think that Russia lives in an eternal winter but when you arrive, you can see the changes.
— What Russian traditions and dishes made the most impression on you?
— The traditions that I liked Mastlenitsa the most, the tradition of Orthodox Epiphany and May holidays on Victory Day. My favourite dishes are the Russian pancakes, borscht, casserole, dumplings and caviar.
— Would you like to enter a PhD programme?
— Yes, I would like but it is a topic that I must discuss in Bolivia because I must return there for the implementation of the oncology program.
"I want to go back to Bosnia and do something good"
— Ayla, you speak Russian almost without an accent. It is difficult to recognize a foreigner in you.
— Thank you. My mom is from Ukraine that is why I know Russian so well.
— How did it turned out that you chose medicine in Russia?
— I did not have an example among my parents. My mother is a teacher—psychologist, and my father was a builder. After graduation, you had to choose a college. In Bosnia, we study for nine grades, and then we must go to college. I decided to go to medical school. Do you know what influenced my decision? I practiced my Russian by watching movies, listening to music. After watching the series "Pregnancy Test», I decided to become an obstetrician-gynecologist. Although before that, I was firmly convinced that I would be a dentist!
— It turns out that you initially chose Russia because of your mother.
— I had a choice between Germany and Russia. Embassy staff came to our college and offered to enroll in a quota at a university in Germany. I don't know German well and decided to use the language I already speak. I found out through the embassy that there is a possibility of free education in Russia.
When I filled out the questionnaire on the Study in Russia website, I didn't even know which university to choose. And thanks to the embassy staff for prompting universities. One woman, with whom I talked the most, exclaimed "Wow, RNRMU!" I really liked that it was different from other universities.
— How did your Mom react?
— Mom said, "I believe you and I am sure that you are taking your chance. Knowing your temper, nothing will stop you." She just accepted my decision and became the biggest supporter.
— How were the first weeks in Russia and the University?
— I visited Russia for the first time when I arrived in August 2019. It was my longest trip. Initially, I communicated with Russians living in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Mom has many friends who were married and moved to the Balkans. So I asked them. Some recalled the 1990s: "Moscow is a big city, beware!" On the first day in the capital, even at the airport, I said to myself: "Ayla, you've been living here for 10 years, make a serious face, you don't need any help." Everything went well: taxi — RNRMU. I remember on the first day I was waiting with a 30-kilogram suitcase at six in the morning for the admission office to open. I am happy with how I behaved in the first days. (Laughs.) Unless it was difficult to accept the size of the subway.
And as for the University… I had no idea what education was like in another country. The first days with the point-rating system were a big trauma for me. I still remember! Thank God, all the teachers understand, thanks to them I began to believe in myself.
— So you have been in Russia for 3 years now.
— Not really. In May 2020, all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina were evacuated due to COVID-19. I only came back a couple of months ago. (The interview was taken in December 2021. — Editor's note). All this time she lived in Sarajevo (the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. — Ed.) and studied remotely. It is very difficult both psychologically and physically. You are in the same room all the time — studying and living.
I like studying. I think if a person has chosen medicine, they should like what they are doing. Topographical anatomy works best for me: everything that is related to surgery. In the future, I want to become an obstetrician-gynecologist, so I say to myself: "You should like everything related to obstetrics and gynecology".
— How do you like Russia?
— The first thing I did not like in Russia, or rather in Moscow, is the feeling that even 48 hours a day will not be enough for people. Everyone is constantly working, looking only forward and looking like robots. Muscovites do not have much time, they do not have time, they try to fit everything in one day, but they cannot. I am not used to this, in Sarajevo, people know each other, and there are warmer, closer relations between them. Here you can go out into the city and meet about six people you know.
— Where, besides Moscow, have you been in the country?
— Unfortunately, nowhere. But I'll change that soon! I didn’t have time yet. Now I want to go to St. Petersburg. However, so far I have not even seen the whole of Moscow. The teachers are surprised, and I visited Red Square for the first time two months ago when I returned to Russia. There just was not enough time before that. I was studying and was afraid that something would not work out. Only classes, nothing else existed.
— Is there a favorite place in the capital?
— Yes, Gorky Park.
— Besides studying, what do you do at the University?
— Nothing yet, but I will fix that too! I am good at singing, I have a very close friend who inspires me — this is Nina (Nikolina Chabarkapa, a student from Montenegro. — Ed.). We are close to her, if only because our countries are neighbors. Nina inspired me, and I thought: "Why not start singing?" I also want to become a volunteer; I also did this at home.
— How do people react when they find out where you come from?
— When I told my classmates that I was from Bosnia and Herzegovina, someone asked me: "Is this a city in Bulgaria?" (Laughs.) The teachers generally said that I was the first student from this country in the history of the University. I was very surprised! I remember looking at a table with data on Bosnian students in Russia, in which I was the only one who entered a medical university. It is only about 2019.
I really hoped that there were other people from the Balkans, and it turned out that way. Montenegrins are studying, more and more students from neighboring countries. I feel warmer when they are around. These are my people. However, I try to communicate with all the students. Thanks to this, I want to change my worldview, get to know more people from other countries.
In ordinary life in Moscow, everyone thinks that I am Russian. I try to speak without an accent, and no one asks me where I am from, everyone thinks I am from Russia.
— And how do they feel in Bosnia about the fact that you live and study in Russia?
— We have almost all the guys who graduate from medical schools, strive for Europe: Germany, Austria or Switzerland. When I was applying for training, I was often asked which country I was going to. And most were surprised when I talked about Russia: "Why?" We have very few students who want to study here. This mainly concerns the guys from Sarajevo, I know a few of them. More students come to Russia from the Republika Srpska (a territorial entity formed because of the 1992-1995 Serbo-Bosnian conflict, de jure part of Bosnia and Herzegovina, but having some powers peculiar to autonomies. The predominant population is Bosnian Serbs who profess Orthodoxy. When they ask why not Germany or Austria, I answer: "But because everyone goes to these countries, and I don't want to go there!" Russia, its people, their traditions are closer to me.
My friends were amazed by my decision, because I did not tell anyone until the last minute! After defending her diploma in medical school, she said that she entered a medical university in Russia. Everyone was just in shock! Some were even offended that I left them.
— Are many people staying in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
— Now more and more are leaving.
— Are you planning to become an obstetrician-gynecologist, but would you like to work in Russia or Bosnia?
— Honestly? I would like to return to my homeland. It is my dream to stay in Bosnia and try to change something thanks to the education I received in Russia. I am satisfied with the knowledge I acquire here and the high requirements at RNRMU.
— What do we know about Bosnia? There is no single nation and religion in this country. And there is a very interesting nationality — Bosniaks. These are Muslim Slavs…
— We call them Bošnjac — "bosniak". My dad is a Muslim, just like me. According to Bosnian traditions, we accept the religion of the father. But my mother is Orthodox. I am very grateful to my parents. After all, everything happens for a reason. Thanks to the religion of mom and dad, I have no obstacles; I can look at people, at what they really are. In our country, many people divide each other into Orthodox, Catholics and Muslims. However, I have no problems with this, I perceive everyone the same.
— The Bosniaks appeared as a result of the conversion of the Southern Slavs to Islam during the expansion of the Ottoman Empire. How strong are their traditions now?
— The Ottoman Empire had a great influence on our traditions and history. We are close to Turkey in many ways — for example, our food is very similar. A traditional Bosnian dish is chevapi: fried sausages made of ground meat with seasonings, very reminiscent of kebabs. It is cooked in smoke, and literally, the whole city is saturated with this smell. All hungry tourists immediately run to eat, so there are quite a lot of different restaurants in Sarajevo. At every step you can find our national food, we are proud of it!
If you look at the architecture of Sarajevo, you can see the trends of the Ottoman Empire, but not only. There are buildings from the time of Austria-Hungary, Bosnia was also a part of it.
— What else can surprise a Russian in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
— I watched the program "Heads and Tails", and the presenters were very surprised by the bullet holes on the buildings. Why haven't they been patched up? The economic situation. And someone says it's a memory. The topic of war is a big trauma for us. People still flinch when they hear a loud noise or a siren.
— It is about the Bosnian War of 1992-1995.
— Dad fought at the very beginning of the conflict, but then he received an invitation to work from Russia and Ukraine. At that time, many Bosnians received similar offers from European countries and from humanitarian organizations. That is what saved him. He left, met my mother in Ukraine, and my older brother was born there. In 1999, they returned to Bosnia and Herzegovina, where I was born a year later.
According to my parents, it was very difficult in Bosnia then, although it is not easy now. There is a crisis in the country that began even before the pandemic, more and more young people are leaving, not seeing their future here. But I still want to stay and do something useful for the country. I think when everyone leaves; there will be a lot of room for me! (Laughs)
— Your hometown, Sarajevo, is known to everyone who studied history at school. Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria was shot in it in 1914, which was the reason for the outbreak of the First World War.
— Yes, it happened 15 minutes from my house. There is a monument there, a museum nearby, there is a bridge named after Gavrilo Princip (the Bosnian student who fatally wounded Franz Ferdinand. — Ed.). In the history lesson, the teacher asked why the First World War began. I replied, "Because of the murder of the Archduke, 15 minutes from my house."
— Russians at some point found out about Bosnia because of a funny meme in social networks.
— Ha! That Croatia forbids us to swim in the sea. Yes, but there is such a small part that still goes out to the Adriatic Sea. Alas, there is a very bad, winding road in those parts. It is easier and faster to get to the resort town of Neum through Croatia! (Laughs)
We are very proud of our nature: mountains, abundance of plants. Clean water flows from the tap, which you can drink. It was a shock to me when I tried to do it in Russia. They told me right away: "Don't drink, don't drink!"
— Do they speak three languages in Bosnia?
— The official language is Bosnian. However, everyone knows both Croatian and Serbian. These are very similar languages. For example, the word "milk" — mlijeko in Bosnian — sounds almost the same and is written in Serbian and Croatian.
As for me, I speak these three languages, also in English, I know Turkish, Russian and Ukrainian. Funny situations sometimes arise in Russia. I was asked, "What is your last name?", and in Bosnian, this word means "family". I replied that everything was fine. Many identical words have different meanings. You have a week, and we have nedjelja — it's Sunday. Sometimes it comes to the ridiculous: ponos translates from Bosnian as "pride".
While I was at school, I learned Russian songs, such as "Moscow Evenings"," Katyusha" and gained a lot of knowledge about the country… By the way, a specialist who came from abroad will be hired sooner than our own. But there will be more control.
— Why have you decided to become a doctor?
— When my dad got cancer, I wished I could help him. But I didn't have time: he had left before I graduated from high school.
— Where have you decided to study at?
— I entered the Thaingguen University of Medicine and Pharmacology in Vietnam in 2003. After the first semester, I got an opportunity to study in Russia for free. I took a preparatory course in Russian for four months, and in September I started classes at the Rostov State Medical University.
In 2011, I graduated and returned home to Vietnam where I worked as an ENT at the North Central Hospital of Thaingguyen for four years. In 2015, I again got a scholarship at the residency program of RUDN, and at the postgraduate program of the RNRMU in 2020.
— How did you manage?
— Every time I wrote an application to the Russian Embassy in Vietnam, and they evaluated the results of my studies and work. But I was warned that I would have to return home and work in Vietnam after graduation.
— How long will you have to work in Vietnam?
— I don't know yet, but I'll go back to my old job.
— But why have you chosen Russia?
— There is a long-standing friendship between Russia and Vietnam. In Vietnam there are many teachers and doctors who graduated from Russian universities. In addition, while I was at school, I learned Russian songs, such as "Moscow Evenings"," Katyusha" and gained a lot of knowledge about the country. I like Russia.
— What is the difference between studying in our countries?
— Studying in Russia is more difficult, but there is more practice in Vietnam. Students are on duty together with the doctor from the third or fourth year there. Therefore, when a student for the sixth year is determined with a specialty, he is ready for it.
— Why have you chosen RNRMU?
— When I was studying in residency, I read a lot of scientific articles, many of which were written by Professor Andrey Ivanovich Kryukov. He is a very well-known person, often speaks at conferences. When I learned more about him, I immediately wanted to enter the Department of Otorhinolaryngology named after Academician B. S. Preobrazhensky, which he heads.
— Was it difficult to apply for a scholarship?
— There was a big competition.
— Did you meet your expectations when you came to us?
— Yes. I arrived at the university late, in early November, after which I spent 20 days processing documents. But during this time I was with the students in practice as an assistant. Then Andrey Ivanovich Kryukov with two professors asked me questions about otolaryngology, operations, and then noted: "Okay, you know everything, so you'll be my graduate student". I thought - how lucky I am! The fact is that when I was going to Russia, he was informed that a graduate student from Vietnam was going to visit him. He was so scared, because I was supposed to be the first foreigner, he thought that I would not be able to cope.
— Tell us how your studies were built?
— I studied for three years. In the first year, it was necessary to practice with students and attend lectures as an assistant professor. I also took courses in the History and hilosophy of science, Bioethics, Pedagogy, and Computer science. The topic of my dissertation was closely related to Vietnam - "Therapeutic and diagnostic algorithm for allergic rhinitis in North Vietnam" - so in summer I went home and collected material. In September I returned to Russia.
In my second year of study, I also completed an internship with students, prepared articles for the conference, and started writing my dissertation. During the year, I went to Vietnam several more times, and in the summer I took an exam in my first specialty — ear, throat and nose diseases.
In the third year, I wrote articles for the conference and stayed in Russia to process the research results. And in summer I had an exam in my second specialty — clinical immunology, allergology.
When I first entered the RNRMU, the deputy dean warned me that none of the foreigners could finish their degree in time. I said I could, and I did it!
— Why can't foreigners finish their degree in time?
— We have a lot of problems. For example, with language. It's so difficult! I can speak, but I can hardly write.
— Did you write one dissertation in two specialties at once?
— Yes, I did.
— Did you participate in extracurricular activities of the university?
— No, I also helped at the Embassy of Vietnam in Russia for free. For example, when the coronavirus pandemic began, many Vietnamese people fell ill, and they did not know Russian, and there were some problems with documents. I consulted them on the phone, called them an ambulance and was an interpreter when they were admitted to the hospital.
— You have lived in Russia for so many years, what traditions or local dishes have impressed you the most?
— I love Russia very much, and I think your people are very kind. Your employees at universities are very friendly.
— Aren’t our compatriots so friendly?
— You have heads of departments who have held their posts for many years, but we do not: every five years there must be a new person. So you have people holding on to each other. And in Russia, it is so good when the holidays are: half of the time Russians spend together with their loved ones. And our people usually go to the sea, maybe to another city, but without relatives.
— So everyone celebrates on their own, without a family?
— Yes. In Russia they spend more time with each other. Oh, yes! Of the dishes, I like borscht the most.
— Was there something that you liked or disliked while studying at our university?
— No, I really liked everything here. The University is so quick to solve problems with papers! When I was studying at the RUDN, it was a nightmare, every year I was dealing with documents related to medical examinations, visa extensions, and here everyone helped us a lot! They just told me to make copies. Teachers also helped.
— How is Russian education valued in Vietnam?
— A specialist who came from abroad will be hired sooner than our own. But there will be more control. If a person came from abroad and started doing something wrong, then a bad impression will be formed. And if he graduated from a university in Vietnam and made a mistake in his work, this will be treated normally.
— Would you like to work in another country?
— I would like to stay in Russia. Andrey Ivanovich and Galina Petrovna have already offered it twice, but I have a family in Vietnam: a daughter, a husband, a mother and a sister. They don't want to move. But you know, it's good to work in Vietnam, too.
— Wow! When did you get married?
— Yes, when I was 27 or 28 years old. When I went abroad again in 2015, my daughter was very young — she was only a year and four months old.
— How did your husband and family in general react to the fact that you decided to return to Russia?
— My family supported me. When I found out that I had received a scholarship, I refused, explaining that I could not leave my daughter to my husband and mother. But I was told that I would have the opportunity to come to Vietnam two or three times a year. Then I decided, and my family was always there: the Internet worked well, and I was used to such communication.
— How will you get home?
— The Embassy buys us tickets. They are gradually closing the borders, but the planes will fly twice a month.
— Does the Embassy buy you return tickets?
— Yes, getting a scholarship meant that I could study in Russia for free, receive increased Russian (in the amount of 8,500 rubles) and Vietnamese scholarships. They also promised that if I finish my degree, I would be paid for a return ticket, and if I did not have time for it, they would extend my studies for free.
I had worked with doctors dealing with horses, monkeys, pelicans, dogs, cats, turtles and goats. Within 3 years I realized that I loved medicine but veterinarian medicine was not for me, so I decided to pursue in human medicine…
— Why did you choose a medical profession?
— The reasons why… well, my parents have influenced me because they are also in the medical field. When I grew up I realized that I was naturally a person who wanted to help. I wanted to do my best. I was always fascinating with getting knowledge of human body. I had this drive even when I was studying as a veterinarian.
— Did you work as a veterinarian?
— Yes, in homeland. Before I came to Pirogov Medical University I had been working as a lab technician for three years. I had been reading the blood tests — complete blood count, or CBC — and had been explaining the symptoms related to them. I had worked with doctors dealing with horses, monkeys, pelicans, dogs, cats, turtles and goats.
Within three years, I have been working there I realized that I loved medicine but veterinarian medicine was not for me. I decided I wanted to pursue in human medicine.
— It is very interesting, really.
— It is a bit complicated, because I have gone through many things to come to this point of my life.
— You told your parents have been in the medical field. Are they doctors?
— I would not like to talk about them. But I can say one of my sisters is also a veterinarian. When she was only 16-17 years old she was a volunteer in one of the vet clinics cleaning cages and walking the dog. She was very good at it and very good with people because you need to speak with an owner if you want to understand what is going on with his pet. So she fell in love with this profession.
— What type of doctor do you want to become?
— I do not know yet but I have recently figured out myself as a cardiologist. I cannot say where I will be after the rest of three years of study: whether I will stay in Russia, go back home or change country at all.
— What is the level of medicine quality in your country?
— It is complicated. I am originally from Gayana, that is my country but I have never lived there since three years old. So when I was three I left and started living in Caribbean. There we have different offshore medical schools but most of them are American because Caribbean is American tourists destination. There are cruise ships, hotels, tourist activity. These American medical schools are very good but too expensive. This type of schooling is for an American citizen who has good income. There are also another medical school based on the island but it is not very popular.
— But do you have good doctors and good medicine, in general?
— We have comprehensive doctors. I mean the critical thinking aspect: they are able to deduce the situation quite well, even with limited resources available.
— Where did you study before coming to Russia?
— I studied in a college in the Saint Martin island. After that I took two-three years and started working as a veterinarian, a constructor, a waiter and a barista. I did a lot of things because after high school I didn’t know what I want to do. When I made a decision, I had three options: go to study to Cuba, Jamaica or Russia.
— Why are these three countries?
— It is my opportunity: other countries are more expensive. Another reason why I am here — my dad convinced me to go to Russia. He said Russia changed him as a person, you know, his mentality. Also the Russian medical school system is the best among schools of some other Western countries. But the main reason why I decided to come is I have an opportunity to get to Russia, specifically Moscow and understand roots. My mum is Russian, and my dad is African.
— Did they move together with you, or not?
— They had been in Russia last year and a half, but they came back to my home town. It is hard to start new life here, it is really too much. Imagine the place where they come from: sun, beaches, coconut trees, no winter.
— What did your mum tell you about Russia before your trip here?
— She has not say much about Russia. It is mostly my dad who is more pro-Russia. My family in general came to an overall agreement that Russia could be a good start for my future.
— Why do your dad like Russia?
— He has admired the culture and the way of life over here. He studied here during the 80’s-90’s. So he was exposed to a lot of new ideologies that left a positive print on his personality.
— How did you imagine our country and what your hopes and fears did come true?
— I had mostly aspirations and curiosity, the fear did not exist. I was mostly thinking about what the Russian medical system could provide for me after I could do with study.
— Why did you choose Pirogov medical University?
— The Pirogov medical University apparently advances education. I like its credit system, distance learning and dining area. There is even a piano here, so people have an opportunity to play the musical instrument and listen to music. This way friendly infrastructure are kept. This is very important for student health mentality: if you do not like system you am going to get depressed.
I also heard a lot of about Sechenov University, some of my friends are studying there, but I more prefer Pirogov medical University. People make a mistake when they go to a University and if the first impression they get is bad, they think that the whole University is bad and try to change it. But when I came to University, I do not let my first impression influences me because it is always different.
Some students complain that the study at this University is too hard, they consider that study at the Sechenov University is easier. This is your preference. The study here is not really easy but it’s good. Why we have to run away from difficulties?
— Could you, please, tell about the process of your admission here? Did you enter our University through the Russian Embassy?
— My country does not have the Russian Ambassy. Basically I was helped by one of the agencies from Moscow. It has provided me a type of service where specialists help you with Russian student visa, with a hostel, with school fees and who coordinate your student life. They even can pick you up from the airport when you first visit Moscow and do not know Russian at all. This service is very helpful for foreign students who want to study in Russia.
— Is this agent provided by Pirogov Medical University?
— I do not know whether this agency works for the University, but they work with the University for a long time.
— And how do you find a new language?
— I understand Russian but I do not speak well enough. I was studying in English until my third course, on the third course our lectures have been partly in Russian, and in fourth year, we have all lessons in Russian.
— Share your impression of studying here, maybe you like some subjects.
— Everything is well. I am really interested in pharmacology, pathophysiology and internal diseases. Unfortunately, because of COVID we cannot go to hospitals and interact to the patients. One of my professor, Tatyana Yurievna Ruchinskaya, is an assistant professor of the Department of Pathophysiology and Clinical Pathophysiology. She is very good at teaching, I really enjoy her teaching methods and she does not make her subject complicated.
For internal diseases the professor’s name is Elena Vladimirovna Reznik. She is a good clinician. One of a few teachers who really care about an education because teachers usually just want you to pass their exams. But Dr. Elena Vladimirovna is different, she invests in your education. I also found that all teachers do a great job trying to translate topics in English.
— Tell about your social life here.
— I study sambo at this University. I had the fifth or sixth class and I like them. I enjoy fighting and wrestling.
— This is great. You have time for something else except studying.
— Yes, it is possible. You see, I did a bit of taekwondo before.
— Are you travelling around Russia?
— The only place where I am travelling is a Moscow subway. I cannot go further because of COVID. I suppose to go to Crimea and Sochi, but not it is only a plan.
— But do you enjoy staying in Moscow?
— Yeah, it is okey. I am not very picky, I just like that what I have. Moscow is very beautiful, you can meet good people here although they are not so friendly. I would say I have a good experience here. But maybe I will go to Saint Petersburg to feel the difference.
— What do you like in the local cuisine?
— I like khachapuri, khinkali and borsch. My mum often used to make borsch — there were a lot of beef. She also made pancakes. But khachapuri and khinkali are my favorite.
— Did you think about the continuation of your education in Russia after these six years?
— That is still up for debate: maybe I want to stay in Moscow, maybe I want to pursue a PhD in another country. Everything depends on six years.
The most difficult thing is some medical terms, as well as patient complaints: it they’re common, such as pain, nausea, cough, I will certainly understand. But there are very specific symptoms…
— Sir Riches, you have an unusual name…
— That's the name my Dad choose. This is the name of noble and respected people in England. My father thought the name Sir Riches was beautiful. My classmates and friends did not immediately believe it’s my real name. That was not easy for the teachers at school to refer to the child with such "honors", and they tried to shorten my name to one word — Riches. (Laughs)
— Tell us a little about your country.
— I came from Ghana. This small country is located in the western part of Africa. The population is about 30 million people. Our native language is English, and the second language we study is French. Cocoa and other agricultural crops are grown in the country. Ghana is also one of the largest gold miner in the world.
— Why did you want to study in Russia?
— My dad got a medical degree here once. He's a GP, just like my mum.
— Did you decide to become a doctor on the advice of your parents?
— Yes, my parents wanted me to become a doctor. And I also like this profession very much. From several options, I chose the Pirogov Medical University.
— Have you already decided on your specialization?
— I haven't decided yet. I’m considering gynecology and traumatology.
— What are the most interesting subjects for you?
— I like anatomy, physiology and pharmacology the most.
— Are you friends with your classmates?
— Yes, I have friends here from Ghana, India, Zambia, Nigeria, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Russia.
— Did you manage to visit other regions of Russia?
— I visited the Ryazan region and Penza, the city where my friend was born. The life is a calm, measured in such places, there are no traffic jams and such a large number of people as in the capital. It is good to relax there, but it is still better to work in a large city.
— Were you born in a big city?
— I was born in Tamal. It is the third largest city in the country after Accra, the capital, and Kumasi. It's not very big.
— How do you overcome the language barrier?
— Sometimes it’s difficult. In class, the teacher wants us to answer quickly. First I have to translate the question in my head, and then I have to phrase a reply in Russian.
— What is the most difficult thing for you in Russian?
— The most difficult thing is some medical terms, as well as patient complaints. If they are common, such as pain, nausea, cough, I will certainly understand. But there are very specific symptoms. In such cases, I search for information on the Internet.
— What did you like about Moscow?
— The structure of the city. Everything is organized according to the plan here, there are many recreations: cinemas, cafes, bowling alleys, go-karts. I’m planning to visit the Zoo.
— Do you play sports in Moscow?
— Yes, I play football with my friends.
— How do you like Russian cuisine?
— It differs from the African one. Our diet is consists of carbohydrates mainly, a lot of fruit. In Russia, I liked borscht and minced meat dishes, such as cutlets, the most.
— What do you like about learning?
— Teachers are very attentive to our problems and try to help immediately and explain what we do not understand. I also like that there is a clear training plan. Students know the structure of the educational process in advance. We know what topics we will be studying in the near future.
— And what do you dislike?
— We have a lot of work, but this is normal. I understand that medicine requires deep immersion in the subject.
— After completing your training, are you going to return to your homeland?
— I don't know yet. If I get an interesting job in a Russian clinic, I will be happy to stay here, and if I am offered a promising place in my homeland, I will return to Ghana. It all depends on where I can be implemented as a doctor. But now there is a high unemployment rate in Ghana. And I am not ruling out that in future I will move to Norway, Sweden or Germany. There is a high living standards and a good climate.
— What do you dream about?
— I want to become a first-class doctor and help many people, no matter how much money I get for it. I also wish my loved ones to be healthy and happy.
The fact is that the brain is an amazing organ responsible for many different functions: it regulates the activity of nervous system and provides us the ability to speak, hear, think and see. I am very interested in learning about the brain as much as possible.
— Lisbeth, why have you chosen medicine?
— I’ve always dreamed of helping people. And I’ve chosen the profession of a doctor, because the doctor has an idea of what human being is, and knows how to help him in case of illness.
— When did you decide to become a doctor?
— My mother is a psychologist. Once, when I was seven, I attended an appointment she was conducting. A patient needed help of a specialist. My mother began a consultation. And I watched her and I was amazed by her work. I said I wanted to do the same. And my mother answered I have to study a lot for it. Then I firmly decided that I would become a doctor.
— Where did you study before entering our University?
— I went to International high school in America.
— Why have you decided to continue your education in Russia, and not in any other country? And why have you chosen our University?
— I’ve heard many positive reviews about Russian medicine and the quality of education. Russia is a distant and mysterious country. Personally, I was very interested in your culture. And I wanted to know it better and get a medical education in Russia. My choice was based on reviews.
— You're a brave girl. Were your family and friends worried about letting you go so far from home?
— My friends understood me. They wished me to make my dream come true. Russia is far from Guatemala. But a country like Cuba is very close, and we have close ties with it. Many Cuban doctors were educated in Russia and became highly qualified specialists. This information was quite enough for me to make a decision about where I would like to study medicine.
— Tell us how you prepared the documents for admission to the University. Did the Russian Embassy in Guatemala help with this?
— All our students who were preparing for admission to Russian universities were recommended to contact the Embassy. And it helped me a lot. Russian representatives explained what documents have to be prepared for Russian visa and admission to the University.
— Who pays for your training?
— I know that there is an international program that allows Russian speaking foreigners to get an education in Russia for free. But this is not my case. I pay for my tuition. I think getting a profession is very important for me, it is an investment in the future.
— Tell us about your impressions. What did you like most about Russia?
— I was fascinated by the snowfall. This is a very beautiful, impressive sight. There is no snow in our country. I am very impressed with the modern style of the capital. I was also pleased with the University itself. There are many educational opportunities here. The system is designed in such a way that you constantly see and evaluate your level of knowledge,. We have wonderful teachers who are always ready to explain what you don't understand yet.
— Do you have any favorite subjects?
— My favorite subject is Anatomy. Other disciplines are also interesting. You have to remember a large amount of information. But this is necessary in order to become a good doctor. So I try to learn everything that we are asked.
— How do you learn Russian?
— I have classes with a teacher three times a week. We analyze anatomical terms in Russian. And I have Russian friends, we communicate both in Russian and in English. Now I can introduce myself and tell a little about myself. I will continue to study language to communicate with the teachers in Russian and understand everything they explain.
— How many years do you plan to devote to studying at the University?
— I plan to study for six years in the specialty program, and then continue my residency training in one of the European countries, for example, in Spain.
— Have you already decided on your specialty?
— I would like to become a neurologist or a cardiologist.
— What influenced your choice?
— The fact is that the brain is an amazing organ responsible for many different functions. It regulates the activity of nervous system and provides us the ability to speak, hear, think and see. I am very interested in learning about the brain as much as possible. Therefore, I consider for myself such a field as neurology. As for cardiology, I would be interested to study heart as a source of blood flow in the body, the vital activity of the human body. At what moment the heart begins to beat, why it sometimes suddenly stops. All this is very mysterious and fascinating to me.
— How do you see your future work?
— At the end of my training, I would like to return to my homeland, get a job in an organization that provides high-quality medical care to people who are not able to pay for treatment with good doctors.
— Have you travelled in Russia?
— Yes, I have already visited the southern regions of Russia. Now I am planning to see St. Petersburg. I am also interested in the sights of Moscow.
— Have you easily adapted to our climate?
— At first it was unusual. It is very cold in Russia, and in winter it is also snowy. During the summer vacation, I’m going to Guatemala to warm up a little. (Laughs)
— What Russian traditions made an impression on you?
— I was very impressed by the New Year celebration in Russia, which is very different from the New Year traditions in my homeland. You have a lot of excitement on New Year's Eve, people go out, meet with friends and have a lot of fun.
— What traditional Russian dish did you remember the most?
— Dumplings. I was surprised by the new combination of ingredients when I first tried them.
— What would you wish those who are going to enter the university this year?
— I want to wish you not to be afraid of the difficulties of studying and make your dreams come true!
For the Greeks it is important life to be comfortable and pleasant at the moment. And in Russia, people are ready to suffer for the sake of their goal…
— Elpida, why have you decided to become a doctor?
— I was good at school. At first, I wanted to become a diplomat, so I studied foreign languages: English and French. But at a certain point I realized that the ability to save and treat people is the main point of the doctor's profession, and I decided to go to a medical university.
— What specialization have you chosen?
— Now I'm considering ophthalmology. Before that, I wanted to be a therapist, a general practitioner, but then I decided to focus on something specific. An ophthalmologist is a fairly quiet profession, in which you can be a therapist or a surgeon. Moreover, operations are usually short-lived. It is microsurgery. And this is the right choice for me.
— Why did you decide to study in Russia?
— My mother is Russian. And she advised me to enter a Russian university. We were living in Greece at the time. We decided moving to Russia in case of my successful admission. I've got a quota. After I had been enrolled to the university, we moved.
— Have you been speaking Russian since childhood?
— No, when I lived in Greece I almost did not speak Russian, I could only read. It wasn't very difficult, since the Russian and Greek alphabets are similar.
— Where did you learn Russian?
— I entered the university as a Greek citizen. We studied Russian as a foreign language. We had one or two classes a week. It's not much but in the first two years it was difficult for me. I wrote down the lectures partly in Greek, partly in Russian. So I gradually mastered a lot of new words and overcame the language barrier.
— Do you see your future with Russia?
— Yes, now I would like to stay here and work in an ophthalmology clinic. But when I first came to Russia, I had a denial of everything new. Here I got used to the cold climate, to the people of Russian culture. In the beginning I was sure I would return to Greece.
— How do your compatriots differ from Russians?
— The Greeks differ from the Russians in their perception of the world and culture. We treat everything easier, smile constantly, say «Good morning!» to each other. When you go to the store to buy bread, the Greeks can give you present. They are always friendly, but at the same time not as deep as the Russians . For the Greeks it is important life to be comfortable and pleasant at the moment. And in Russia, people are ready to suffer for the sake of their goal. They are easier to put up with the difficulties. In Russia, people are ready to endure difficulties now in order to get something more in the future. And the Greeks will not go on a conscious self-restraint. For example, they are unlikely to agree to buy a home on a mortgage. The most important thing is that they feel good today. That's enough. There is no need for any difficulties. This superficial perception of life is also facilitated by a milder climate.
— Why have you chosen Pirogov Medical University?
— I have dual nationality. Since I graduated from a Greek school, I went to a foreign faculty. Quotas in Greece are distributed on a competitive basis by the Russian Center for Science and Culture , located in Athens. onsidering applications, they point on school exams, a certificate, language skills, and sports achievements are taken into CV. When you get a quota, you can choose two or three universities. And some of them are offered to you.
— What difficulties did you have to face moving to Russia?
— It was difficult for me to get used to the conditions in the student residence, where you need to cook, clean, and find a common language with other people. Oral exams were not easy. In Greece, all tests are writing.
— What does Greek education differ from the Russian?
— There is no paid education in Greece. If you want to go to university, you have to get enough points in the exams. Moreover, the passing score to a medical university is one of the highest. And for admission, in addition to specialized subjects (biology and chemistry), you must pass mathematics and physics. That is, you should not just learn a lot and try hard, but also have a high level of intelligence. Therefore, only the most capable students enter our medical university. In Russia, it is different: if an applicant does not score a certain number of points, then he has the opportunity to get an education on a paid basis. And over the years of training, he will become a good specialist. But it will take time.
— Do you have any experience of volunteering?
— Yes, since the spring of 2020, I have been working as a volunteer in Moscow hospitals receiving patients with COVID-19. Our task was to help doctors to put on and to remove protective suits. In the Russian Children's Clinical Hospital we delivered food to children and their parents, as well as necessary medicines. I enjoyed being a volunteer. It is addictive, fascinating. Later, I worked as a nurse in the" red" zone in the therapeutic department of the 36th hospital.
— Have you ever traveled around Russia?
— I’ve been to Krasnodar and St. Petersburg. I liked the Northern capital. The historical center of the city is majestic and austere. It is not inferior in style to European capitals. This is a cultural city where highly cultured people live. I also love the center of Moscow with its narrow streets and old buildings. I always enjoy walking along the Kuznetsky Most, in the area of Patriarch Ponds, and visiting Russian Orthodox churches. In Greece, the gloomy Byzantine style has been preserved. The temple space, as a rule, is presented in burgundy, dark blue, dark green and brown tones. And in Russia, the churches inside are bright, with white walls and bright frescoes. These are pink, scarlet, yellow, blue, and emerald colors. There is a lot of gilding in the details of the decoration. And it's very beautiful.
Childbirth is a Miracle
— Oleg, why did you decide to become a doctor?
— From childhood, I felt the need to help others. By my third year at the university in Siberia, where I was studying at the time, I started my internship at a maternity hospital. After that, I realized I wanted to devote my life to obstetrics and gynecology permanently.
— Where did you study before RNIMU?
— I studied at the Kemerovo State Medical University. I got there through the Rossotrudnichestvo program. I prepared for this for several years. By the age of 15, I knew I would go to Russia for my studies. I was determined to achieve this goal. Without backing down, I persevered, and I succeeded! In Kemerovo, I studied for six years and in 2020, I joined the Second Medical University. Since 2019, I've been regularly visiting RNIMU, participating in conferences and competitions. I liked everything, so I decided to stay here.
— But why Russia and not Georgia or other countries?
— Russian is my second language. And, since childhood, I had this innate desire to go specifically to Russia. I never considered other countries. This understanding grew organically! No one ever told me that I should definitely move here. I made the decision on my own. My parents, of course, were initially surprised. They had no idea! I got accepted into medical universities in both Georgia and Russia. The decision came in August, and of course, I chose Russia, and I have no regrets.
— What city are you from?
— Batumi.
— You moved from a sunny resort town to a true Siberian city?!
— Yes, it was challenging, but I quickly adapted. (Laughs.) The freezing temperatures, down to minus 45, somehow even toughened me up, if I can say so. There were no other drawbacks. My studies went well, I lived in a dormitory. The conditions were fine. I shared a room with a classmate.
In my third year, as I mentioned, I ended up in a maternity hospital by chance (there were no vacancies in the surgical and therapeutic departments). They sent me there, saying, 'If you don't like it, you can always find another place.' From the moment I entered the department, I knew it was for me. I believe that childbirth is a miracle. It's such a unique process. Often, alongside the women in labor, their husbands or mothers are present (so-called partnered childbirth). Their joy is incomparable. At that moment, there's a tremendous responsibility on me because the outcome must be excellent! A doctor must do everything possible to ensure no mistakes or tragic outcomes.
— Does the second medical school differ from the university in Kemerovo and the institution in Georgia?
— Here, my focus is narrower, concentrating on obstetrics and gynecology. I don't have subjects like therapy, psychology, traumatology — those that I'm less interested in. It's easier to focus on a specific discipline and delve into it.
In Kemerovo, what I enjoyed studying the most were surgery, infectious diseases, obstetrics and gynecology, neonatology, reproductive medicine, and parasitology. These are my favorite subjects.
I want to particularly highlight a few professors who greatly assisted me. A huge thank you to Mark Arkadyevich Kurtser, the head of the obstetrics and gynecology department of the pediatric faculty (PF), and to Galina Mikhailovna Savelyeva, a professor and honorary head of the obstetrics and gynecology department of PF. They've given me everything I know and can now do.
I have never regretted studying here. I'm very grateful to the international faculty, especially to Nadezhda Alexandrovna Bylova, for allowing me to be a part of our University.
— Where are you doing your residency?
— My first base is the Family Planning and Reproduction Center, led by Mark Arkadyevich Kurtser and Galina Mikhailovna Savelyeva. This is where we have our obstetrics in the maternity hospital. The second base is City Clinical Hospital No. 31, where our focus is on gynecology. My mentor is Bella Isaevna Baisova, an associate professor of the obstetrics and gynecology department of the department of pediatrics.
— You speak so passionately about your work…
— It brings such emotions... You know, I never get tired during my shifts! I work many shifts, especially in the summer — almost every day or every other day. Of course, physically it's draining, and I've been told: Take a break, Oleg! But I find it fascinating. Every childbirth is unique. What I do is pure joy! It's a miracle, plain and simple.
— Have you ever felt disappointed during your practice?
— Not for a moment! It has only strengthened my belief that this is my calling.
— You are 26 years old now. Where do you see yourself at 36?
— I'll still be in obstetrics and gynecology, but I also want to focus on preventing complications in women with high parity, those with a history of numerous births, which can lead to various consequences. After my residency, I plan to pursue postgraduate studies, where my focus will be on assisted reproductive technologies, including IVF, and everything related to this field. Actually, I started exploring this during my studies in Kemerovo, but in the near future, I plan to delve deeper into the subject.
I see my career tied exclusively to Russia. I recently heard about a program where a doctor can work continuously in Russia and travel on business, say, to Georgia once a month. I could work on severe cases there. But these are all just plans for now.
My grandfather bequeathed me to become a doctor… And I believe that now my grandfather sees me and rejoices in my choice.
— Marwan, who are your parents by profession?
— My mother is a journalist in "Al-Ahram" (translated as "Pyramids"). It is a daily newspaper in Egypt which is published in several versions for distribution for the countries of the East, the Persian Gulf, as well as in Europe, the United States and Canada. Dad is a businessman, he has an international car business.
— And you chose the profession of a doctor…
— Yes, my grandfather (unfortunately, deceased) was ill and bequeathed me to become a doctor. He wanted me to save people's lives. I believe that a doctor is the best profession in the world. I believe that now my grandfather sees me and rejoices in my choice.
— How many children are there in your family?
— I have two brothers and a sister who is studying at a medical university in Egypt.
— Why did you choose a Russian university?
— I am often asked this question. I love Russia and believe that Russian education is one of the best in the world. My task is to get in-depth medical knowledge to study all the information that can be useful to me.
— Have you already decided on your specialization?
— Yes, on my grandfather's advice, I want to become a surgeon. This is responsible and interesting for me.
— You have recently started learning Russian. How do you deal with the language barrier?
— Indeed, I do not always understand everything in lectures, but teachers explain complex topics in detail. They know that I don't speak Russian very well, so they often ask me if I understand everything. Sometimes they explain something in English. If I don't understand either Russian or English, they send me a task and offer to write everything I've learned. Then they make additional explanations.
— Why did you choose our University?
— I studied Russian for six months at the RUDN, but finally choose the Pirogov NationalUniversity, because there is a clear schedule, like the army. All classes are scheduled by the hour. Every student lives in this rhythm, and I really like it. It's always clear what you have to do now. This is a very good university, and I even think that it is the best university in Russia. Each student knows their own lesson plan. And you have to study every day, because tomorrow your knowledge will be tested. We have tests every day, and this is right.
— What do you particularly like about learning?
— I like everything. When the quarantine began, I was afraid that the language barrier would prevent me from receiving information online. But I was afraid in vain. After the first month, I already knew a lot. In the evening, in his spare time, the teacher called me and asked: "Dr. Marwan, where are you now?" Then he suggested me to turn on the computer and talk in Zoom to explain what I could not understand in the lecture. The teacher called me a doctor because he wanted me to start thinking of myself as a future doctor. I also answered him, "All right, Doctor!"
— What are your impressions of Russia?
— We have very friendly people in Egypt who treat each other like brothers and sisters. If you need help, they will do their best for you without hesitation. I see the same thing in Russia. It is no coincidence that our countries have long friendly relations. You have a proverb: "It is better to see once than to hear a hundred times.” I completely agree with it. I am very glad that I was able to see Russia with my own eyes.
— Are you used to Russian cuisine? Does it differ from Egyptian?
— Yes, it is different. But I like Russian borscht, your salads. And when I want something more usual for me, then I go to Arbat. There are a lot of restaurants, including Arabic cuisine where I can order my favorite dishes.
— What place did you particularly like in Moscow?
— Red Square. I really like this place. I was here on New Year's Eve, listening to the chimes, watching the snow fall, how happy people are. Of course, the climate in Moscow is much colder than in my homeland, but I can't imagine a Russian winter without snow. White snowdrifts, snow-covered trees, ice on reservoirs — it is very beautiful.
— Are you a friend to your classmates?
— Yes, of course. I live in a student residence, and we often get together with my neighbors and friends, study for exams together, celebrate birthdays and other holidays.
— How do you spend your leisure time?
— I came here to study, and I have a little free time. Sometimes I go to the gym or play football, meet friends and walk around Moscow. In Egypt, it would be a slightly different story, because we have restaurants, shops and gyms open around the clock. You can meet your friends at any time of the day or night and go to a cafe or a training session. Such places in Russia close before midnight. On the one hand, this limits your abilities, but on the other it disciplines, does not allow you to be distracted from the main goal.
— What is your main goal?
— In the future, I want to become a successful surgeon and open my own medical clinic. I had an internship in a Russian hospital and noted for myself the competent process of organizing healthcare. I liked the way doctors allocate their time. And I would like to organize the same process of treating patients in Egypt as I see here, in Russia. Our country also has a well-developed healthcare system, and many doctors, such as cardiologists, have a worldwide reputation. Cancer treatment is also carried out at a high level.
— Tell us a little about modern Egypt.
— Each region has its own atmosphere and culture. One city is not like another. Cairo with its ancient pyramids is different from Alexandria, known for its unique library. I live in the Egyptian capital. But my whole family is from Port Said. This is a mountainous region where strong-minded people live. I also noticed that our river Nile is like an aorta that feeds the heart. When I studied its structure, I saw that the aortic trunk splits in two as the Nile does. It splits into two branches, flowing through Egypt — the heart of Africa. In spring, this majestic river floods the green meadows, which in winter are more like a desert. Flowing through the whole country, inside the mainland, the Nile gives strength to plants, nourishes animals. And people in Egypt have a beautiful inner world. They have a heart like water! In the clear water you can see all the fish, and in the pure heart of the Egyptian - only good thoughts and intentions. In this way, our people are similar to the Russians I met in your country.
The interview will be published soon. Published interviews are marked in blue on the map.
My teacher made a demand to me and my classmates: if someone spoke in their native language or in English, they had to put 5 or 10 RUB into the piggy bank. Then we spent the money to go out together to eat or have fun. It was a great conversational practice.
— Jane, why have you decided to come to Russia?
— I heard Russian education is good. Besides, I have the opportunity to study here for free.
— What motivated you to become a doctor?
— I love helping people. Biology and Physics were hard for me at school. I decided to learn these subjects seriously, and then I thought this profession was suitable for me. Also, there are very few neurologists in my country, and I will be useful to those who need them.
— Are there medical schools in Zimbabwe?
— Yes, there are.
— And what is the quality of education, the level of medicine?
— I think we have very good doctors. But I wanted to study abroad, because I think this is a great opportunity to gain new knowledge and experience working with people of different cultures. This approach is more effective.
— Have you traveled before that?
— I‘ve been only to Petrozavodsk, because I studied at the Petrozavodsk State University. My friends and I visited this city. But we haven't walked around Moscow yet, because there are a lot of classes. Maybe we can do it in summer.
— Are there any people in your environment who decided to go to another country to get knowledge?
— My friend is currently studying to become a dentist in Yakutsk. We met back in Zimbabwe, when we were applying for admission to a Russian university.
— Why have you chosen our city and our university?
— It was very important for me to go to a very good university, and I learned about RNRMU through the Internet. And the students who had studied here, told me that there was a lot of work to be done. I was not afraid. I believe that it is impossible to become a good doctor without it.
— How did your parents react to your decision to leave home?
— When I was at school, I lived in a hostel: this is possible in Zimbabwe. So my parents got used to me being away from home all the time. But now I can't visit them at any time, and it's hard for us.
— Are they doctors?
— No, I will be the first doctor in my family.
— Tell us, how do you spend your free time?
— I used to watch movies, but now everything has changed. To be honest, I have time only for friends. I also like listening to music.
— Do you have any favorite subjects?
— Anatomy. Nadezhda Bylova teaches it. It takes a long time to prepare for this subject, but I love it very much. I also like Philosophy, because it is the easiest for me: you need to listen to the opinions and ideas of different people. I just relax in these classes.
— Your Russian is very good. How?
— I came to Russia in October 2019, and I studied in Petrozavodsk until June 2020. At first, we had Russian language courses there, then other subjects were added: Biology, Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry.
— So you've been studying Russian for a year, and you've already made such progress!
— Thank you. I don't know your grammar very well, but I understand your spoken language.
— Do you communicate a lot with Russians?
— When I was in Petrozavodsk, my teacher made a demand to me and my classmates: if someone spoke in their native language or in English, they had to put five or ten rubles into the piggy bank. Then we spent the money to go out together to eat or have fun. It was a great conversational practice.
— And when did you arrive in Moscow?
— On September the 1st, 2020.
— What are your impressions of Russia? Is there anything that has amazed you?
— The first is snow, because there is no snow in Zimbabwe. It's very cold in Russia. The second is the language. I used to think that Russians speak fast, but then I realized, when you know language, it's a normal pace for you. Learning a new language is always interesting. And I really like Russia.
— Have you found any other differences between our countries?
— Yes. For example, when I talk to a teacher, I can't call him by the first name. In Zimbabwe, it is impossible to say, "Hello, Julia." If a person is older and you are not friends, then you should at least call them Mr. (or Miss). And our teacher in Petrozavodsk asked me to address her only by her first name, and at first it was very difficult for me to do this.
— Have you tried any of the Russian dishes?
— Yes, borscht. Our teacher in Petrozavodsk even taught us how to cook it, and we tried to cook it together with my classmates.
— And how many people were involved in the cooking process?
— Ten. But, of course, not everyone prepared it. Some just sat around and talked. But they ate it all together. It was delicious. By the way, the recipe was written in Russian!
— And which of our traditions, holidays surprised and impressed you?
— I really liked Shrovetide. That day we met with the pupils. They told us how to celebrate this holiday. We also played together. Then they burned the effigy, explaining that this is how they traditionally say goodbye to the winter.
— And then you were fed pancakes?
— Yes, and at first we prepared them together.
— Are there similar holidays in Zimbabwe?
— Yes, on December 25, we celebrate a very big holiday — Christmas. On this day, no one works or studies, the whole family gathers at home. Parents and children can go to the village to visit their grandparents and celebrate the event there. And if someone likes parties, they organize them — and so celebrate Christmas with their friends.
— And how is Christmas celebrated in your family?
— My mother usually makes something new and delicious. I also like to cook, so we do everything together. We also go to the church, where you can sing Christmas songs and watch a children's play.
— You could go to the church in Russia, too.
— Yes, but unfortunately, I had classes that day.
— Do you miss some of your traditions or dishes here?
— Yes. We have a very popular dish called "sadza". It looks like corn. We make it from corn flour: we mix it with water and then form a tortilla. You can eat it with meat and vegetables. It's delicious! When I miss it, I make it out of semolina. It turns out fine, but the taste of the dishes is slightly different.
By the way, I usually prepare sadza with other students from South Africa, for example, with those with whom we came from Petrozavodsk. They know and also love this dish very much.
Many buildings have been destroyed during the civil war, so now it is difficult to study at our medical university… My uncle was a doctor, he had studied in Russia, so my family wanted me to go to medical school, too.
— When did you realise you wanted to become a doctor?
— At school. When we started studying Biology I wanted to be a surgeon. Being a doctor is difficult, but it’s a very interesting and necessary profession. Doctor is a person who gives people hope for recovery and helps to maintain their health.
— Are there any doctors in your family?
— Yes, my uncle was a doctor, he had studied in Russia, but I don't know in which city. My family wanted me to go to medical school, too.
— As far as I know, all the decisions are made by the head of the family in your country. Was it the same with the choice of profession?
— In Yemen, everyone should respect the father’s opinion as he is a head of the family. But speaking about me, it was our mutual choice.
— Do you have a large family?
— Well... my parents, me, and my brother and sister's families live in our house now. I haven’t had a family of my own yet.
— Why have you come to Russia to study?
— Studying in Europe is very difficult and expensive. Moreover, Russian diplomas are recognized abroad.
— So, you are going to continue studying and working in Europe, aren’t you?
— We’ll see it.
— Why didn’t you stay to study in your country?
— Many buildings have been destroyed during the civil war, so now it is difficult to study at our medical university.
— Why have you chosen our university?
— I had read reviews about it on the Internet and realised that you have good teachers here.
— Were you afraid to move during the pandemic?
— No. This was the first trip abroad in my life, but I've been studying here for five months and I've spent three of them in quarantine. That has been a really tough test: you lose the ability to communicate in a new language. If we can communicate in Russian at the University, now we have problems studying remotely, because I live in a residence for foreigners and have a lack of communication with Russians.
— Do you take language courses?
— No, I communicate with Russian speaking friends.
— Have you faced any other difficulties?
— It's very cold in Moscow. Upon arrival, I immediately bought warm clothes. In Yemen the usual temperature is considered to be 30 degrees Celsius, but it becomes cold when it drops to 20 degrees above zero.
— Yes, you are really lucky with the weather this winter. In 2020, there was almost no snow. And how do you like our University?
— You have good teachers, they always help us. When someone does not understand a question, they are ready to explain the topic again. Most of all, I like Biology and Anatomy, although they are complex. They are taught by Olesya Leonidovna Kosilo and Anna Valeryevna Nesterova.
— Do you have enough time for hobbies?
— At first I had been going to the gym, but when classes began, I realised I didn’t have enough time. Although I asked teachers if there was a boxing section at the University (that’s the sport I’m interested in), but, unfortunately, it was not.
— How do you spend your weekends?
— I go to the gym, and sometimes walk around the city with friends. In Moscow I have already been to the VDNH, "Moscow-city" centre, on the Red square.
— Are your friends Russians or foreigners?
— Foreigners. We began to communicate with some of them after Olga Alekseevna Novichkova, our teacher of Latin, had taken us to the Pushkin Museum on a weekend. She wanted us to practice Russian.
— How wonderful! Have you already tried our local dishes?
— Not yet. I eat what I know, so I usually visit Arab restaurants and order my favorite dishes – salta and fahsa.
“I think its vital for student to understand that medicine is his own choice, not his or her parents’, for example. And of course, you have to enjoy the studying process, because we will be nostalgic for a very long time.”
— Greta, you speak Russian well. When have you managed to learn it?
— I was born in Israel, Jerusalem. Under some circumstances the first three classes of the school I studied in Volgograd and lived with my grandmother. It was that time when I learned Russian and forgot Hebrew. Then I came back to Israel and mastered Hebrew again. Now I’m a bilingual – the person speaking two languages
— Where are your parents from?
— My mother is Russian Siberian, father is from Latvia, where they met. In 1989 my parents repatriated to Israel.
— Why have you decided to move to Moscow?
— I left a Jerusalem school, served in the Jerusalem army and in 2014 decided to move to Moscow. I wanted to Russia. Having known about my decision, my family was very surprised, because I was a real patriot. Despite the bad weather, mud and snow, when the plane landed in Moscow I understood that I want to stay here. In 4 days, I met my future husband.
— Your surname Hanukaev has unusual for Russian language form related to females. Why is it like this?
— After the wedding I took my husband’s surname. In Israel surnames don’t change, and also there is no patronym. My surname originates from the name of the magical Jewish holiday of light and lights Hanukkah
— Have you got used to the Russian climate?
— I didn’t have acclimatization. It’s mostly hot in Israel, but in Moscow it’s cold. It’s important to remember that «There is no bad weather" and each season is wonderful.
— What have amazed you most in getting familiar with Russia?
— Snowdrifts in April (laughing). For me as for the most other people, Moscow – is a city of opportunities and prospects. I love its citizens and their mentality and the drivers in the capital of Russia are the politest. I have never met such drivers anywhere.
— Where have you celebrated you wedding?
— My husband is a Mountain Jew, he is also from Israel. We celebrated the wedding at home, as all my and his relatives are there. We have nobody here – in Moscow – only us, children and RSMU.
— What are the wedding traditions in Israel?
— There is a very beautiful ceremony on the Jewish wedding called hupa. Rabbi (a religious teacher in in Judaism) conducts the sacrament of marriage under the wedding canopy .He blesses the glass of vine and gives it to the bride, groom and others make a sip from it. Jewish wedding is a huge and funny celebration. There were about 500 people on our wedding
— Is it true that you have got in RNRMU for the 3rd time?
— In 2015 I gave birth to my first child, in the same year I got in the University, chose the specialty "clinical psychology" – it had been my dream. Relying on reviews and my feelings, I understood that RNRMU is closer for me than other universities. Then I got pregnant for the second time and took an academic leave. In 2016 I re-registered in the University but then the third pregnancy and one more academic leave. Three children are a hard work so I decided to devote more time to them than to self-development, so I left RSMU. A year ago, I sent my children to kindergarten and school and decided to re-enter
— Greta, tell us about your children.
— The eldest one is 7, he is a first-grade pupil. The second one is 6, he goes to the kindergarten and gets ready for school. A girl is three. She goes to the kindergarten, likes dancing but she’s really naughty. The eldest son Serezha has already got an interest to the medicine. When I study with my books, he comes and asks what is shown in the pictures. He already knows a lot. We have a toy- mannequin where you can put internal organs in the correct order. My son really likes doing this. I take children to more than 10 extra classes and don’t ask me, how I have so much time- I always lack it. In the evening children fall asleep perfectly accompanied with reading of a textbook on general psychology.
— Why does clinical psychology attract you?
— I think it’s a basis for all branches of psychology. I want to help people in difficult life situations. Nowadays it’s more topical than has ever been. Lately the level of stress among people is growing.
— Do you put your knowledge into practice in communicating with your children?
— Yes, sure.it helps me to understand children psychology. For example, I am indulgent about their whims, because I know that their psyche isn’t formed yet. In each report on subjects, I have a story about children from my own life.
— What are the most vivid memories associated with military service?
— I have served 3 years instead of 2 needed, because I liked it. We were on the neutral areas, that belong neither the Israeli nor the Palestinian side. These areas need more attention because there are lots of conflicts from the Palestinian side. I was sitting on the base, watching what was happening with cameras that were installed on the towers. If I saw something suspicious – called for the reinforcements from among the combat troops, monitored their operations, warned of dangers. There were scary moments; once our soldiers were trying to neutralize the terrorist, but they were attacked by the whole village. The soldiers came back wounded and needed surgeries.
— What Russian cities have you already managed to visit?
— I have already been in St. Petersburg, Sochi, Volgograd, Angarsk. I really liked Altai: awesome fantastic nature, air, atmosphere. I also would like to visit Kaliningrad, Crimea, Caucasus
— What Russian traditions have you already got familiar with?
— I find out about them from children who go to kindergarten and school. At home they say: "Let's color the eggs for Easter, bake pancakes for Maslenitsa." The number of holidays in family grows – it’s nice.
— How do you spend you free time?
— All my free time I dedicate to studying and family. I get up at seven a.m., sometimes earlier, get everyone ready, take the children to kindergarten and school and by half past eight I have to be at the first class. Sometimes I am given “absent” because I’m late for 20 minutes. But I won’t explain each teacher that I have children. Moreover, it is not an excuse: if you have decided to study, to have to be completely equal.
— Israel is a country with developed medicine. Would you like to return to work there?
— I like medicine in Russia, here are a lot of good doctors. We were performing surgery on the two-year-old child in Israel. The adenoids ablation was totally mechanical – the robot with a camera was getting inside and trimming the growths. Two months after the surgery we got the relapse. The second time the child was operated on in Moscow, the doctors did it manually. Now everything is ok. Every country has its pros and cons, whether they are in medicine or in education and living conditions.
— What would you wish other students?
— To be deliberate to the chosen brunch of study. I think its vital for student to understand that medicine is his own choice, not his or her parents’, for example. And of course, you have to enjoy the studying process, because we will be nostalgic for a very long time.
— I know you have a pet, tell us about it.
— My husband has ana allergy on cats so he suggested taking a dog. We have decided on the Maltipoo breed, the result of crossing a Maltese with a poodle. On the internet we found ad for the sale of a dog for a hundred thousand. The husband bargained until sixty and took the little puppy. In a month our dog grew to a very big size. I have written the breeder that our “sheepdog» is growing by leaps and bounds, but she answered that it was a poodle (laughing). Now the dog already weights 8 kg, it’s the most active dog in the area, everyone plays with it. The youngest son calls it Polly, because he likes the “Robocar Poli” cartoon. Children really love the dog – it’s real zootherapy. Recently, she gave birth to seven "goats"... Oh, puppies, which were sold like hotcakes. (Laughing) It was a valuable experience for children, their level of empathy has grown significantly.
— Varun, why did you decide to become a doctor?
— Well, it is a long story. I realized that I wanted to become a doctor when I was in the 12th grade in school. We had a “Brain Bee” conference on neurology among schoolchildren in Bangalore, India, and I had a feeling that it was necessary to choose a medical direction.
After that I passed some exams in India, but, alas, I did not get a place at a medical university there. However, I had enough points to enroll in a technical university to study the specialty "programmer". My relatives said that I needed to go where the points were enough, and I agreed. However, from the first day of study I had a strong feeling that it was not for me. I kept on studying, but at the same time I began to prepare for exams for admission to a medical university.
— How long have you been studying in India?
— I studied at the technical university for one year. Then I passed the exam again, and the new score was better than the previous one.
But it was not enough for admission to a medical university in India. With this number of points I received an invitation from the Russian embassy to study in Tver.
I studied at Tver State medical university until 2019. And from 2019 to 2021 I have completed the residency at the RUSSIAN NATIONAL RESEARCH MEDICAL UNIVERSITY for "cardiology".
— And how did the family react to the fact that you dropped out of the technical university and went to Russia?
— Actually, they knew that I was stubborn and that I had already given my heart to medicine. Although, of course, they understood that Russia is an unusual choice. Frankly speaking, they had a lot of questions about this country. We were worried that it was very cold here. But we had a friend here in Russia, and we learned everything from him.
— Why did you choose Russia and not any other country?
— I can only reply that it is the fate. There was an opportunity, and I got it.
— So, as I understand, you are the first doctor in your family?
— That's right.
— How did you find out about our University?
— I learned about RNRMU in the fourth year, when I visited a scientific conference here. Then I got to know the staff and students and I really appreciated the quality of the education.
I decided for myself that if there is an opportunity to move to Moscow, Russian national research medical university will be the first place where I will apply.
After graduation I was accredited, and I had enough points to study in the “cardiology” specialty.
But as a foreigner, I could not apply for a budget place, only as a commercial student.
— Could you share with us your impressions about studying in the University?
— These two years were just wonderful. I was a resident at the Department of faculty of therapy of the pediatric faculty at the City clinical hospital № 3 under the leadership of the Yuri N. Fedulaev. Such a wonderful place! I got a wonderful experience and became a more confident doctor.
— Why did you choose cardiology?
— A lot of people suffer from cardiovascular diseases, including my loved ones. Grandparents on dad's and mom's side died from similar diseases…
— After so many years of study and clinical work, what new things have you discovered in cardiology? Any changes in your own attitude?
— Cardiology is a very complicated science with a lot of different directions. Over time, I became interested in therapeutic, when a doctor resorts to medications, and interventional direction, when he is engaged in surgical procedures on the heart without resorting to surgery.
— By the time you became a resident, did you speak Russian well?
— There were difficulties. Of course, I spoke more or less Russian, but there were difficulties in communicating with my patients. They explain problems not in the way described in our textbooks, but they use some proverbs and sayings, trying to convey pain with their emotions. This made it hard for me, as a “non-Russian-native speaker”, for the first three months. Then everything got better and better.
— What contributed to improve the level of language and to understand patients better?
— Well, you just have to get used to it all. Studying in a residency and in a specialty are two different things. Residency is a purely clinical life. I began to speak Russian more often, and also resorted to the help of my friends, the head of the department, attending doctors and curators.
They all explained me how to come to an understanding with patients. As a result, now I can explain the treatment tactics in very simple language. And my level of Russian allows me to prepare a super-complex scientific report on cardiology and explain the topic to my colleagues.
I was very lucky with my department: all the staff are kind, constantly support students and residents. Separately, I would like to say about Yuri Nikolaevich — he is an excellent teacher! These two years have undoubtedly made me wiser. I also want to thank my curators: Maxim E. Yadrov, Natalia N. Granina and the head of the second cardiology department (Hospital No. 13) Andrey V. Babayev for standing by me and "holding my hands" when I took my first steps in cardiology.
— Did you take part in our social, sports, scientific life?
— I read a report for the participants of the student scientific circle "Travel Medicine" of the Department of infectious diseases of children of the Pediatric faculty. I told them what measures should be followed during the trip to India. In addition, I prepared a lecture on modern methods of treatment of chronic heart failure in Polyclinic № 1 of the Presidential Administration of the Russian Federation.
— What are you planning to do after graduating from the University?
— Now I am undergoing professional retraining in X-ray endovascular diagnostics and treatment.
— Have you worked somewhere before?
— I am currently trying to get a job in a multidisciplinary clinic under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. It serves diplomats.
— And how did you find out about this vacancy?
— This clinic needed an English-speaking doctor, and the dean's office of the RNRMMU recommended me.
— Will you be a cardiologist there?
— Yes. However, foreigners and expats usually have a problem with employment in Russia, because they need either a temporary residence permit or a residence permit. I'm in the process of getting permission right now.
— How do you like to relax, spend your free time?
— I have always loved going to theaters, visited them in Moscow and in other Russian cities, for example in Nizhny Novgorod and Tver. I really like to watch some performances or ballet in the evenings. And the Russian theater is a real magic for me. Plus, I try to travel when I have free time. I have been to Saint Petersburg, Kaliningrad, Velikiy Novgorod, Tver and Moscow regions.
— Are you traveling alone or with friends?
— I travel with my friends. Not all of them are from Russian national research medical university, many of them are from other universities and even spheres of life.
— Let's move on to our countries and cultures. You have been living in Russia for several years. What are your impressions?
— When I first came here, first of all I had to adapt to the new climate, because it was hard enough in winter. I also follow a vegetarian diet, and it was difficult to find suitable shops and cafes in Tver. And at the very beginning I didn't know a single letter of the Russian language. It was only by the end of the second or beginning of the third year that I began to talk more confidently.
— Do you miss India?
— I miss the Indian holidays: Navaratri and Diwali (it is the festival of lights, which symbolizes the victory of good over evil, we celebrate it in late October - early November: god Rama killed an evil ancient king named Ravana and returned home).
Navaratri is celebrated for nine days (in late September - early October). It symbolizes the victory of goddess Durga over the demon Mahisha. During these holidays we decorate houses and preparing gifts to each other.
— Do you manage to go home?
— I managed every summer, indeed. However, because of the coronavirus, the trip has been canceled for two years in a row.
— What would you recommend to visit in your country first of all?
— First of all, I suggest everyone to go to the state of Karnataka, where I come from. There are many medieval temples and places with access to the Arabian Sea. You can come to the state at any time except August (when it rains heavily there, which increases the risk of contracting malaria) and May (at this time it’s very hot there).
— Varun, what are your plans for the near future?
— I hope to stay in Russia and start working here. Why don't I want to go back to India? I am already get used to this country: I know Russian language, I have studied how the Russian healthcare system functions, I have two Russian diplomas, I understand the local mentality well, which is also very important for a doctor. Therefore, I think it’ll be easier for me to work here than in India.
Besides, in my country I would have to start all over again.
My parents support me in everything, they even came to visit me once: my father liked Saint Petersburg, and my mother liked Moscow. If there is an opportunity, they don't mind moving to Russia themselves.
The interview will be published soon. Published interviews are marked in blue on the map.
Together Through Life
Everyone at the Second Medical University is convinced that first-year dental students Danial Maleki and Masud Shahkhedar are brothers, but this is not the case. The guys were born in the southwest of Iran, in Dezful, a city by the Dez River. They studied together in school, came to Russia together, and are now jointly pursuing their education at the Pirogov RNIMU.
— Masud, Danial, can you tell us about your families? Are there any medical professionals among your relatives?
— Danial: My mother is a homemaker, and my father owns a small business. I also have a sister and her husband, who are lawyers. Studying in a foreign country is undoubtedly stressful, but with the help and support of my family, everything becomes manageable.
— Masud: I have a large family. My parents, two brothers, and one of my brother's wife. There are no doctors in our family. However, my parents were supportive of my decision to pursue medicine, especially my father. We communicate often, and they are very supportive. They say they miss me, and I miss them too. But most importantly, I can always rely on them.
— Why did you decide to dedicate your life to medicine and become dentists?
— Danial: When I was young, I really wanted to become a doctor. I enjoy helping people, alleviating their suffering, and seeing grateful and beautiful smiles on their faces. At first, I wanted to be a cardiologist, but later realized that I'm more interested in dentistry.
— Masud: I'm also fond of dentistry and prioritize helping people. My family is very proud of me. They say it's a prestigious and important profession. With diligent studies, I will develop into a well-rounded individual. I also love that medicine allows for continuous learning and honing one's skills.
— How did you learn about RNIMU and why did you decide to enroll here?
— Danial: We hadn't heard about RNIMU before. But when it was time to apply for universities, we did thorough online research and learned a lot about this university. We realized that we wanted to join after reading numerous positive reviews. We were also drawn to the fact that with a degree from the Second Medical University, one can practice in many countries worldwide. I know several Iranians enrolled in RNIMU this year. The university is modern, and the faculty is outstanding. We receive an excellent education here with superbly delivered content. Additionally, the Iranian Ministry of Education and our embassy in Russia have an agreement which lists global universities where Iranians can study and later practice in Iran. RNIMU is on that list. Another reason we chose this university is its emphasis on research, which is somewhat rare. Students here receive comprehensive knowledge, which I believe is very important.
— Masud: Yes, the university is truly great, perhaps the best of all. We're very pleased with our choice.
— Which professors would you highlight?
— Danial: All of them are wonderful, but we particularly enjoy attending classes conducted by Elena Evgenievna Nikiforova, an associate professor and senior lecturer of the Department of Human Anatomy at the medical faculty. She's very kind!
— What are your impressions of Russia, and what challenges have you faced?
— Masud: The hardest thing for me has been the Russian language. That's why, after school, once we decided on the university, we first chose to improve our language skills and enrolled in a preparatory course at Lomonosov Moscow State University. We spent an entire year studying Russian, practicing subjects in it, such as biology and chemistry. Now, at RNIMU, we study exclusively in this language.
— What impression has Russia made? Where have you been so far?
— Danial: Russia is an extraordinary country, stunningly beautiful and diverse. My first impression was the incredible cold. In Iran, the temperature in summer can reach 40 degrees Celsius, but when I arrived in Russia, it was winter. The temperature dropped to minus 20. Can you imagine how I felt? (Smiles.) Fortunately, I was warned and bought warm clothes, but it took a long time to get used to the cold. Overall, I really like Russia. People here are kind, open, and sociable. I came here first, completely alone, knowing no one, but I'm grateful that people supported me, and no one refused to help. Also, everyone here tries to be punctual. It's great and very important for a medical profession.
— Masud: Yes, indeed, people here are very kind. So many talented and pleasant individuals. We've already made friends among Russian students and beyond. Russia is a wonderful country; we're just waiting for warmer weather now. (Smiles.)
— Where have you visited?
— Danial: We've been to Red Square, GUM, we liked the 'Kitay-Gorod' metro station, walked around the Moscow City business center, near Chistiye Prudy. We visited the Alexander Pushkin Museum. I was really surprised by the ice on the river; I'd never seen anything like it before. I loved the Moscow metro. It's world-famous; all the stations are beautiful, unique, with statues and bas-reliefs, just like in a museum.
— Masud: We'd love to visit other Russian cities because each has its own charm, which is wonderful! We dream of visiting Saint Petersburg and Sochi. And this summer, we plan to go to Kazan.
— That sounds like wonderful plans. Where would you like to do your practice?
— Danial: I'd like to practice in Russia and then return to Iran. My father said, 'Your country needs you; people need your help.' I dream of opening a clinic in my hometown, building a large house, starting a family. I want to be a top-notch doctor!
— Masud: I, too, dream of practicing in Dezful, my hometown. I feel comfortable there, with my loved ones around. Just like Danial, I'd like to get married and have kids. And we'll build that large house together — for both our families. (Laughs.)
This is the first time I’ ve seen snow! By the way, we also do not have winter sports in Cambodia, so this is the first time I skated in Russia. I fell so many times, but now I can do it!
— Kontkea, tell us why did you choose Russia?
— I wanted to become a doctor and learned that the Russian government provides a grant for training.
— And why have you decided to come to us?
— In Cambodia, we have to pay four to five thousand dollars a year for training. This is too much money. In addition, I learned at school that Russia is a large country with a unique culture, and I was interested in studying here. Once I visited the Russian Center of Science and Culture, which is located in the capital of Cambodia, in Phnom Penh, and there I personally talked with the Russians. They told me about the government program.
— How long have you been here?
— I entered the Medical Institute of Tula State University (TulSU) in 2013, and in 2020 I entered the Faculty of Pediatrics at the Russian National Research University.
— Why have you chosen RNRMU?
— When I entered TulSU, I was not given a choice. As for the residency, everything turned out differently. I might choose RNRMU. I was impressed that this is a research university. "Research" means continuing education and the development of science, which is very important to me.
— Where do you do your clinical practice?
— In the Children's City Clinical Hospital named after Z. A. Bashlyaeva.
— Is it hard to work in Russian?
— Yes. Although I have been learning language since 2013, I don't speak it very well. Fortunately, I usually get help from other residents.
— What were your first impressions of Russia?
— This is the first time I've seen snow. In my country, the weather is hot: in summer the temperature reaches 42 degrees, and in winter it can be 16 degrees above zero. So I bought some warm clothes before the trip.
— You've been living with us for so many years! What impressed you the most?
— I love dancing, and I like Russian ballet. This is the symbol of your country. The main thing in it is toes. Cambodia also has a national dance called the Royal dance. It symbolizes the cycle of life, and all the attention in it is focused on fingers.
I was also impressed by your language. It has its own character. For example, the phrase when we introduce ourselves. I reasoned this way: when we are born, we are called by our parents, that is why you usually say "call me", and not "my name is". "My name" is the second stage of becoming a person.
— Did the teacher of Russian explain this to you?
— I felt the language in a such way when I tried to understand and remember how sentences are constructed. By the way, we also don't have winter sports in Cambodia, so this is the first time I skated in Russia. I fell so many times, but now I can do it!
— Have you tried the local dishes?
— Yes, but I would not like to emphasize their names. Their taste, smell and appearance are more important. You often use dairy products, so I constantly feel the milk flavor. I'm loving it. I constantly prepare dishes of my national cuisine, but since there are no familiar ingredients in Russia, I add your products. It’s interesting, because you can create completely new treats that no one has ever tried before.
— What do you cook most of all?
— Cambodian noodles. I buy it in a Vietnamese store, and I choose fresh spices by the smell in the market. In Cambodia, we usually add fish to this dish, it is too soft here, so I also use chicken. I also constantly prepare dessert "Sweet beans". In Cambodia, coconut milk is most often added to sweet dishes, and in Russia — cow's milk, so I also use it. I cook the beans separately, then drain the water and add milk, salt, sugar and a little coffee. The dish is served cold.
— Do you put coffee in your beans and milk?
— Yes, to give the desired color and flavor.
— So you have free time for something other than studying?
— Yes. For example, for almost three years I have been dancing: I watch YouTube and learn the movements of my national dance from videos.
— So you have already started learning to dance in Russia. Why is there such an interest in your culture?
— When I was studying in Tula, there was an international festival, and I wanted to share my culture with my friends.
— Did you continue to dance at the RNIMU?
— I told about myself in the cultural and creative sector of the University. I noted that I would be able to participate in events.
— Have you managed to travel around our country?
— No, I've only been to Moscow and Tula. I like your nature. I love peace. In addition, nature always gives us new knowledge about the world.
— Would you like to stay with us after your studies?
— I will have to return to Cambodia, but in a few years I hope to continue studying in Russia.
I want to become a pediatric surgeon, but I am afraid that after the specialty "medical care" it would be difficult. So I chose pediatrics. Maybe I can get back into residency. On the other hand, I am already 28, and this is the age when you need to work.
I noticed that Russian people always walk very fast, and in Cameroon everyone walks quietly. In both countries you can meet people from all over the world, and this is a wonderful experience: this is how each of us forms our own personality.
— Sayaji, why did you decide to study in Russia?
— I talked to friends of mine from Cameroon, who studied in Russia and who now work as doctors in different countries. They said that Russia prepares the best specialists in the world. That's why I'm here.
— Does that mean that you haven't considered any other countries?
— Of course, I did! There was just another reason why I chose Russia finally. My uncle also studied here, in RNRMU. When he graduated, he returned to Cameroon and lived there for two years. Then he passed the exam and moved to Saint Petersburg. This man is a role model for me!
— Wow, when did he graduate from RNRMU?
— About 10 years ago.
— What did your uncle and friends tell you about our country? And what was in reality?
— Actually I have heard a lot about your climate and people’s roughness here. But when I first came to Russia, I realized that many Russians are actually friendly and helpful. For example, at the very beginning I could not speak Russian — I only knew the alphabet, so, when I went to the store, I spoke only in English. And they helped me! That’s fantastic! I even remember the story that happened to me when I left my bag in the taxi. I had a lot of suitcases that day, and I left my bag in the back seat of the car. I lived in a hostel and asked the administration to help me. The very next day my bag was returned to me!
I would also like to say a few words about the transport. I traveled a lot, visited the countries where my friends studied. So, in some of them, if you miss your bus, you have to wait for several hours for another one. And here the next one comes in few minutes. Besides, there is a fast metro!
— And what are similarities and differences between our countries, on your opinion?
— Russian people always walk very fast, and in my country everyone walks quietly. But as for the general feature – I would say that in our countries you can meet people from all over the world, and this is a wonderful experience: this is how each of us forms our own personality.
— Are there any subjects that you like the most? And what is the most difficult for you?
— Russian language is really complicated. I speak English and French which are official languages in my country, and the DO really differ from Russian. For example, “an orange” doesn’t sound like in English and French – it’s “Apelseen’! But my favorite subject is anatomy of course, which is taught by Veronica A. Lipatova and Alexandr V. Sokolov. I am also keen on biochemistry and physiology (taught by Vadim V. Davydov and Andrey S. Bilichenko).
— Are all you subjects in Russian?
— No, in English.
— So, you entered the University on your own?
— Yes, and my parents pay for my studies.
— You barely speak Russian – any plans to learn it?
— I do! I have been living in Russia for 3 years. I studied only Russian in the first year. Then other subjects were added: biology, chemistry and physics. There were in English, but several times a week there were classes in Russian.
I also have practice with my friends: since my first year I played football with Russian guys, and they helped me with Russian pronunciation. Now I think my Russian has improved. I suppose that if you want to learn a new language, you should speak it regularly. Although reading and learning grammar is also very important.
— Oh, so you play football also…
— Yeah, it’s my hobby. When I have free time or when I feel really stressed and need to relax, I go playing football.
— And how long have you been doing this sport?
— Since I learned how to walk. I've always been “in love” with the collective game, because that's how you can meet new people. And definitely it helps to maintain your health.
— Have you ever thought about a football player career?
— You mean “instead of medicine?" That’s a nice question. When I was little, my grandmother suffered from a severe disease. And it was a hard period for our family. When she started to get better, and I saw her beautiful smile, I knew what I wanted to be. The one who gave her that smile back was the doctor. I also want to help and take care of people. And as for football – well it is my passion, my hobby.
— Are you playing for our University team?
— Yes, it’s a great team! If you really DO love football, you are welcome to join the team.
— It is cool that you have enough time for all your activities!
— You know, studying in the medical university is a challenge in some way, and it should be taken very seriously. However, you have to find the balance and to be able to relax.
— Do you find time to travel around our country?
— Actually the schedule is very tight, so there is no such opportunity yet. I have been only to Moscow and Saint Petersburg (on weekend). There are so many interesting places in the capital, such as Red Square and Gorky Park.
— What kind of holidays do you celebrate?
— First of all, it is Christmas. When I'm home, we set aside for our family. Mama cooks a lot of tasty stuff, and even people we haven't seen for years can come to visit us .I have noticed that in Russia New Year is more popular.
— Yes, this goes back to the Soviet times, when the government fought against religion and tried to shift people's attention from Christmas to the New Year party.
— Wow, I didn’t know that. By the way, I still like your Maslenitsa – when you dress up a scarecrow and burn it!
— Well, it’s indeed a great show! And have you tried Russian cuisine?
— Sure! My favorite is borsch, a type of soup with meat and vegetables. I also like “Olivier” salad, which is known abroad as a "Russian salad". It is also very delicious.
— Do our national dishes differ greatly from yours?
— Yes, and I really miss our food. For example, “NDOLE”- this dish is also called "psyllium". The plant should be thinly sliced, well cooked and added to meat with homemade spices.
— Do you prepare spices yourself?
— Yes, for example, spices for chicken. But in Russia I usually just buy them in the store. Here you can find spices from Cameroon, but their taste differs from real Cameroon spices.
— Are you planning to stay here in Russia with your uncle after you graduate from RNRMU?
— To be honest, I still don’t know. I have 3 options: to stay here, to return home or to go to another country.
The interview will be published soon. Published interviews are marked in blue on the map.
The interview will be published soon. Published interviews are marked in blue on the map.
I believe that Russian medicine is one of the best in the world, and the Russian educational system is one of the most effective. If I get a good job in a Russian clinic, I will be ready to stay in Russia.
— Minji, why have you decided to become a doctor?
— I think a doctor is a very important and responsible job. This is someone who saves people's lives, helps to overcome diseases.
— Why have you decided to study in Russia, not in China?
— I believe that Russian medicine is one of the best in the world, and the Russian educational system is one of the most effective. And I’ve decided to study where I can get the highest quality education.
— Why have you decided to enroll in the RNRMU?
— Our University is well-known all over the world. I’ve read lots of reviews about it on the Internet and I’ve learned that I can get access to the best educational resources here.
— What was unexpected for you?
— Last year, there was a sudden outbreak of coronavirus infection, and this prevented me from going home to China for summer holidays. And I wanted to see my parents and friends so much ... now I'm looking forward to the summer, I hope my plans will still come true.
— Have you regretted it coming to Russia and going to our University?
— No, I absolutely have not regretted it. I like studying at the Pirogov Medical University, and I’ve never thought about going to another one.
— What are your favorite and least favorite subjects?
— I like Chemistry. But I have difficulties with PE, because I do not really like sports.
— Do you have any experience of volunteering?
— Not yet, but I think I can become a volunteer in the future.
— Would you like to stay in Russia or return to your homeland after completing your training?
— It's hard to say now. If I get a good job in a Russian clinic, I will be ready to stay in Russia.
— What are your goals for the future?
— At this stage, studying is he most important thing for me. I want to graduate from university and become a good doctor.
"If a Russian student learns some material for two hours, I need four”
Ramos Acevedo Diego David from Colombia entered Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University (RNRMU) to study medical physics. A first-year student of the Faculty of Medicine and Biology talked about studying on another continent, what difficulties he has to face every day, and about Russian cuisine, relations with classmates and stereotypes about Russia.
— Diego, why did you choose medical biophysics?
— After leaving school, I wanted to study physics, because I was good at this subject. I also decided to help people. I learned that there is medical biophysics, and I liked that field..
— Why did you decide to enter a Russian university instead of staying in Colombia to study there?
— Firstly, because there is no such field as medical biophysics in Colombia. Secondly, it is because science education in Latin America, in my opinion, is probably not the best. Spanish textbooks are not as good as Russian ones. Russia has a very strong science.
— And what about medicine in Colombia?
— I think that medicine in Colombia is not as good as in Russia, that is why I decided to study in the Russian Federation.
— How often do you visit your homeland?
— I will go in the summer, but this will be the first time during my studies. My parents live in Colombia.
— How did your parents react to your decision to study in Russia?
My parents were upset. It is not very common for Latin Americans to study abroad, but now they are very happy because they believe that getting an education in Russia is the best option. I communicate with my parents often, talk to them every day.
— Do you miss them?
Yes, of course, but not like at the beginning. The first week was very difficult for me, but now everything is fine.
— You came to Russia in 2021, what expectations did you have?
— I think there are many stereotypes about Russia. When I lived in Colombia, I read a lot about Russia. But, of course, when I arrived, it was difficult, because Russians are very different from Latin Americans. For example, in Latin America everyone is always smiling. In Russia, it is different. And I don’t think that is bad, it’s just surprising. The very strong character of some people also struck me.
— What did you see in Moscow, did you visit any sights?
— When I arrived in Moscow, the first thing I visited was Lenin Mausoleum. I also visited Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko Theater, the Moscow Art Theater, the Museum of Cosmonautics and many other places, and I liked all of them. When I have time, for example during the winter holidays, I try to go to as many museums and sights, as I can, because Moscow is such an amazing city.
— Would you like to visit other cities?
— Sure, I would like to go to St. Petersburg or Kaliningrad.
— How did you choose a university in Russia? Did you have the opportunity to study in another city, or did you want to get an education in Moscow from the beginning?
— When I handed over all my documents, the embassy told me that I needed to choose a university. I studied information about all universities that are in Russia. The list included the universities of Kazan, St. Petersburg and Moscow. According to the reviews, I realized that RNRMU gives high quality education.
— Are you glad you chose our university?
— Yes. Now, I know that RNRMU is the best.
— Is it easy for you to study at the University?
— Not really. Although, now it is a little easier, but the first semester was very difficult.
— Do you study in a group with other foreigners?
— No, I am the only foreigner in my group. There are groups for English speakers, but in such areas as general medicine, dentistry and pharmaceuticals.
— Does anyone from Latin America, besides you, study at the University?
— There are five people, all of them from the Republic of Ecuador, studying General Medicine. We communicate, but not very often.
— How do you relate to your classmates and teachers?
— I communicate very well with my classmates. I like my group, because the guys knew from the first moment that I am a foreigner and everything is more difficult for me. There are friends who help me a lot. So, I'm very lucky. Teachers are also very patient. There were situations when it was too difficult, especially in the first semester, because I did not know anything at all, I did not understand what a training manual, textbook, colloquium is. And I was very surprised by the education system: here, throughout the entire training, you are only in one group, like at school. My classmates explained to me how everything works at the university.
— What is your favorite subject? And which one do you not like?
—I like organic chemistry. The first semester had non-organic chemistry, and it was the most difficult moment in my life. I cannot say that my school knowledge of chemistry is very good, and I did not do well at the University. I have been practicing a lot and passed everything, but it was too difficult. In addition, I really like mathematics, including the calculus, although it is not easy.
— Is it difficult to speak Russian all the time?
— Certainly. In the morning, when I just wake up, I think that my Russian is great, I can use grammar well. But at four PM I can hardly speak, I'm very exhausted.
— Are there cases at the University when it is difficult for you to understand people?
— Yes. Sometimes it happens while communicating with teachers. The way I understand the subject depends, among other things, on how the lecturer speaks. There are people who present the material very well, they can explain difficult concepts and ideas calmly. But some teachers speak quickly and I don't understand anything. When I need to perform some kind of laboratory work, it can be challenging, because the Russian I studied at the preparatory faculty, is not always enough to complete a task. There are many difficult terms. Teachers probably do not always understand what I want to say.
I have my own method. Firstly, I study and try to understand how everything works in Spanish. Then I already learn the same thing, but in Russian. It's easier when I translate word by word.
— I guess that method takes a lot of time?
— Yes, when Russian student studies material for two hours, I need four
— It is clear that it is difficult to study. Have there been moments in your life when you could not explain something in a store or did not understand someone?
— When people find out that I am from Colombia, they become very interested. I have never faced racism. On the contrary, people are interested in communicating with me, they ask a lot of questions. It's very cool. By the way, all my friends speak Russian.
— Do you have Spanish-speaking friends in Russia?
— Yes, but not much. When we meet in the dormitory, it is only near the elevator. “¡Hola! ¿Cómo estás?” That’s it. My roommate is from Vietnam, but he speaks good Russian because he studied here.
— Do you miss some things that are common in Colombia, but you do not have the opportunity to get them in Moscow?
— Of course, let's say, fruits. In Latin America, they are available all year round, while in Russia they are mainly available in summer. There are tangerines here, but I miss tropical fruits. It was difficult to get used to the food: Russian and Latin American cuisine are quite different. Colombia has a coffee tradition. In Russia, many people prefer tea, but I don't really like it. Every day I drink a lot of coffee, but I miss Colombian coffee, although sometimes I buy Brazilian coffee, it is also very tasty.
— Colombia is mostly associated with coffee, football and cartels among Russians. What can you say about the last one?
— Cartels still exist – it's true. But the situation improved with the election of a new president. Before that, many people were killed.
— What do people think about Pablo Escobar in Colombia?
— It depends where you ask. In Bogota people consider Escobar as a bad person. But there are cities to which he gave a lot of money and to these cities he is a hero.
— Would you like to stay in Russia after your studying?
— To be honest, I want to stay here, get an education and do research, or establish a biophysics field at universities of Colombia or Cuba.
— What kind of research are you interested in?
— I want to do research on certain diseases, for example, paresis.
— You are 19 now. Where do you see yourself in the future, let’s say, after 10 years?
— I think that by that time I will receive an education and become a scientist. I really want to help people with the power of science.
— Are you going to live in Moscow?
— I hope so.
The interview will be published soon. Published interviews are marked in blue on the map.
— Valeria, what attracted you in medicine?
— Well, the profession of a doctor is quite interesting and one of the most necessary professions in society. I believe that there is a huge potential for growth in this area at the moment. Since many things remain a mystery to us, I want to contribute to the development of the medical sphere, do a lot of useful things and help people to be healthy.
— But at the same time medicine is one of the most difficult professions, it takes a long time to become a good doctor.
— Studying has been and remains an important occupation for me, and I am not scared of difficulties at all. On the contrary, it is great when there is an opportunity to develop permanently and to discover something for yourself.
— Valeria, why did you decide to leave Latvia instead of studying there?
— In fact, I left Latvia even before entering the Russian national research medical university. By the way, I studied in the USA and in Denmark. I wanted to keep on discovering the world, and there was an opportunity to come to Russia.
My Russian parents told me a lot about this country, its traditions, history and culture. Therefore, the chance to get a good education in Russia interested me.
— Please tell us a bit about your studying in USA and Denmark.
— In the USA I studied under the FLEX (Future Leaders Exchange) programme. As part of it, I went there among the first from my country — I studied there in high school.
After that I entered a gymnasium in Denmark, where I have studied the programme "International Baccalaureate" (IB).
— Did you have to take some exams to go to study in the USA?
— Sure! There was a serious selection of students and a great number of stages. The organizers recruited students with the potential for growth, ready for new experiences and for development, to do something useful for society both in their country and in USA.
There were psychological tests, interviews, games (we were watched by representatives of the programme). We also wrote a proficiency test in English, and also motivation letters. More than 50 people applied for one place!
— And what was the International Baccalaureate programme in Denmark?
— This is a Swiss school education programme. I studied only in the framework of its main part - Diploma programme (grades 11-12). It is considered the main international programme in the world, one of the most difficult. It consists of six groups of subjects: three at the basic level of study and three at the advanced level. The disciplines were based on what the student is interested in and what he will need in his future profession.
Since I was already planning to go to medicine, I chose biology, chemistry and psychology. The programme also included courses aimed at developing social skills, critical thinking and research competencies.
There were also subjects that involved activities outside of the school. For example, it was required to work 50 hours as a volunteer, as well as devote 50 hours to creative and sports fields. It was necessary not only to study subjects, but also to develop an enormous number of other useful skills.
— You have noticed that you were not afraid of difficulties?
— Yes, and I was interested in what I was doing. So, why not give it a try?
— Who are your parents?
— My mom worked at the Institute of transport and communications in Riga for a while. She was offered the position of dean, but she is attracted by the practical scope of knowledge, and now she works as a leading business analyst in one of the largest Russian logistics companies.
And my dad works at the Latvian Academy of Sciences, he is an engineer and he teaches at Riga technical university.
— How did you find out about our University and why did you choose to enter it?
— There was a large amount of options, And I chose two universities: RNRMU and Sechenov university. As a result, I settled on the RNRMU: I was attracted by a five-day week of full-time classes. Later I also find out about the double degree programme and realized that I didn’t make a mistake with the choice.
— You told me that you grew up in a “Russian environment”. How exactly did your parents introduce you to it?
— I studied in Russian school, where I studied the Russian language and literature. I learned from my parents Russian history and Russia music. My family and I have always celebrated the New Year twice - Moscow time, an hour earlier, and Latvian time.
We watched Soviet and Russian films and cartoons together. My parents showed me intellectual programmes, as well as literature, creativity and art since early childhood.
— And did they tell you why they left the country?
— It happened a long time ago, at the USSR times. My grandfathers were militaries, and they were transferred to Riga for service, and their families moved with them.
— Well, when you moved to Russia, you did not have a cultural shock.
— The difference in traditions and life principles in different countries is unequivocally, and you have to be prepared for this. Of course, I was thinking with excitement about how I would be welcomed in Russia, what difficulties I would have to face. But it is very interesting for me to "discover" new countries, because I am a real cosmopolitan, I am a citizen of the world.
— What was unexpected for you here?
— The amount of time spent on education at our University was really unexpected. I used to think that even though work and study are important moments, there should always be some free time. You study for eight hours a day, and the rest of the time you devote to rest and sports.
I also thought that my mates and I would be more actively involved in university life. For example, in Denmark education is based on the principle of the student's interest in learning. There was nearly no homework, so there was time to study additional topics and issue outside the framework of the programme.
— Please tell us what was your first impressions of your studies.
— I liked the high level of professionalism of the teaching staff and an interesting approach to teaching at the International faculty, especially I like the subjects where we were told about modern technologies in medicine. For example, in physics we did not just solve problems, but we used the latest programmes and technologies. And in biology we devoted a lot of time to the molecular component and, for example, studied sequencing and epigenetics in detail.
I think attention should be paid to the Department of humanities of the International faculty. We did not just study subjects, but discussed topics, conducted a critical analysis of phenomena. I really appreciated this method: less studying like mad — more analytics and logical conclusions.
— Valeria, is there anything left during these 3 years of studying that you have not been able to get used to?
— Yes, sometimes I have a feeling that people around me are too closed. In Europe and America relations at the initial stage of dating are always more open, while in Russia trust is getting built after some period of time, so you have to be prepared for this.
— What direction have you chosen, do you know who will you become after graduating from the University?
— I have several options: endocrinology, psychiatry, sports medicine and medical management. Before entering the RNRMU I was more interested in endocrinology: my American family was connected with this science and told me a lot about it.
Sports medicine attracts me thanks to my big love of sports.
In Denmark I won a research competition held by the pharmacological company Lundbeck among high school students. His topic was the search for biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric diseases. This competition and great lectures of our teachers from RNRMU have stimulated my big interest in psychiatry.
— Could you mention someone from your teachers here?
— In fact, it’s very difficult to select one person. All the teachers left a deep mark in my soul. They taught me a lot and I really like studying at our university!
I would like to convey my words of gratitude to Alla P. Pikina from the Department of microbiology and virology of the Faculty of pediatrics, Natalia A. Maslova from the Department of human anatomy of the Faculty of medicine, Emiliano Mettini and teachers of the Department of humanities, Oleg B. Shiryaev from the Department of physics of the faculty of medicine and biology (MBF), Irina G. Savinkova from the Department of physiology of the MBF, as well as teachers of the Department of general surgery, Pathological anatomy and the Department of pharmacology (pediatric faculty).
— Let's change the subject a little. What Latvian traditions, holidays or dishes do you miss here in Russia?
— I really miss Latvian sweets, so when I come home, I buy everything from the shelves of the store. Most of all, there is a lack of ginger cookies, which is called "piparkukas". My mom bakes it once a year for Christmas. There is still not enough okroshka on pickled beetroot, which is prepared according to the Latvian recipe.
— If one of your friends decides to have a trip to Latvia, what would you advise him to visit first?
— If you go there in autumn, I would recommend to visit a very beautiful place with enchanting views — the city of Sigulda. There you can also see the castle and find many nature trails.
As for summertime, it’s worth going to Jurmala, a city on the shore of the Gulf of Riga. Although, you can go to the sea all year round! It’s my opinion. And you need to see the beautiful Riga with the narrow streets of its Old Town for sure.
— Please share your plans with us.
—Well, after graduation I wish I become a specialist who will contribute to the development of medicine. I want to be not only a doctor, but also a researcher. I don't know which country I will work in yet, and it's probably too early to think about it. Anyway, a doctor is a respected and important profession in any corner of the whole world.
I put the RNRMU in the 1st place. I waited impatiently for an answer for 2-3months, I was afraid that I failed… The news that I was accepted became a real holiday for me!
— Suzanna, you really look like a Russian girl!
— Yes, my mom is Russian. She met my dad in Kazakhstan, when he came there as a tourist. They fell in love and went to Lebanon together.
— Was she a student?
— Yes, she was at her first year, but she quit it for my dad. My father came to Kazakhstan several times to visit my mom. That was 22 years ago (and I'm 21 now) and they are still together! Concerning my light skin: my sister who is 9 years younger than me is very dark, even darker than our dad! And our little brother (he is 6) is my little copy. My mom always says she sees me in him. Mom misses me so much.
— What was your grandparents’ reaction to what your mom did?
— At first they were against it, definitely. My mom is their youngest daughter, and my grandparents bothered for her a lot. But my dad did his best, so it was a change of heart of my grandparents! And my mom became a part of my dad’s family right away!
— What do you parents do for a living nowadays?
— My mom doesn’t work and my dad is an engineer.
— Why did you come to Russia?
— My mother is originally from Russia, and even in Lebanon I always spoke only Russian to her, my brother and my sister. My dad is permanently at work, so we communicate not so often. We speak Arabic with him, because he doesn't always understand Russian. It turns out that I spoke mostly in Arabic only at school, I am fluent in it, although my friends say that I know it even worse than Russian.
— And how do parents communicate?
— My mom speaks fluently Lebanese dialect of Arabic. She has an accent of course, but it’s not a problem.
— Do you and your mother wear a burqa or hijab in Lebanon?
— No, it's not necessary. Lebanon is a free country: christians and muslims live together in peace, so no one owes anyone anything.
— And is your family muslim or christian?
— My dad is a muslim, and my mom is a christian. There are no conflicts, but my father always encourages me to adhere to his faith, to which I used to answer him: “I believe in God, but this is still my life, and I live it the way I want."
— What does your mom cook for your dad?
— My mom cooks great both Russian and Lebanese dishes. Lebanese cuisine is very diverse and delicious and spicy. My favorite dishes are kebab and hummus. From Russian cuisine I like borsch, “pelmeni”, “vareniki” and “plov”.
— When you first came to school, how did your classmates react to you?
— Honestly, they seemed aggressive to me at first. In Lebanon, e.g., all children are lively, and I was very shy. I wore a funny traditional hat, brought from Kazakhstan — called borik, no one had such a hat, so they made fun of it. It's just that the children in Lebanon did not get used to dress so warmly even in winter, and my mom always wrapped me up. I only started to get used to studying when I found friends.
— I read that there is a tradicion in Lebanon to gather the whole family at the eldest son's house every Sunday and spend time together. Is it so?
— It's not necessary, but it can be so. We often visited relatives on weekends. I can say that in my family we observe all the traditions: both Russian and Lebanese, mixed up. At Easter we always gather with friends from Russia (there are many Russians in Lebanon) - we make cakes and paint eggs. We go usually to the mountains, light a fire, and arrange competitions. And as for the Lebanese traditions – we honor Ramadan. At first, everyone fasts for 30 days, and then they celebrate Eid al-Adha. The fact is that when you live in Lebanon and see how the majority fasts, you are so sincerely involved with this atmosphere that you join the locals easily. And every night with the first star my mom sets an enormous table and cooks a lot of different food. I haven't been going out with my family for 2 years, and I don't know if I'll be fasting myself during my studies, but I definitely miss that magical atmosphere.
— Why Russia, finally?
— I have always loved Russia, but I never thought my dad would let me come here on my own. But I still decided to apply for a quota. There were 900 applications from my country, and only 60 students were awarded a scholarship. Suddenly I was one of them. Students were selected based on the school's final grades, which they received at the end of the 12th grade. I had already entered the Lebanese University to study biology, although I wanted to become a dentist. So after learning about the quota, I decided to get more information and I applied online. Everything was very smoothly and quickly. I was offered to send an application to study at 6 Russian universities, and I put the RNRMU in the 1st place. I waited impatiently for an answer for 2-3 months, I was afraid that I would be refused. The news that I was accepted became a real holiday for me!
— How did your dad react?
— He was happy and he was very proud of me.
— And why did you initially enter the biology faculty instead of the faculty of dentistry?
— The thing is that in Lebanon to enter the faculty of dentistry, you have to study for the 1st year in biology and pass an exam similar to a colloquium. It is very difficult: you'll have to study all summer long to pass this test. As a result, only 20 students will be selected. And studying for a dentist in private universities is very expensive: at least 20 thousand dollars a year.
— And how did you adapt in Russia?
— I came to Ryazan in 2019, where I took obligatory preparatory courses. We had 5 people in the group, and I became the senior companion for all the foreigners, as I learned more easily than they did. I could pick up on complex grammatical topics in Russian right away, and I didn't have to repeat anything at home. Biology, physics and chemistry also passed in calm mode.
— Could you tell us a few words about your studies?
— At first I thought that it would be difficult for me, because I studied all the subjects in my country in English. When I read textbooks, I understand everything, I just have to get used to the vocabulary. Foreign languages are easy for me, and when I had Latin in the 1st semester, I passed it perfectly. Anatomy was also fine. Our teacher was Natalya Maslova, and I really like the way she teaches.
— Since your studies are going so well, do you still have free time?
— Sometimes I can go to a cafe or go to cinema, or see the sights. In Moscow I have already been to a beautiful place – VDNKH – several times, it’s wonderful there, especially for the New Year. I also like Gorky Park.
— Do you have a hobby?
— Not yet, but I would really like to do sports or creativity. When I was little, there were no activities in Sur, my hometown (if only you don’t go to Beirut). You know, Lebanon is not as modern as Russia. The mentality recently has become more “European”…
— Where would you like to work after you graduate from the University?
— I suppose, I’d like to stay in Moscow. But I consider Lebanon also, as my dad misses me a lot. And doctors make good money there. I would even say that doctors (especially cardiologists and dentists) are the richest and the most valuable people there.
Ahmed H: “I’d like to continue my practice in Russia. My aim is to get a doctorate”.
Ahmed B: “And I’d like to come back to my homeland to help to develop our healthcare system and to heal my compatriots…”
Ahmed Bardam and Ahmed Khabeez are inseparable friends. Their acquaintance began almost 20 years ago in school, and since then they have always been together.
They used to solve all their important problems and issues concerning entering the university, choosing a job or a trip to Russia, faraway and unknown country, - together. Now they are studying in the residency programme of the University in the "traumatology and orthopedics" speciality. Then they’re planning to enter postgraduate studies in order to learn more about medical science and return to their native Libya as highly professional doctors.
However, the career choice for both guys was deeply personal, although they made it in the same direction. Ahmed Bardem's father was a professor at a medical university in Libya, so the son decided to follow in dad’s footsteps. Ahmed Khabeez's father is also a doctor, and he always dreamed that his dynasty would be continued.
Ahmed Bardam is 30 y.o. now, and Ahmed Khabeez is 29 After graduation they already had time to practice in medical institutions in Libya, and when they arrived in Russia and entered the residency, they began working at clinical bases (Hospital #64 named after V. V. Vinogradov).
They answer our questions today.
— Dear Colleagues, please tell us why did you decide to come to study in Russia?
— We have heard a lot of good things about Russia since childhood, so we made this decision without any hesitation. We want to become real professionals and to get more experience. Unfortunately, there are no residency training programmes in our country now. We chose Russia first of all because we talked with doctors who were educated here. They gave us a great feedback! Secondly, Russia is well known for its great doctors, and the professional future directly depends on the level of the teachers. And finally – another reason was that there is no Russian embassy in Libya, so we had to leave the country via Egypt. If you have an Egyptian visa in a Libyan passport, it’s not easy to enter all the countries. So, Russia is one of the friendliest countries in this way.
— Why it was RNRMU named after Pirogov?
— We have investigated feedbacks in social media, Internet. We have considered various options both in Moscow and in Saint Petersburg. Then we discovered on the RNRMU site that there are a lot of foreign students. So, we got in touch with some of them. And as a result we agreed that it’s the best place to study in RNRMU. A wonderful scientific school, great teachers and excellent clinical bases are here. So, we do not regret at all. It’s a great pleasure to study here in the University.
— Was language barrier a problem?
— We speak English and French fluently and we hope that Russian language won’t be a problem soon! But we have to confess that it wasn’t so easy for us. When we arrived here, we didn't speak Russian at all. We started studying Russian language at the University with really fantastic teachers. The course was lasting for 6 months. Then we began to work in a hospital, where it was really difficult to understand patients’ complains and requests. That was a bit disappointing, ‘cause we really wanted to help them. But our Russian colleagues’ attitude made us feel comfortable, teachers helped a lot and shared their great experience with us.
— What are your impressions of Russia?
— Russia is a very beautiful country with amazing history and stunning architecture. We met a lot of wonderful people here and gained great experience.
— Did you make friends with your colleagues?
— Yes, we have a lot of friends here. With some of them we play football together. As we can see, volleyball is also very popular in Russia. Definitely, sport brings people together and provides mutual understanding.
— What are your plans for your professional future?
— Ahmed Khabeez: I’d like to continue my practice in Russia. My aim is to get a doctorate. And then we’ll see.
— Ahmed Bardam: I would like to become a good orthopedic surgeon and, after returning to Libya, I want to specialize in arthroscopy. Since 2011, Libya has been going through a difficult period – a war was there. The situation gets better gradually, little by little. However, there are a lot of problems in the Libyan healthcare sector, such as lack of equipment, and also there are problems in a system of medical staff protection. Sometimes it becomes difficult for doctors and patients to reach hospitals, when conflicts escalate. It is not safe to work there and to receive treatment. But I’d like to come back to my homeland to help to develop our healthcare system and to heal my compatriots.
— We wish you to be successful in the profession, to achieve all your goals and to maintain your friendship!
— Thank you!
Why not change everything: move to an unfamiliar city?
— Deividas, why did you decide to move to Russia and start your studies here?
— In 2013, I was a senior in high school. Unlike in Russia, Europe has 12 grades. Representatives from the Rossotrudnichestvo came to our school in Klaipėda to talk about the educational program. I faced a choice: London or Moscow. I got accepted to both, so I spent a long time contemplating where to go. Realizing that the practical experience in Russia is far superior, I chose to study under the Rossotrudnichestvo program. That's how I ended up at the Second Medical University.
— Often young people from the Baltic States opt for Western Europe.
— Yes, but then they don’t stay there for various reasons. For now, I don't see an urgent need to return. I never considered staying in Lithuania and moving to Vilnius. It's not exciting, it's dull. Why not change everything: move to an unfamiliar city where, besides my mom's university friend, I don't know anyone else.
— Why medicine specifically?
— I've been interested in it since I was five. My mom is a doctor and studied here, at RNIMU, though back then it was called MOLGMI. I've been around the medical field since childhood, visiting her at work, accompanying her on shifts. I've always enjoyed hands-on tasks, so from an early age, I wanted to be a cardiothoracic surgeon, later shifting to neurosurgery.
— So, choosing a university was relatively straightforward for you?
— At the top of my list was the Mechnikov North-Western State Medical University in St. Petersburg since many of my classmates or students from parallel classes went there. Second was the St. Petersburg Pavlov State Medical University. The first Moscow university on my list was RNIMU.
As it happened, my documents first arrived in Moscow, not St. Petersburg. The selection process started among Moscow universities, and all the paperwork went to the Second Medical University. Later, I found out that my documents were never even sent to St. Petersburg. That's how I ended up in Moscow, even though not many Lithuanians come to RNIMU through Rossotrudnichestvo. Currently, from Lithuania, there's me, another first-year resident, and a girl in her third or fourth year. It turned out that mostly Lithuanians have been enrolling in the universities of the Northern capital.
— You mentioned your classmates. How often do young Lithuanians choose Russia?
— In Klaipeda, there are three Russian high schools. Approximately 15 students from each school apply to Russia. This is a significant number, spanning various majors and universities. Some go to Saint Petersburg, while others head to Saratov or even Kemerovo.
— But the majority of Lithuanians aim for Europe?
— I can't say for sure. Probably, it's 60 to 40 percent in favor of Europe — the difference isn't that vast. But I'll reiterate, many of those who leave end their studies prematurely and begin working outside their field. Out of my acquaintances, only two completed their education fully; now, they're finding their way. All the others either returned home or dispersed elsewhere.
— How were your first days in an unfamiliar city and at the University?
— I was a bit surprised when I moved into the dormitory. It's nice there now, but back then, it was a different story. From a cozy home, you find yourself in a place filled with complete strangers. Due to renovations, I had to move a few times, but I was lucky: I always had good neighbors.
As for the studies, there is a certain difference in the approach to education. In Europe, it's more independent, especially in the senior years. But overall, both systems are very similar; if you look at the academic difference, it's virtually nonexistent.
— Which subjects do you enjoy the most?
— I've always loved anatomy! Every medical professional has books on topographic anatomy and operative surgery at home, regardless of their specialty. I also have a deep fondness for surgery.
Unfortunately, I've always found it hard with subjects that don't have a direct application in practical medicine. We were taught philosophy and psychology, but I believe that every doctor should inherently possess a sense of compassion and empathy towards patients. If you don’t have it from the start, you will never acquire it later, and sooner or later, you'll leave the medical field.
— Which of your professors had the most influence on you?
— I would highlight the Department of Histology and its head, Valeriya Vladimirovna Glinkina. She conducted the very first exemplary lectures. The quality was so high that after her lessons, you wouldn't even need to open the textbook; you already knew everything. They were less lectures and more like dialogues with students. Of course, I would also mention Anatoly Petrovich Baranov from the Department of Propaedeutics of Internal Diseases of the Medical Faculty. He instilled in students the academically correct methods of physical examination. I'd also point out Professor Alexander Petrovich Raksha from the Department of Clinical Anatomy and Clinical Pathological Anatomy of the Medical Faculty. He also heads the Pathological Anatomy Department of Pirogov City Clinical Hospital No. 1. Interestingly, Alexander Petrovich never taught me directly; his student Maria Koroleva, who was still a resident at the time, did. When you see a resident with knowledge at a professorial and teaching level, it motivates you to study the subject.
— Where are you doing your residency?
— I am at the Department of Faculty Surgery No. 1 of the Medical Faculty under the guidance of Alexander Vyacheslavovich Sazhin, based at Pirogov City Clinical Hospital No. 1. Throughout my studies, I spent six years on duty at the N.V. Sklifosovsky Institute. Being in emergency surgery, you quickly gain experience. But it's essential to be able to perform not just emergency operations. I needed experience working with scheduled patients, so I chose the Pirogov City Hospital.
— What do you like to do outside of your studies?
— I really enjoy driving, taking walks, and traveling. I like both classical tourism, where you visit landmarks, and camping trips. For five years, I was the head of a surgical club, so there wasn't much time left for extracurricular activities at the University.
— How would you evaluate the time you've spent here?
— Everything suits me; I don't want to move anywhere else. There's room for growth, plenty to do, and ways to develop. I've found friends here who, over the years, have been through thick and thin with me.
The interview will be published soon. Published interviews are marked in blue on the map.
I immediately felt the difference in the climate. I bought warm clothes in my country, but it wasn’t enough, so when I arrived in Russia – and I went to the store again.
— Sayo, you came from a country with the Sahara Desert as part of it. How did you adapt to our snowy Russia?
— I immediately felt the difference in the climate. I bought warm clothes in my country, but it wasn’t enough, so when I arrived in Russia, in 2018, I went to the store again.
— What kind of weather is usually in Mali – both in winter and summer?
— The temperature can reach 40 degrees and in rarely drops to 13 degrees. But it's only this cold in December.
— Is December also considered as a winter in your country?
— We have eternal summer, so we don’t divide the seasons into winter, spring, summer and autumn, as people in Russia do. It’s sunny all year round, although there is also a rainy season.
— What months are the most comfortable in Mali for tourists? And tell us a bit about the most important attractions for sight-seeing.
— I’d recommend to come to Mali on December or January, when the temperature is comfortable, and first of all man has to visit the Boucle du Baoulé. It’s the only National Park in Mali. You should also pay attention to the National Zoo and the city of Djenné to discover a lot of historical attractions.
— Why did you decide to come to Russia and not stay in your homeland?
— I always wanted to study abroad. Once I saw an ad on TV about Russian education, and it seemed to me as an interesting opportunity.
— Have any of your relatives studied outside of Mali before?
— Yes, my older brother studied medicine in France. But I don't like this country, so I didn't want to follow in his footsteps.
— Why did you choose Russian national research medical university?
— In the application I had to specify 6 universities where I would like to study. I came across a rating of medical universities in Russia, and the first in the list was RNRMU.
— And what kind of doctor would you like to be?
— I haven’t decided yet. But I hope to become a surgeon.
— You are here for 2 years, but you speak Russian so well. Is it difficult?
— Of course, it’s difficult to study in Russian language – sometimes there are many questions that you even don't have time to sort out all the topics yourself. Fortunately, during the class you can always communicate with your teachers and ask them to clarify the question.
— And how are you doing with the exams?
— It was difficult, but I did my best. Classes finish just a week after they start very often, and to make it easier to pass the test, I “track” the exam questions during the lectures, analyze them thoroughly and try to repeat everything the day before.
— How else do you practice your Russian language skills?
— Chatting with my class-mates and with my neighbor.
— Do you find time for hobbies?
— No, there is no free time. In my country I used to played football with my friends, but here it’s not too easy to go out into the yard to play football like I did in Libya.
— Do you miss your home, your national traditions, your cuisine?
— Sure, I miss my parents very much. Previously, I was in touch with my family all the time, I used to spend my time at home and I rarely went out. I miss the times when we all celebrated Independence day together, it’s on September, 22 We usually prepare a lot of dishes and invite guests for Independence day.
— Do you have a big family?
— Well, not so big: I have 5 brothers and 2 sisters, and I’m the youngest.
— Wow! Does that mean that it is a small family?..
— Yes, some of my compatriots have bigger families, with 20 and 30 children each.
— Poor mothers…
— A man can just have 4 wives, so all the children are from different wives.
— And do they usually all live in the same house?
— Of course! But my dad only has my mom – he has loved one and only woman all his life. You know, a Muslim can have 4 wives, and a Christian
can have just one. And I am from a Protestant family.
— You’ll study here for 6 years. And your father may call you some day and say, "I have found a wife for you. Will you come to get married? "
— Well, I don't really know. I think it can be so. Everything is decided by the father in my family: if he tells you to do something, you will have to do it.
The interview will be published soon. Published interviews are marked in blue on the map.
I didn’t expect that so many foreigners would study with me – I thought that I would study with Russian students. I didn't even know that so many young people from all over the world study here. That was a surprise.
— Gerelchimeg, when did you decide to become a doctor?
— I finally understood that I wanted to become a doctor when I was in the 11th grade at school. I studied advanced biology and chemistry, then I passed the exams and entered the University on a budget . The fact is that almost all of my relatives have a lot of health problems. And at the same time there is no doctor in my family. So, I will be the first one.
— Have your chosen your specialty?
— Not yet. Firstly I wanted to become a cardiac surgeon, but then I realized that this is very difficult for a girl, and now I am still thinking.
— Why did you decide to get an education in Russia?
— The main reason is that my mama has been working here for 10 years. She has a wool products business. I have a little brother, my mom took him to Russia. So I decided to be there for her to take care of my brother. I always knew that you have a very beautiful country. As a child, I was here several times with my mom, and I don’t regret that I came to study in Russia.
— Why did you decide to enter the RNRMU?
— The conditions offered by the University were fine for me. So, I had only a chemistry exam to enter the University. I study here for free.
— Were you not afraid of the language barrier? Where did you learn Russian?
— No, I have never been afraid of the language barrier. I love Russian language very much and I think it is just beautiful. I have studied Russian at school for 1 year in Mongolia, and then for 2 years at preparatory courses in Moscow and Rostov-on-Don.
— Any other cities in Russia that you have visited?
— I have traveled a lot in Russia. It was mostly related with mom’s job. I have been to Kazan, Kurgan, Murmansk, Ulan-Ude, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg, and Nizhny Novgorod. Most of all I liked Kazan (it reminds Moscow) and Yekaterinburg (there are so many old buildings, wide streets with nice illumination).
— What are your impressions of discovering Russia?
— I like Russia even more than my native Mongolia. I'm already used to the climate, to the people. Maybe, if I get the chance, I'll stay here after my graduation.
— And what difficulties did you face here?
— I had no difficulties except studying. I even had no idea that it was so difficult to study at our University. But so far, I managed to cope with everything. Only the first year was very difficult, the second year is easier, I believe.
— What surprised you the most when you started studying?
— I didn’t expect that so many foreigners would study with me – I thought that I would study with Russian students. I didn't even know that so many young people from all over the world study here. That was a surprise. And I'm glad for sure.
— And what do you like the most about the studying?
— I am glad that the teachers try to give us as much knowledge as possible, that they are sincerely interested in not having any gaps in education for us.
— Tell us a little about Mongolia please.
— We have a lot of natural attractions in Mongolia. Most of the territory is occupied by mountains in the north and deserts in the south. In the northern part of Mongolia, near the border with Russia, there is Lake Khubsugul, which is considered the deepest in Central Asia. The 3 largest cities of the country are Ulaanbaatar (the capital), Darkhan and Erdenet. The capital is located in the floodplain of the Selba River and is surrounded by mountains on 4 sides. Ulaanbaatar is home to 1/4 of the country's population. We have the same severe climate as in Russia. We produce clothes from the wool of a goat or a camel, traditionally.
— Is there any difference in leisure between Mongolian and Russian young people?
— Well, there is not much difference. For example, we also love gadgets. But we get all new gadgets a bit later. Mongolia directly borders only 2 countries: with Russia and with China. There are no so many foreign products from USA or Europe.
— What are you plans for the nearest future?
— I plan to become a member of the donor movement of our University. I have friends who are donors, they told me about their experience, and I also want to try myself here. As for future, I have an aim to graduate from the RNRMU and enter the residency here. My dream is to become a good doctor.
The interview will be published soon. Published interviews are marked in blue on the map.
I feel responsible for the talent I’ve been given. After all, if someone feels better about my songs, then I should sing. But I’d prefer not to be distracted by having a rehearsal before the concert – I want to concentrate on my studies in order to become a professional doctor!
— Emmanuel, why did you decide to become a doctor?
— I always wanted to become a doctor, because it is one of the most important professions in the world. Doctors save lives every day – so what could be more important? In Nigeria I had already completed my degree in biochemistry and worked in a hospital for 2 years. I met doctors there who studied in Russia, and they told me about a high quality of education there, so if I want to become a doctor, I need to go to Russia.
— Were you afraid of the language barrier?
— Yes, I realized that Russian language was very difficult. But my Nigerian colleagues comforted me, explaining me that in 1 or 2 years I would speak and understand Russian well. The main reason to go on a trip was the support of my colleagues who studied in Russia. I've lived here for 4 years. At first, I have studied at preparatory language courses for a year, and now I am in my 3rd year.
— How old are you?
— I am 23
— When did you graduate from a university in Nigeria?
— I became a student very early, at the age of 14 I did really well in school, and after skipping the elementary school programme, I successfully passed the high school exam and entered the university. My parents didn't mind my early education – they thought I was very smart. (Laughs.)
— How do you manage to find time for vocals? I know that the third year has quite intensive training programme.
— I am lack of time. In my first year I started attending a historical dance and singing studio. But then I realized I didn't have enough time for that. Besides, I sing in the church choir on Sundays. I have a very busy schedule in my third year, but I love singing and I try to find time for it.
— How long have you been singing?
— I never did it on purpose. I always sang, from earliest childhood. Some new opportunities opened up for me, when I entered the University. Including vocal lessons. There is a piano in the University lobby. And when I once sang to the accompaniment of my friend, I suddenly heard the applause of the audience. Then I was offered to participate in the contest "Talents of RNRMU" contest. The audience greeted me warmly. Now I feel responsible for the talent I've been given. After all, if someone feels better about my songs, then I should sing. But, to be honest I would prefer not to be distracted by rehearsals, preparing for concerts – I want to concentrate on my studies in order to become a professional doctor. But I always sing with great pleasure at home.
— Why did you chose RNRMU?
— I have investigated feedbacks on Internet and found out that Russian National Research Medical University was probably the most popular university in Russia. And I am really happy to enter the University! I have all the opportunities here – both for basic academic education and for some extra activities.
— Have you already decided on your specialization?
— When I was 6, I told my parents that I wanted to become a neurosurgeon. My dad was surprised – he couldn't understand how I knew that word. And now I'm at a crossroads: choosing among several directions. But most likely I will prefer neurosurgery, because the brain is the most interesting organ that has not yet been fully investigated and researched by medicine. So, there is a large space for new discoveries in this area. And it really inspires me. I deeply respect the medical and scientific legacy of the great surgeon Nikolay Pirogov, who first used etherization. And I also want to make my own great discoveries, so that, e.g., a university of Nigeria will be named after Emmanuel Mbahotu. (Laughs.)
— Tell us about your parents.
— My mom is an engineer, my dad is an industrial chemist. They have never made me studying! Mom always tells me to take care and to rest more, and dad, on the contrary, is very glad that I spend my time studying hard.
— What do you like in your studies?
— I really like the Russian education system in general. In Nigeria if you fail the exam once, you can't retake it. And in Russia it’s possible. And if you want to improve your grades — this is also possible. Also I think it’s important that we have a very diverse cultural life. There is no constant cramming 24/7. You can always switch yourself to cultural events — to become a spectator or take part in the performance yourself. This is very important and this is fantastic!
— Do you have a lot of friends?
— I have met a lot of friendly and open-minded guys here at RNRMU. Even unfamiliar people who only know me from my performances at university concerts greet me when we meet. It's very nice. My classmates always help and support me, tell me if I forgot a Russian word.
— Have you found your love?
— No, medicine is my only love now (laughs). I think when you have a girlfriend, it unconsciously distracts you from the studies. That’s why I decide to devote myself to the education. I will think about private life later.
— And what are your plans?
— I’d like to be a teacher at a medical university. I would open my own hospital in my country as well. In the nearest future I have plans to visit Saint Petersburg and Sochi. I also dream of going to the "end of the world” to see the polar lights – I'm sure it's an exciting sight! And Red Square impressed me the most – it was just stunning!
“There is no racism at all in Russia, everyone respects each other”
Ahmad Abdukhaltam from Palestine managed to study in Rostov-on-Don and graduate from a medical school in Moscow, return to his homeland, work as a doctor, get married, and give birth to a son. After that, the young man again came to Russia to complete his residency and postgraduate studies here. We interviewed him and found out how he manages everything, what it is like to live in two countries, and how the Russian education system differs from the Palestinian one.
— Tell me something about yourself.
— My name is Ahmad, I was born on June 21, 1989.
— How did you get to Russia?
— I graduated from high school in Palestine in 2008 and studied for one year at a Palestinian university. Then I decided to change my life: I came to Russia, to Rostov-on-Don, where I studied at the preparatory faculty of the Russian language for one year. Then, in 2010, I moved to Moscow and entered the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia. I studied there for six years, until 2016. Then I returned home to Palestine and worked.
In 2019, I realized that I wanted to go back to Russia, went to Rostov-on-Don, and completed my residency in Dermatovenereology. In 2021, I decided to enroll in graduate school. In each country, there is a "Russian House", a project of RosSotrudnichestvo (Russian Cooperation), where you can get a scholarship and study for free.
I decided to enter graduate school in Moscow, at Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University , in the direction of "Dermatovenereology". On October 1, studies began at the Faculty of Additional Professional Education. I started writing a dissertation on the topic "Human papillomavirus" (HPV).
— Why did you decide to study in Russia?
— Having studied the information on the Internet, I realized that Moscow is one of the most beautiful and cleanest cities in the world. I have been to 39 cities. Paris, New York, Madrid - it's very dirty there. Even Dubai in the Emirates is not as clean as Moscow. When my parents came to the prom in 2016, they were shocked by the order here.
And in Russia there is no racism at all: neither on the street, nor in transport, nor among patients. I see that everyone respects each other. I think this is because representatives of different nationalities live in Russia.
— How did you choose the university?
— At first, I wanted to enter the direction of "Biology", but then I chose medicine. I considered three countries: Germany, Turkey, and Russia. It is very difficult to get into Germany. In Turkey, you need to study at a medical university, for example, at the Faculty of Medicine, for nine years, including one year to learn the Turkish language, and one year — of medical terminology.
— Palestine has a different climate. It was hard to adapt to life in Russia, how did you feel about the snow?
— I arrived on September 19, 2008, in Rostov-on-Don, it was warm. And the first snow fell on December 22 of the same year. I remember I was very happy about this, I even made a note in my diary.
— Did you go to Russia alone or with friends?
— Alone, but we met a group of classmates, we studied together in Rostov-on-Don. Then two students went to St. Petersburg, I and another person went to Moscow, some went to Ufa and Kabardino-Balkaria.
— Many of those who come from other countries have a community. And you?
— If ten years ago it did not exist, now it has appeared. We get together about once a month, relax, and communicate with each other.
— How do your relatives, parents, and friends perceive the fact that you study in Russia? What do they ask when you come back?
— They ask how life is in Russia. Many foreigners think that everything here is like 50 years ago. They believe that in the Russian Federation, it is dangerous to walk on the street, that Russians always drink, and go everywhere with a bottle of vodka. In my opinion, this is because Russia is a more closed country, there are not so many tourists here, unlike, for example, Turkey. Although Moscow is an exception.
— What places do you like in Moscow?
— First of all, this is Red Square. Next - VDNH (Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy). I also really like Gorky Park and Victory Park. Visited Lenin Mausoleum, and was in many museums.
— What is the difference between the Russian education system and the Palestinian one?
— You study for a specialist for four years, there are no residency and postgraduate studies. My specialization in Palestine is internal medicine, and here it is dermatovenereology.
— When will you complete your postgraduate studies? What will you do after this?
— The training will be completed in two years. Then I want to go home.
— Is it difficult to study in graduate school?
— It is very difficult, a lot of work with patients: first, they need to be recruited, the necessary tests should be carried out, they should be interpreted, and the results should be processed. I have 140 patients on examination.
— What base do you work on?
— On Leninsky Prospekt. I deal with HPV patients in the branch of Babushkin. I was lucky with the leaders — these are Nikolai Nikolaevich Potekaev, chief specialist in dermatovenereology and cosmetology of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Ph.D. and Irina Vasilyevna Polesko, professor of the Department of Skin Diseases and Cosmetology of Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ph.D.
— Tell me about an interesting clinical case.
— A man came to us at the age of 32, he got a tattoo on his arm. We did a dermatoscopy, and it turned out that he had skin cancer in this place. As we assumed, because of the tattoo. The patient was sent to the oncology clinic.
— What are you striving for?
— I want to open my dermatological clinic in Palestine, as we lack such medical facilities.
— Does your family live in Palestine?
— Yes, I have a wife and a son there, he is three years old.
— Did they come to Russia? What is the wife doing?
— Yes, they were in the summer. My wife is also studying, she is a philologist, she is studying English and French, she will soon complete her dissertation and become a Ph.D.
— Did she like our country?
— Yes, every day he writes to me: "I want to go to Russia". My wife wants to come for the New Year holidays, but I do not allow it, because it is cold here at this time. And in our country, it is always warm. In summer, the temperature in Palestine reaches 45 °C. In winter, there is no snow at all. One centimeter is a holiday for us. My wife wanted to come with her son in the winter, but I decided to meet them in Istanbul. In summer they come to Russia at the end of June.
— Have you thought of staying here?
— I love Moscow, but it would be difficult to live here. In Palestine, my whole family, our land. If I want to live in Russia, I will start from scratch. In Palestine, I have a house, parents, and friends, but here - no one.
— Do you live in a dormitory in Moscow?
— Yes. When I lived in Rostov-on-Don, I rented a three-room apartment in the city center with students for eight thousand rubles.
— Will you miss Russia after returning home?
— Certainly. When I returned home in 2016, I missed Russia, especially Moscow, and life in it.
— Being in Russia, do you miss your loved ones? What are you missing here?
— Yes, for the wife, for the family. If we talk about the cuisine, then I miss the mansaf — a dish similar to pilaf. When we get together with our community, we cook, but it still doesn’t turn out the same as in our homeland: the spices are different, and some products are not in Russia.
— Suppose a Russian wants to go to the East, what cities would you advise him to visit?
— Jerusalem, Bethlehem, where Christ was born, Nazareth, Tel Aviv, Jaffa, Ashkelon, Ashdod.
— Ahmad, where do you see yourself in 10 years?
— Chief physician in a hospital in Palestine.
«I am ready to give one hundred percent at work»
— Why did you decide to study at the faculty of medicine?
— Doctors have always belonged to the intelligentsia. I wanted to become a part of it, but not as a poet or artist, but as a doctor. The prestige of the profession is important to me first of all. The knowledge that medicine gives as a science is, of course, part of the art.
— Why did you decide to study in Russia?
— Initially, I entered the Kabardino-Balkarian State University named after H.M. Berbekov. It was in 2014. Kabardino-Balkaria is historically connected with Abkhazia: volunteers from the republic fought in Abkhazia during the Patriotic War (1992-1993). We are friendly nations, and entering there was a priority for me. After graduating from university, I continued my residency studies in Moscow.
— Why did you choose the Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University?
— At the first lesson in obstetrics and gynecology in the 4th year, I came across a textbook by Galina Mikhailovna Savelyeva, honorary head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the Pediatric Faculty of RNRMU. This was one of the reasons for choosing a residency at this university.
— Tell us about your parents. What are they doing?
— My parents live in Abkhazia. Dad is no longer young, a veteran of the Georgian-Abkhaz conflict. This makes me admire him and be proud of him. My mom is an entrepreneur.
— What specialization did you choose?
— Two years ago I chose obstetrics and gynecology. I especially like working in obstetrics. This area of medicine is fundamentally different from others, because it is always an emergency. Even the most physiologically planned childbirth can go wrong at any moment.
— How did your parents and friends react to your choice of profession?
— Young Caucasian men usually do not choose the specialty "obstetrics and gynecology", it is not accepted (for traditional reasons). And I think this is wrong, because the profession of an obstetrician-gynecologist was originally entirely male. Since my family is modern, non-conservative, no one interfered with my choice. There was a misunderstanding on the part of friends, but it seems to me that such way of thinking is stereotypical. I like my profession, and it's worth a lot.
— Do you remember your first presence at the childbirth? Your emotions?
— As a student, I was on duty at the maternity hospital. I remember that I came to the maternity ward and saw a woman during labor for the first time in my life. For reasons, which were unknown to me at that time, she was immediately taken to the operating room and delivered by Caesarean section. Now I can name a dozen reasons that made the birth plan change so dramatically. The woman was anesthetized, an incision was made, and the child was removed after 15 minutes. I was so impressed! It was a turning point in my decision to become an obstetrician-gynecologist.
— Which Russian cities have you already visited?
— Rostov, Nalchik, Tuapse. Kabardino-Balkaria impressed me the most: people close in spirit, beautiful nature, the majestic peak of Elbrus.
— Does Russian climate much differ from the weather in Abkhazia? How was your acclimatization process?
— There is high humidity in Abkhazia, so sometimes the winters there are colder than in Moscow. For me, the climate in the capital of Russia is normal and comfortable. I'm not picky.
— What dishes of national cuisine do you miss?
— Our cuisine is very similar to Mingrelian and Georgian. So, speaking about Abkhazian food, we can mean the dishes of the South Caucasus that are familiar to everyone. One of my favorite traditional dishes is hominy with beans. I don't know how to cook it myself, but mom does very well.
— Have you made new friends at the University?
— Most of my friends are in Nalchik. They are Kabardians, Dagestanis, Balkars. In Moscow, I’ve made friends with my classmates with during the residency at the Municipal Clinical Hospital named after F.I. Inozemtcev.
— What signs and superstitions exist in medicine?
— Doctors don't like it when someone wishes them a good night duty or a good night. Most likely, the shift will be difficult after these words. We usually say: "I don't wish you anything on duty." On the contrary, I like to work hard. I am ready to give my one hundred percent. I keep waiting for someone to wish me a good night duty. But no one does it, everyone is afraid of being guilty of all the horror that may happen afterwards.
— What are you planning to do after completing your residency?
— In the future, I would definitely like to enter graduate school. I already have some ideas on the topic on which I'm going to write a scientific paper.
— What would you wish to applicants planning to enter a medical university?
— You don't have to enter university just for the sake of entering. You should listen to your heart and do what you really want to do.
"A doctor should be kind"
— Samir, where were you born?
— I was born in Kyiv, but five years later my family and I came to Azerbaijan, to the city of Baku. An interesting fact from childhood: in Kyiv there is a building opposite the city zoo. I always admired it and looked at it for a long time. Later my parents told me that this was the building of a medical university. Apparently, I subconsciously knew that I would be a doctor.
— Did your relatives somehow influence your choice of profession? Are they related to medicine?
— My grandfather taught chemistry and was a school director. I started studying this subject in the sixth grade, when all other students only started in the eighth grade. At school, I had excellent marks in chemistry and biology, and, of course, I then thought about becoming a doctor. Parents are not involved in medicine: mother is a primary school teacher, father works in an oil company. But his two sisters are doctors. One is now practicing in Tula, working as a sonographer (ultrasound doctor); the second lives in the USA and is not yet practicing medicine.
— It turns out that your aunts influenced your choice of profession.
— And not just my choice. The elder aunt’s children also became doctors; today they are studying at RNRMU: their cousin is in their third year, and their sister is in their second year. In addition, my sister is now undergoing an internship in London, and she received her education at the Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University. But my brother entered the Plekhanov Russian University of Economics. By the way, in Azerbaijan, being a doctor is a very prestigious and respected profession.
— In which university did your professional journey begin?
— There was an option to study at N. Narimanov Azerbaijan Medical University, but after school, on the advice of friends of my parents, I entered the Faculty of Medicine at the Volgograd State Medical University. Today in Volgograd there is a very good level of education; this city has one of the best medical higher education universities in Russia. I studied there for six years on a budget basis. Our group was international, mostly guys from the CIS countries: Azerbaijan, Moldova, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and others.
— Tell us, what impression did Volgograd make on you? Did you easily adapt to Russia?
— I quickly got used to it and adapted. Russian is my native language. We even communicate in Russian with our parents at home; without noticing, we switch to it ourselves. In Azerbaijan, I studied in a Russian class. And Volgograd is a very interesting city, although at first it seemed gray to me. Interestingly, it was rebuilt almost anew after World War II. We arrived there by car with my father and mother. By the way, they approved of my choice to go into medicine. They always support me, for which I am very grateful. In Volgograd, Lyudmila Aleksandrovna Godovalova, a teacher at the Department of Hospital Therapy, became my mentor in the profession. She always encouraged us, gave us good advice and guidance, and even helped us with part-time jobs, which is very important for students. Thanks to her, our group was the most united. Even when we graduated and moved away, we didn’t stop communicating. Our chat is still functioning today. But Lyudmila Alexandrovna, unfortunately, passed away last year.
— Where did you do your residency?
— After receiving my diploma, I wanted to enroll either in Moscow or in St. Petersburg. On the advice of my father and my teachers from the Volgograd State Medical University, I decided to try my hand at the Voronezh State Medical University. Fortunately, I succeeded and I was very happy about it. The practice they provided me was great. Literally, from the first day I was learning anesthesiology and resuscitation. And within six months they began to assign us as anesthesiologists for operations. We were no longer considered assistants, but were fully involved in surgical interventions; all the most difficult decisions were ours. During my residency, my mentor was a wonderful doctor and good person, Andrei Yuryevich Lubnin, professor and head of the department. Even now, for me, he is an example of a true professional.
— Do you remember the very first time when you were left without a mentor during an operation?
— If you have good grades, they give you practice. I was the first of the three residents who was trusted with the operation. Of course, our mentors checked us, took notes on our work. I consulted a lot with surgeons and nurses who worked with me on operations. They are certainly more experienced, but for us these were the first steps.
There was another case. A patient was admitted with a pituitary adenoma and hormonal imbalance. With this disease, a person’s fingers, jaw, and bones grow. A patient at 18 years old can look 50. I was alone at the time, the shift was over, this operation was an additional operation, and a completely inexperienced nurse was on duty that day. And then the turning point happened, I decided not to panic and not to give up. It was necessary to show confidence and use all my knowledge to help the man on the operating table. The whole department was looking at me then. They often say about my specialty: “If the anesthesiologist panics, the operation is over. You don’t even have to start.” That operation was successful. And of course, this case gave me confidence.
— Tell us about your studies at RNRMU, why did you choose this university?
— RNRMU is famous throughout the world. I heard and read about this university. In addition, my cousins who have been studying here told me about it. I passed the exams at RNRMU quite easily and entered a budget place. Now most of my time I spend preparing for my dissertation together with my supervisor Sergei Viktorovich Sviridov, professor, head of the department of anesthesiology, resuscitation and intensive care. I like working with him, we have good relationships with colleagues. And Sergei Viktorovich will always help, support, offer new ideas and ways to solve problems. RNRMU has many internships where you can get excellent skills.
— Where are you practicing today? What are your plans for the future?
— At the moment, I am an anesthesiologist, practicing at the Treatment and Rehabilitation Center under the Ministry of Health of Russia, at one of the bases of the departments of the medical faculty of the RNRMU. In the future, there is a possibility that I will work at the Federal Brain Center, which is located next to our University. In the future, I do not rule out the possibility of devoting my life to scientific or teaching activities, I do not intend to leave medicine. In Russia, by the way, it is best to combine all these areas. A striking example is the teachers of RNRMU.
Despite the fact that there is an opportunity to go abroad, to Europe or America, my heart belongs to Moscow. In 2012, during my first visit to this city on an excursion, I developed a deep affection for it. However, it was my good friend Rinat Sufianov, who is also a graduate student, that truly helped me rediscover the capital and further deepen my love for it.
— Are you interested in working at a hospital in a small town?
— Our profession is one of the most important. To be a good specialist, you need to study a lot, read, be hardworking and responsible. We, doctors, have an obligation to set an example for our potential patients: for example, to lead a healthy lifestyle. But the main thing is that a doctor must be kind and love his profession; no Hippocratic oath will work without love for his work. If my help is needed in a small town or village, I will not leave people in trouble.
«My grandfather’s dream came true — I became a doctor»
— Ani, why did you decide to enter medicine?
— My grandfather had an incurable cardiac disease. This disease is now being treated. But then, despite all the efforts and treatment in Moscow, grandfather could not be saved. After his death, his grandmother often repeated his last wish - he dreamed that at least one of his grandchildren would become a doctor. This played a big role in choosing my future profession. I entered the medical faculty and did not regret my decision.
— Why did you choose our University?
— In 2021, I graduated from Mkhitar Heratsi State Medical University in Yerevan. I always wanted to go to residency at Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University. I read a lot of positive reviews about the University, talked with friends who advised me to choose a university in Moscow.
— Are you satisfied with your decision?
— I am now very pleased that I am studying here. I am gaining valuable experience at the Center for Family Planning and Reproduction. Wonderful doctors are always ready to help me.
— What difficulties did you face when you were moving to Russia?
— Despite the fact that I studied Russian at school, I had a language barrier. New people, a different environment — there were some difficulties in adapting and establishing communication with doctors and residents. But now I feel comfortable. I am a weather-dependent person, so the Russian climate was a real problem for me at first. But I’ve learned to deal with it - I either work in the maternity hospital or relax at home, I don’t even pay attention to the weather.
— Tell us about your family.
— I have a wonderful family. Mom and dad run their own business. I have a younger brother, he is studying computer science.
— How did your parents react to your decision to study in Russia?
— My parents always support and inspire my choice. When I entered the budget place, they were very happy. They were even happier than me. Mom came to Russia with me and said that she would be here until I got married. She works here and supports us financially and morally. I feel a little bit guilty, because my mother is in Moscow only because of me, she left her son and husband in Armenia and misses them very much.
— Ani, who else supported your choice?
— It’s important that my decision was approved by my boyfriend who is now in Armenia; I miss him very much. He served in the army, is graduating from medical school this year, and plans to continue his residency training at the RNRMU and become a surgeon. I believe that he will succeed. It's very difficult to be away from him. He is my support.
— Do your parents ask you for medical advice?
— I advise parents on medical issues, they partially listen to my advice. The most important thing is that my grandfather’s dream came true - I became a doctor. I think if he were alive, he would be happy.
— Do you think that Armenian students differ from Russian students?
— I really like the fact that in Russia everyone lives their own life, they don’t care about others.
— Which Russian cities do you want to visit?
— I plan to visit St. Petersburg. Friends say that it is beautiful there, but you need to be prepared for bad weather.
— Have you already chosen your specialization?
— Yes, I want to become an obstetrician. Giving life to a new person is the best profession. The emotions we feel every day are priceless.
— What do you feel when you assist in delivery?
— The first time I attended childbirth was during an internship at a university in Armenia. It was very emotional! Every time I experience it together with expectant mothers, I let their pain pass through me, and I share moments of happiness. This strengthens my desire to have my own child.
— Do you communicate with patients?
— Yes, sure. Expectant mothers always thank me for the support I provide them during labor and birth. I understand that this is very difficult and painful, I calm them down. I often hear from them that I will definitely be able to become a good doctor.
— How do you spend your free time?
— I have very little free time, since there are 10–15 night shifts a month. On weekends I sleep and read scientific literature in my field.
— Have you made new friends at the University?
— Yes, my friends are also residents and doctors.
— After graduation, would you like to stay in Russia or return to your homeland?
— I want to stay here, but, on the other hand, my help is really needed in my homeland. All the knowledge that I receive in Russia will definitely be useful in my native country.
— Ani, tell us a little about modern Armenia.
— The country is very beautiful, with a warm climate and hospitable people. I advise everyone to come there. My friends who have already visited Armenia share only good impressions.
— Do you miss eating national cuisine?
— It’s paradoxical, but in Russia I discovered Vietnamese cuisine. I really liked it. Of course, I miss my national dishes, so my mother and I often cook them. Some of my favorites are cabbage rolls and khash (a liquid hot dish, the broth for it is cooked from pork or beef legs). It's healthy and very tasty. We also prepare kurkut, an Armenian porridge made from wheat with meat.
— What would you wish for other students?
— I wish them to always follow their dreams. You can always give up, but not everyone can fight and achieve what they want. I hope everyone will gain good knowledge, experience and be as happy as I am.
«There is a stereotype that people in Moscow are arrogant. However, when I came to my group, all doubts were dispelled. It turned out that my Moscow friends are the most sincere people I have ever met»
— Why did you decide to become a doctor?
— My aunts always inspired me; both of them work as doctors in St. Petersburg. I buzzed my parents' ears that I wanted to follow their example. I entered the St. Petersburg Medical and Technical College to become an optometrist. In the future, I realized that my potential was not fulfilled, I retaken the exam and submitted documents to the Russian National Research Medical University.
— Why did you decide to study in Russia?
— When I found out that in the Republic of Belarus, after graduation, there are five years of budget work, my enthusiasm evaporated. I wanted to enter a Russian university so much that I deliberately failed the Belarusian exam.
— How did your parents react to your decision to study in Russia?
—My mom supported me but my Dad did not want to let me go alone to another country.
— Why did you decide to enter RNRMU?
— I had friends who studied here, who recommended me to enter the Medical Biochemistry specialty. Then there was a dilemma what to choose: biochemistry or fundamental medicine. During one podcast on the YouTube channel, I accidentally crossed paths with the teacher Vadim Vitalyevich Negrebetsky. I asked this question. He said that it is easier to study in the specialty "biochemistry", but if I am ready to forget about my personal life for the next four years, then I can safely choose fundamental medicine. Of course, I chose it!
— The first semester of training is coming to an end, what emotions do you have?
— There are difficulties. I knew they would come. Right now, I am glad that I am studying here and I will do everything to avoid burnout.
— Have you already chosen a specialization?
—I see myself as a geneticist in the future. I have my own problems that I would like to solve. I read a lot about modern discoveries in this area. For example, now with the help of genetic analysis it is possible to detect oncology at an early stage. I'm very interested.
— What cities of Russia did you like?
— I fell in love with St. Petersburg at first sight. The city has a soul. Although, I realized that we do not suit each other, because of the climate, it is too unpredictable. Now I live in Moscow, and it inspires me with its prospects.
— How often do you visit your parents?
I come home once every two or three months. I go to them on the train "Swallow". The journey takes only five hours. At the height of the pandemic, there was a period when I did not come home for a year and a half, since the borders were closed. I am usually not a sentimental person, but the last time, leaving my parents, I could not hide my emotions. I sit in the car and tears fell down my face. I was afraid that again for more than a year I would not see my relatives.
— Tell us about your national cuisine, what do you miss?
— I love pancakes, often make them. No need to miss anything when you can cook it yourself.
— Do you participate in the social activities of the university?
—I only study, study and study again. Now there is a lot of work, there is no time for cultural and mass activities.
— How do you spend your free time?
— For me, having a good time is just letting my brain rest. On the January weekend, I am planning to get acquainted with the sights of Moscow.
— After graduation, would you like to stay in Russia or return to your homeland?
— I want to stay in Russia, but I don’t know what difficulties I will have to face. You need to have a residence permit or citizenship. I don’t want to think about it now, but it doesn’t pull me home. Russia is so inspiring.
— Did you make new friends at the University?
— There is a stereotype that people in Moscow are arrogant. But when I came to my group, all doubts were dispelled. It turned out that my Moscow friends are the most sincere people I have ever met. I love them kindly. They are charming.
— You have already found friends in Russia, but have you met your soul mate?
— Not yet. I think everything is ahead.
— What would you wish other students?
— For the guys who want to enter a medical school, I would wish to become confident in their choice. Six years is serious. I wish you to set a goal, not give up in any case and go till the end.
— Anna, please tell us a bit about your country.
— I like the fact that a guest for the Kazakh people is a very important person. That's why I really love Kazakhstan. Our country is very friendly and warm. There are more than 130 nations get along well. By the way, there were no civil wars or unrests during the period of independence in Kazakhstan. I think it’s really cool!
— Do you miss your motherland?
— Sure, I do. First of all, I miss my parents and grandparents a lot. I miss our magnificent nature, the mountain landscape, coniferous forests. I come from the East Kazakhstan region, and we have not only steppes, but a very rich nature - mountains, lakes, rivers and wonderful pine forests.
— Are you parents in medicine, too? Why did you decide to choose this medicine?
— No, I'm from the metallurgists’ dynasty. And so far, I am the only doctor in our family. My parents were very helpful and supportive in my choice when I entered a medical university, and I am really grateful to them.
I had a wish to become a doctor since I was a child. My first "patient" was my dad. He courageously withstood all my executions that came to my mind. (She laughs.) After the 9th grade I definitely decided to prepare to enter the medical university. I started to attend preparatory courses during my high school. In addition, English course was really strong in our school, as well as knowledge of chemistry and biology.
— And why did you finally choose Russian national research medical university?
— After the 10th grade my parents and I went to Moscow to choose medical universities. We considered Sechenov University and the Faculty of Fundamental Medicine at Moscow State University.
But when we arrived at RNRMU, we realized that that was the proper place. Everything is well organized here, etc, so it is very convenient.
We were told that citizens of Kazakhstan can enroll based on the results of the Unified State Examination (ЕГЭ).
Besides, I have received high scores at the All-Siberian open chemistry olympiad. My friends from school and I went to courses, where we were invited to take part in the olympiad. By the way, at this Olympiad we were given a quota by “Rossotrudnichestvo” and we were offered to apply to five universities.
A friend of mine chose the Saint Petersburg State Medical University named after Pavlov, and I chose RNRMU. I was waiting for the results in Kazakhstan. One day my mom happily announced that my candidacy was approved in the RNRMU!
— How did your student life at the University begin?
— We were greeted very warmly. I met the dean of the International faculty of RNRMU Nadezhda Bylova. She helped us a lot and explained everything properly, calmed us down. / I entered the international faculty to study in the specialty "medicine" on a budget basis. I have here education in two languages — Russian and English, as a part of a double degree programme. We are just learning clinical disciplines. Now it's difficult to say what kind of doctor I will become. At the moment my area of interest is neurology, radiology, new methods of radiation diagnostics, such as MRI or CT.
Firstly, I lived with my older brother in Moscow, then I got a place in our university “obschezhitie”.
— Did your expectations come true?
— Of course. I really like to comprehend medical science, especially practical classes in hospitals. Due to the epidemiological situation, it sometimes does not work out to be on operations, but our teachers manage to show us a lot interactively. It is always very interesting to interact with patients (this happens under the supervision of experienced teachers of course).
I am glad that I entered the International faculty under the dual degree programme. In addition to Russian recommendations, we are introduced to the clinical guidelines of foreign countries. This is how we become more mobile specialists. And I also like RNRMU because there are many student scientific circles (SNC) where you can realize yourself. It is allowed to visit the Community of other faculties, interact with others, share experiences with my colleagues. There are no borders!
— Tell us a bit about your extra activities.
— From the 1st to the 2nd year I went to a histology and biochemistry additional course. I read my own reports on these subjects. I really like to cook something and find new information related to medicine, then present it in a language that is accessible to everyone.
Also, from the first year I became a member of the rescue squad. I like to study what is really important: first aid skills, how to behave in an emergency situation, how to help a person with a heart attack or stroke. Now I'm already there as a skilled and experienced worker. We teach students how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation, do an initial examination and stop bleeding.
— Amazing! Could you tell us some of the stories that happened with you during these four years?
— There were a lot of them. One was related with a joint meeting with the student fire and rescue unit "Phoenix" of the Moscow Polytechnic University.When I was at my second year and also a second year cadet we had a joint training in the basics of chemical safety. We had a discussions about chemical weapon, signs of intoxication and also learned how to properly put on gas masks and a chemical protective suit L-1. And then we had to deal with situational object: a huge blast happened in laboratory, there are casualties. We grouped into two rescue squads, from our University and "Phoenix" and heard a warning signal “Attention gas! Put on your gear”. It looked exactly like a quest. Being fully geared we moved in a special room that simulated a scene and where were already people who pretended to be casualties. We put gas masks on them, took them out and an also checked vital indicators and did some bandage. That was so interesting! Recently we had a radio communication lesson with the same rescue team. We were divided into two teams, and I tried myself as a team commander. They gave me a walkie-talkie, I contacted the headquarters and transmitted all the information about what our group was doing. I gained experience both in working with equipment and as a manager.
— If you like to prepare reports, maybe you should think about scientific activity and become a teacher in the future?
— Maybe. I am currently engaged in parallel scientific activities. For example, on the basis of the Federal Centre for brain and neurotechnology, together with a teacher, we studied hypoxia in lacunar cerebral infarcts. Besides, this year I performed at the Pirogov Scientific Medical Conference for students and young scientists, where I was the winner, and I am very happy about. I am also going to participate in this event in 2022.
— What difficulties did you face at the university?
— The main problem of medical students is lack of sleep, of course. which is associated with intensive study, although internally I was ready for this fact.
Everything here, in the University, is organized very well. At one time, everyone was a little tired of the remote, as there is lack of practice, and it is bad. I would like to see more practical and laboratory work offered at the departments of Pathophysiology and Physiology. Our teachers told us that earlier they conducted experiments on frogs.
Theory is sometimes that you can forget, because it's better to try it once than to read it a hundred times, you know. When you do something with your hands, it's really very useful. It seems to me that the skill will then be preserved for a long time, that is, you will clearly do everything necessary.
— Anna, do you have friends here?
— Of course. We communicate with guys from the international faculty, there are also friends to walk with around Moscow.
— When you become a certified specialist, where will you hone your practical skills?
— I would like the double degree programme to justify itself, so I would try my best to achieve practice in Canada or in Israel.
You have to stay alert all the time with little patients, with your head turned on, calculate everything literally by the milliliter: dosages, infusion therapy, etc. So, it is even more difficult to work with children. You always have to keep your eye on the ball.
— Zhanara, why did you decide to go to graduate school?
— It is a popular question, why I do science. Such activities are now not very rewarding. For any practitioner it’s better to raise the category. The salary also depends.... Besides, less budget places are allocated for postgraduate studies. The ideology of science is not sufficiently rewarded. This is a really hard work, and maybe that's the reason why there are less people who do any scientific work.
I dreamed of doing science since childhood. Probably, I have a character that helps me to study always something new, to explore everything completely and from all its sides, so that I could clearly answer this or that question. All of these items probably led me to this.
— Why you chose the RNRMU for postgraduate studies?
— I graduated from the Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University named after B. N. Yeltsin with a degree in pediatrics. Then I completed my residency in anesthesiology and reanimatology at the Sechenov University. And although this specialty is not divided by age of patients, the department in the Sechenov University was more focused on adults. And my love is children. Therefore, I came to prepare my dissertation deliberately at the Russian National Research University named after Pirogov. I decided to enroll in graduate school purposefully at the department of pediatric anesthesiology and intensive care of the faculty of additional professional education.
So in 2 years I have completed my dissertation on the "Infusion therapy in the early postoperative period in children" topic.
— Did you have any doubts about going to graduate school? Would you like to upgrade your category after your residency?
— Graduates usually have a question: is it worth going to graduate school or to a residency? Now, when a student graduates from the university, he can immediately enter graduate school. When I graduated, I didn’t have such opportunities. The residency before the dissertation was obligatory. But if a graduate wants to specialize and to work as a doctor, to help patients, then he should only go to residency. Indeed, from a practical point of view, it can’t be avoided. But, in my opinion, a practicing doctor should not lag behind science: he needs to know about some advanced technologies, innovative methods, and study the literature also. In graduate school a literature review is a mandatory item which helps a lot. In order to keep up with the world, with Europe, to introduce our own developments, we need to do science. All of the listed items include a postgraduate course.
As for me, there is no division between these 2 levels of education. In my opinion, it’s fine if a doctor is developed both from practical and scientific side. This kind of specialist can keep up with the times and bring greater profitt to their patients.
When I was studying in residency, I was at the Russian Scientific Centre of Surgery named after B. V. Petrovskiy. Almost my entire residency was spent there. But I was eager to work with children, of my own initiative; I spent several months in the department of Anesthesiology-reanimatology of the Russian children's clinical hospital. My post-graduate course was held at the Department of pediatric anesthesiology and intensive Care based in that Hospital.
— What were your impressions of your PhD thesis?
— I don't regret anything in my big path here in RNRMU. Of course, there were some difficulties: but it’s life, there is no way to avoid difficulties. Now I have only good memories! I express my deepest gratitude to the University, the department, the hospital and the staff of the RNRMU, to the dean of the International faculty Nadezhda Bylova, to my scientific supervisor, to the head of the Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive care Vladimir Lazarev, to the head of the Department of reanimatology and intensive care of the Russian children's clinical hospital Gleb Bryusov and to the management of the Russian children's clinical hospital.
— Is there any difference in the work and in the atmosphere of the hospitals where you had practice?
— The difference is enormous, because there are different departments - healthcare for adults and for children. Actually, children are not just small copies of adults: they have their own distinctive features, and the approach to treatment is completely different.
I came to the Russian children's clinical hospital of my own initiative, while studying in residency, for a few months. In the specialty "anesthesiology and intensive care” there is no clear division into an adult patient and a child, but in practice there is an enormous difference. You have to stay alert all the time with little patients, with your head turned on, calculate everything literally by the milliliter: dosages, infusion therapy, etc. The specialty itself is very complicated for a specialist: good physical and mental training and attentiveness are necessary, and many other factors also play a big role. So, it is even more difficult to work with children. You have to keep your eye on the ball.
— Why didn't you start with pediatric anesthesiology and intensive care in our residency programme?
— I didn't know about it then. Graduates of the Slavic university receive a Russian diploma. I entered the residency programme as part of the “Rossotrudnichestvo” project: it was necessary to pass the selection process, and then the best candidates were chosen by the University. At that time, I was invited by Sechenov University. Accordingly, I finished my residency there, and I already wanted a children's graduate school. Therefore, I was admitted to the Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University for pediatric anesthesiology and intensive care faculty.
— What were your impressions of Russian children's clinical hospital work?
— As I have already said, our specialty if not for relax. Impressions are also only positive. There are a lot of RNRMU residents in the Hospital, and everyone is friendly and very helpful with you. There are a lot of challenges, sharing experience, interesting clinical cases – in a word – no time to chill!
— Do you plan PhD?
— Sure, I’d like to. As I have already said, the perfect doctor is someone who succeeds both in science and in his medical practice. A smart person with strong skills. Yes, I want to proceed developing this way, but I recently have had my PhD thesis. And so far there I still can't believe it.
Now all the doors are open for me, so I now can relax for a while. We run all the time and do not look back, staring at one point. Maybe there are a lot of things missed. So now it's time to slow it down and to reflect a bit. And then we’ll see. Now I plan to go on working in science. Russia, Kyrgyzstan or some other country – the question is open to debate.
— RNRMU for you is…
— The only thing that comes to mind is the Olympic Games motto: "Faster, higher, stronger!" – “Veni, vidi, vici!” You can grow up here as a specialist if you try really hard. As for “faster” — I have finished my dissertation in 2 years here. And you’ll become stronger for sure, overcoming all the difficulties and obstacles.
Studying in medical universities is always not easy, and my specialty is no exception. That’s why I associate RNRMU with the above-mentioned Olympic motto. In addition, the existence of an international faculty at the University is its strength. And as for me, I love it so much! It became my second family.
The interview will be published soon. Published interviews are marked in blue on the map.
— Ikrom, what motivated you to become a doctor?
— I always wanted become an oncologist in the future. I wasn't interested in other directions and spheres. I made this decision in my 9th grade in school.
— Why did you decide it?
— The thing is that a lot of people in our family suffer from cancer, that is why I became interested in this area of medicine.
— Are there any doctors in your family?
— Nope: both on the father's side and on the mother's side, all of my relatives are economists and philologists.
— And how did your relatives react to the fact that you chose medicine?
— My parents are really loyal and they have always given me freedom of choice. The main thing is that I like what I do, and that I will not be left without money in the future.
— Why did you choose Russia and not stay in Tajikistan?
— In Tajikistan I entered a university on a budget place. But I decided to go to Russia under the Rossotrudnichestvo programme, because, as it seemed to me, there are more opportunities and a higher level of education in this country.
I had a choice – what city to select to go to study. I didn't want to go to Moscow: I was afraid that it would be difficult, that the people here were too cool and I wouldn't fit in or it would be difficult to settle in. The city is big, unlike Dushanbe, where almost everyone knows each other. But in the end, my mother insisted on going here. That's how I ended up in the capital of Russia.
— And why did you choose our University?
— A friend of mine studied here, and I paid attention to this university precisely on her advice. She said that excellent doctors come out of here. And my mother and I liked that RNRMU is a National research university, which bears the name of Nikolay Pirogov.
— What subjects were your favorite during your studies, or, on the contrary, caused difficulties?
— My favorite subjects at the University were all disciplines related to biology, as well as pathophysiology. I wanted to understand and study them. In the second year of study I even had a desire to become a microbiologist, but my mom persuaded me not to change my mind. She reminded me that I dreamed to be an oncologist and asked why I change my mind so easily. She advised me to think carefully first. I weighed everything and decided that it would really be too difficult to change something now.
And the most unloved, no matter how sad it was, turned out to be subjects related to surgery – because they were just difficult to understand.
I would like to tell you about the teachers that I love very much. Lyudmila I. Kafarskaya - Head of the department of microbiology and virology of the faculty of pediatrics is an excellent teacher. Her seminars are never boring, and she always explains everything with interest and in an accessible way, which is very important.
Dmitry S. Melchenko – an associate professor of the Department of pathological anatomy and clinical pathological anatomy of the Faculty of medicine – he also speaks incredibly easily about complicated things. His seminars are always fun and interesting.
I can also mention the teachers who conducted the lectures just perfectly: these are Galina P. Schelkunova (an associate professor of the Department of pathophysiology and clinical pathophysiology), Artyom S. Vishipanov (acting head of the Department of topographic anatomy and operative surgery of pediatric faculty), Alexander G. Ermolaev (senior lecturer of the Department of biology named after Academician V.N. Yarygin) and Anna Y. Shishelova (an associate professor of the Department of physiology of the Faculty of medicine and biology).
However, at the end of each semester or academic year — my classmates won't let me lie — I used to say: "That's it, I'll take "akadem". I can't study anymore!" And my difficulties were not related to studying, but rather to living in another country. It's a foreign culture here, and fitting into it has become a difficult task for me. There were moments of xenophobia also. And it's not easy to live in an “obschezhitie” when you grew up with your parents, and here you have to do everything yourself... Honestly, I felt like a disabled in domestic questions person.
— “Akadem”, a gap year – for what?
— Just to take a break from everything at once. We do not have a home here in Moscow, and there is no opportunity to go home for a short vacation, which means that in any case I would have to take the "akadem" if I decided to leave for a long period of time.
— How do you spend your free time? Are you engaged in creative work, sports, social activities?
— From the middle of the third year, I began to actively engage in extra activities. I had both time and desire. I am a tutor of academic groups, I also try to be a volunteer and help in the media department of the Student Scientific Society. I prepare announcements of intra-university events there and sometimes help with layout. I also have a desire to do science, and I have already enrolled in a student scientific course and in psychiatry (yeah, that’ odd, but it is my interest, too).
— Are you trying to develop in oncology somehow?
— Yes, I read different articles whenever possible. And we also study oncological diseases at the pathological anatomy course.
When people they find out that I am going to be an oncologist, they usually say that it is morally difficult there, because your patients die more often. And I agree with them.
At propaedeutics, the very first patient we were given to lead was a woman with an extreme degree of cirrhosis of the liver. And when we came back to practice the following week, it turned out that she had died. And we still continued to write her medical history. Then I realized how hard it could be.
— How do you manage everything in your life?
— I have been engaged in social activities since the 3rd year, from the moment when the fundamental subjects were almost studied, and the knowledge of the past years began to help me a lot in senior courses. Now classes go until three or four o'clock, and then I go straight to the University and don't even notice how the day goes by. I like to be useful to people.
Now the problem is no longer the lack of time. Foreigners are always somehow separate from Russian guys: we have our own groups, which is why we practically do not interact with students from Russia. Because of this I was always afraid to engage in extra activities, I was afraid that I would be rejected.
— How did you overcome yourself?
— I just started to get out of my comfort zone and to meet new people. And so, I realized that not everyone is negative towards me. The fact is that when I first arrived in Moscow, I was called a “monkey” in a bus, it was so imprinted in my head that it was difficult for me to communicate with representatives of other nationalities.
Now, thanks to social work, the number of acquaintances has increased a hundred times, and friends have ceased to have any nationality for me — I communicate freely with everyone. And I am already more or less confident.
— Are you planning like to return to Tajikistan after graduation?
— I have a desire to make some contribution to the development of my country — after all, this is my motherland. But I don't want to live there. And a part of my family is trying to move to Russia, my mom is already here.
— But you don't live with your mother. You said that it was difficult for you in everyday terms, and indeed your relatives could help…
— No, everyone is busy with their lives: mom is constantly at work, and we see each other at best once a month. And I'm already an adult. Mom doesn't have the attitude to keep running after me as a child. On the contrary, parents started to pull me with the question when I would find a job, because I need to start earning money and become independent. And when I complain to my mom about something, she replies: "Ikrom, stop, be strong, hold on, you know how I raised you."
— Did any of your acquaintances and friends from Tajikistan follow your path and try to enter any Russian university?
— Yes, we applied to Rossotrudnichestvo together with classmates. About ten of them entered Moscow universities. Someone is now getting an education at the RUDN, someone is at “Baumanka”, someone is at Plekhanov Academy.
By the way, the guys from my lyceum a year younger than me, are also here now, at RNRMU.
— You have become a tutor of an academic group, so you help newcomers to adapt to their studies. Could you please tell us, how do you like this experience?
— It's a wonderful experience. I was afraid to be a tutor and to take responsibility. I thought I would fail.
As a result, I really enjoyed guiding and inspiring people. I just understand how hard it is to get used to a foreign country. I have a group of international workers, the same as me, and it’s a hundred times more difficult for them than others to fit in.
I am glad that I can help them with the documents, just listen to them and give some advice. This is useful not only for them, but also for me, including because it develops me as a person.
— What have you been able to learn while working with them?
— I took trainings for tutors on time management, stress tolerance and public speaking. Now there is not much fear of speaking in front of the public, because mentors have to hold meetings, be the centre of attention. And it also helps me to improve very soft skills (supra-professional skills). By the way, I forgot to say that since the third year I have been the head of my group.
— That is, you enjoy authority among classmates?
— Well, not exactly authority, rather, trust.
— Now let’s change the subject a bit. Please tell us, which Russian traditions and dishes do you like the most?
— To be honest, I don't know how to answer this question. I know Russian TV shows, movies, and I used to listen to Russian music, although I grew up in Tajikistan, I have always mostly watched Russian TV. Therefore, having arrived here, I did not see anything new for myself. Concerning the food - the only thing I tried for the first time is borsch, we don't cook it in Tajikistan.
— Are there any dishes that are prepared in your family and that you miss?
— Yes, when I usually go home, my grandmother always says: "That's it, you're coming now, and I'll cook you a lot of delicious things." She has Uzbek roots, so she can cook, for example, “gul khanum” dish. This dish resembles Russian manty: it consists of dough with filling and is made in a flower shape. It is steamed, potatoes and vegetables are added inside. I also miss pilaf (plov): in Moscow I didn't manage to try one that would be as delicious as in Tajikistan.
— And what would you advise a tourist who is going to Tajikistan to visit?
— Well, it is worth seeing the Fan Mountains. On the northern slopes of the Hissar ridge there is Lake Iskanderkul, where, according to legend, Alexander the Great visited.
Or one can discover the legendary Silk Road. It’s better to come to Tajikistan in spring: our winters are very cold, it chills me to the bone at home — it’s not like in Moscow. And in summer the temperature can rise up to 45 degrees.
— Do you have any plans for the future already? Where would you like to study or work?
— Of course, I have a lot of plans. After graduating from the University, I would like to continue my studies in Europe, on an exchange. It’s because I have a high level of English language, and I would like to use it to the maximum.
One shouldn't have any doubts when choosing a medical specialty.
— Can you tell us how your journey in medicine began?
— Since childhood, I had the opportunity to observe medical work. My mother is a cardiologist, and sometimes she would take me to her consultations. At times, patients would come directly to our home. I saw how her treatments benefited others, especially when seriously ill patients returned and noted their improved condition. I was genuinely fascinated watching this. That's how I became engrossed in medicine. So, when it was time to choose a university, the first thing I thought of was enrolling in a medical school.
— Did your mother give you any advice before enrolling?
— No, my choice was entirely independent. The only thing my mother said was, ‘Choose the specialty you like most’, the job where you feel comfortable.
— Why did you eventually choose cardiology?
— Certainly, my mother's specialty and watching her work had a significant influence. But specialists at the Tashkent Medical Academy also guided my decision. In my third year, I had an outstanding teacher for the propaedeutic of internal diseases — associate professor Marina Valeryevna Sibirkin. She provided an excellent theoretical foundation and immediately reinforced with practical experience. The knowledge I gained from her seminars served as a solid foundation for my further development in the specialty. I began actively working shifts in hospitals and quickly started duties in the cardiology department. I found it very intriguing to work in such challenging conditions with critically ill patients. Gradually, my future specialty became evident.
— Why did you choose Second Medical specifically?
— After graduating from the Tashkent Medical Academy, I knew I needed to continue my education. I felt a lot of energy in me, a thirst for knowledge, so I decided to take a risk and try studying abroad. Initially, I chose Bakulev Scientific Center of Cardiovascular Surgery for enrollment but missed the application deadline. I was almost in despair and hadn't considered other options. I spent a long time reading reviews about various medical programs online. I liked the RNIMU website; everything was accessible and clear. I visited their admissions office, and they quickly processed my documents, explaining everything in detail about the education and future opportunities. This impressed me, and I almost immediately signed a contract for paid educational services.
— Do you remember your first patient?
— Yes, I do. I worked as a nurse in the cardiac unit. A man was admitted with an acute myocardial infarction, complicated by ventricular fibrillation. His condition was critical and required defibrillation. Along with the on-call doctors, I provided first aid to this patient. Everything went well; the patient was saved, received treatment in the cardiology department, and left the hospital on his own. It was during my time in the cardiac unit that I clearly realized that a quick response, attentiveness, clarity, and consistency in thoughts and actions are vital for a doctor.
— Now, you are a practicing cardiologist but continue to work at our University. Can you tell us more about that?
— When I applied to the University, I was very intrigued by the admissions committee's work. I appreciated their clear logistics and that each person had their specific role. At the end of my first year of residency, I decided to work with the admissions committee as well. I underwent special training for it. The plan was designed by Nadezhda Aleksandrovna Bylova, the admissions committee's executive secretary and the dean of the international faculty. Following the final assessment, I was assigned to one of the most crucial and responsible departments — the technical secretariat.
— Olim, what do you like about this job, and what makes it unique?
— The busiest time for the admissions committee is the summer. That's when students apply for undergraduate, bachelor's, master's, residency, and doctoral programs. Our main task is to receive documents from applicants, enter the data into a central database, and compile personal files. Additionally, the staff prepares a list of applicants and ranking lists. The technical secretariat's primary responsibility is storing personal files until enrollment orders are issued. Their duties also include making any changes to the formed files and accepting enrollment consents. It's meticulous and responsible documentation work. Often, we have to work late into the night! What helps us manage this challenging workload and high stress is the team and the friendly atmosphere. We've bonded well with the colleagues, supporting and helping each other.
— How do you manage to juggle work at the hospital and the University?
— I work as an on-call doctor at the hospital, taking full 24-hour shifts twice a week. I spend the other days at the University. It's quite tough and demanding. But so far, I'm managing and even feel comfortable. I've grown accustomed to the pace.
— Can we say that the admissions committee staff are somewhat psychologists?
— Perhaps. Many applicants, even at the time of admission, are not clear about what they really want. In my opinion, one shouldn’t have any doubts when choosing a medical profession. Nevertheless, the task of the admissions committee staff is to help the applicant understand their desires (based on their capabilities, of course). During our work, we often have to conduct lengthy explanatory conversations with the applicants and their legal guardians.
— Do you have a penchant for mentoring? Have you ever thought about teaching or scientific activities?
— At the University, I met many wonderful people. I often spoke with Nadezhda Alexandrovna Bylova. It was she who directed me towards scientific activities. Nadezhda Alexandrovna introduced me to the head of the department of propaedeutics of internal diseases of the pediatric faculty, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor Grigory Pavlovich Arutyunov. Under his guidance, she herself defended her PhD thesis. Nadezhda Alexandrovna suggested my candidacy to the professor as a research applicant. Grigory Pavlovich agreed, invited me for an interview, and we selected the topic for future work. I was delighted that he started collaborating with me. The topic of my PhD thesis is ‘Assessment of the Effectiveness and Safety of Correction of Circulatory Decompensation in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Using Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter Inhibitors.’
— Do you plan to return to your homeland and practice there? Or will you stay in Russia?
— Currently, I work where I find it interesting. I enjoy interacting with patients, colleagues in the hospital, and at the University. My schedule is busy, and I spend my free time working on my dissertation. It's hard for me to speak about returning to my homeland. Anything is possible. I don't rule out anything.
— What do you think about our University?
— Thanks to RNIMU, I met specialists in the field of medicine, true professionals in their area, and made many friends here. I gained a lot of new knowledge and experience. I'm grateful to fate that I ended up at our University!
I was very surprised to know that Russians celebrate “Men’s day”, which is called the “defender of the Fatherland day”. In our country only International Women's day is celebrated. Although on July, 1, we celebrate the Day of heroes: to remember the people who helped Rwanda gain independence in 1962.
— Yvonne, how did you find yourself in Russia?
— I wanted to become a doctor, and it’s not so easy to do it in other countries. For example, in the United States you firstly have to study biology and chemistry for 4 years and then study medicine for another 6 years. It is not required in Russia.
— Did you know biology, physics and chemistry well?
— Yes, but in USA you have to learn all these subjects for 4 years anyway.
— Why did you decide to become a doctor?
— I like helping people. Besides, once doctors put me on my feet. When I was little, I was diagnosed with a severe form of bronchitis, and almost every week for 3 years I needed to undergo therapy. At the end of the treatment the doctors prohibited me to take a cold shower. It wasn't easy: you know, when you're small, you want to be like other children, and all my friends washed only with cold water, because few people in the house have hot water. So I tried not to wait for mom to warm water for me, and I took a cold shower when my mom wasn’t watching.
— Is the medicine good enough in Rwanda?
— Our medicine is pretty good. But it depends on the insurance. If it is cheap, you cannot go to any hospital you want. And well equipped clinics with good specialists are really expensive.
— Why didn't you stay to study at home?
— Because in Russia it’s better and the equipment is more modern. My friend also studied at the RNRMU, and he said this University was just perfect.
— What are your impressions about studies?
— All subjects are very interesting, but difficult. I have to learn a lot. I am glad that the teachers explain all the topics clearly. Besides, I am studying in English, not in Russian, and this makes it easier.
— Why in English? Our foreign students usually study in Russian…
— I started studying in Russian, but then I turned to the dean, and I was transferred to a group with English.
— You speak Russian really well! Where do you have practice?
— I am keen on studying foreign languages. When I was studying at the preparatory courses at the Kuban state agrarian university, I chatted a lot with my Russian neighbor in the hostel.
— Have you already had your exams?
— We only had a colloquium and a test. Everything was going well, but I got “3” for chemistry. I had a lot of work in the first semester, called “otrabotka”, and if you have at least one, then you will not get an excellent grade for attending the class.
— When you first arrived in the country, what surprised you the most?
— Many people think that in Russia it is very cold and there is no summer. It was hilarious when I sent my friends pictures from Krasnodar, and they were surprised by sun and hot weather.
— And what about winter and summer in Rwanda?
— We have no winter, there are only rainy and dry seasons. The temperature does not fall below 15-17 degrees Celsius.
— What about Russian traditions and holidays?
— I was very surprised that you have a “men's day”, called Defender of the Fatherland Day. In our country only International Women's day is celebrated. Although on July 1, we celebrate the Day of heroes: we remember the people who helped Rwanda gain independence in 1962, when all the residents gather at the stadium to see military equipment. The president and members of the government of the country lay flowers at the monument.
— Is there something you can't get used to while living in Russia?
— Yes. We have a maid at home who does the cooking, but here you have to do everything yourself. I also miss our vegetables and fruits, such as sweet potatoes. I also like big green bananas. They are different from those sold in Russia.
— How do you cook bananas and sweet potatoes?
— We fry or cook them. In a frying pan you have to pour a little oil, and then along with a banana or sweet potato you have to add some onions, tomatoes and other vegetables.
— Do you manage to find time to walk around Moscow?
— I was walking around the city only until the moment when I started studying. I visited Red Square and VDNKh. I dream of walking through the Vorobyevy Gory, but still dies I can’t find time for this.
— I read that in Rwanda all residents participate in Umuganda, the local “subbotnik”, every last Saturday of the month. Is it true?
— That’s true. “Subbotniki” are mandatory for anyone over the age of 18, otherwise they face a fine of 5000 Rwandan francs ($5). I almost did not participate in them, since I was still underage.
— 5000 franks for Rwandan – is it a lot of money?
— Well, it’s average.
— Have you participated in “subbotnik” ever here in Russia?
— No, but when I was studying in Krasnodar, I saw other students participating. It was not obligatory for the foreigners.
— Are you planning to return to your motherland after the studies?
— Yes, I will have to work in Rwanda for 6 months. And I want to come back myself – good specialists are needed there.
I noticed that people in Russia are always in a hurry, even when they don't have anything urgent to do. It’s a crazy city rhythm! In Syria, everything is much more calm and serene.
— Rama, why did you decide to become a doctor?
— I always liked such subjects as chemistry and biology, so I had a wish to enter a medical university. And I think that nothing compares to doctor’s work. A doctor must be attentive and confident. He have to think and analyze in right way, because his mistake can cost a patient's life.
— Why did you decide to get an education in Russia?
— I wanted to meet new people and to get acquainted with new culture. I also believe that it is very easy to adapt in Russia. And the most important thing is that really good education is here.
— Were you afraid of the language barrier?
— No, I adore Russian language.
— Did you begin studying Russian language in Russia?
— I started learning Russian in Moscow. I have had my lessons for 2 years.
— Why did you choose the RNRMU?
— I found out that Russian National Research Medical University is one of the best medical universities in Russia. And perhaps not only in Russia, but also in the whole world! Many people dream of entering here. I knew I would get a decent education here. My parents have the same opinion, and also you can find a lot of positive feedbacks about the University on the internet.
— What difficulties did you have to face here?
— It was difficult for me to adapt to an independent life without my parents. I had to cook for myself, I had to clean my room, to get up in the morning for classes, to make my own decisions, finally. It was rough firstly. In the first year, besides, it was not easy to practice time management properly. But now everything has become much easier. So I am already used to it.
— What about your specialization?
— I want to become an ophthalmologist (at this moment). I really like this area of medicine. Maybe I'll become an ophthalmologist-surgeon.
— Rama, what was the most unexpected thing for you here?
— The study itself. (Laughs.) It takes up all your time, and there's still a lot of things you don't have time to learn.
— Have you traveled to Russia?
— Not yet. I am only exploring Moscow. And I noticed that people here are always in a hurry, even when they don't have anything urgent to do. It’s a crazy city rhythm! In Syria, everything is much more calm, serene.
— What about Russian cuisine?
— I really like the “Olivier” salad, borsch and buckwheat.
— And who with you spend your leisure together?
— I try to make friends with everyone. If a person is kind and open- minded, I am glad to communicate with him. I really appreciate honesty and kindness. And I met a lot of kind and friendly people in Russia.
— Do you plan to come back to your motherland?
— I haven't decided yet. I really like your country. I am going to enter the residency programme in Russia, and then we’ll see.
— What are your main aims for the future?
— To graduate from the University, to enter the residency programme and to become a very good doctor.
"Russia is a unique place"
— Varisara, you've traveled quite a distance from home to become a doctor.
— Six years ago, my grandmother fell seriously ill with pneumonia. I felt utterly helpless as I couldn't aid her in any way. This spurred my decision to become a doctor, to understand the reasons behind such illnesses and to acquire the skills to treat patients.
In Thailand, getting into a medical university is intensely competitive, and the curriculum is quite challenging. Up until then, I had been preparing to become an aerospace engineer, so I had limited time left to pivot my career. Russia seemed the best option for me. Many mentioned the rising number of esteemed medical universities in Russia, and how the educational standards were improving year by year. At school, we were taught about the discoveries of Mendeleev and Pavlov. The country's culture, a blend of Europe and Asia, fascinated me deeply. This was in 2016.
— Did you immediately choose the Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University?
— Yes, right away.
— How did your family react to your decision to move?
— They were quite taken aback! In Thailand, our knowledge about Russia is limited, apart from the facts I've mentioned. We mainly know of Russian tourists vacationing in our country. My family felt I should give it a shot. They believed I could always return home if things didn't work out. Their unwavering support has been invaluable to me.
— Reflect on your initial days in Russia. How were they?
— I recall it being cold and snowy. We've never witnessed snow in Thailand. While it was a shock, there was also a mix of excitement and happiness. The only issue I faced was the language barrier, as no one spoke English. I tried communicating in restaurants and shops, but I mostly resorted to online translators. It's worth noting that I didn't land in Moscow but in Rostov—on—Don.
I quickly grasped that our cultures differed in certain ways. In Thailand, we constantly smile, showing our teeth. In Russia, a slight upward curl of the lips suffices, which to outsiders may just seem like a smirk. Additionally, our manner of speech in Thailand is a bit softer and more subdued. During my early days in Russia, I often felt that everyone was shouting at me!
The culture here is incredible: ballet, museums, cuisine. The food in Russia is very different from ours. Back home, we use more spices, and the dishes turn out spicier, with a distinct flavor. At first, it was hard for me to choose food for myself.
— How was your introduction to the University?
— Even though I had studied the language before enrolling, the initial period was very tough. Everyone in my group spoke Russian because they came from nearby foreign countries: Moldova, Abkhazia, Tajikistan. It seemed like there was no one for me to talk to. I could write in Russian, understood everything, but couldn’t articulate much. I felt quite down because of this. Now, things are much better, but I’m still trying to overcome this language barrier. After all, Russian and Thai languages are entirely different from each other.
— Did the professors assist you?
— Absolutely. They just listened to me, gave me an opportunity to speak, and tried to understand. They simply provided me a chance to express my thoughts and encouraged me, motivating me to continue my studies. Tatyana Alexandrovna Tikhonova, a professor at the Department of Morphology of the Medical—Biological Faculty, was a great help. Because of her care and support, I didn't leave the University! She inspired me to study further, and here I am. I’d also like to mention Artem Sergeyevich Vishipanov, the head of the Department of Topographic Anatomy and Operative Surgery of the Pediatric Faculty.
— What kind of doctor do you want to be?
— I want to be a cardiothoracic surgeon. In the future, I’ll try something new – moving to another country. I like discovering different cultures. I'll try to go to Canada to become a surgeon there. If it doesn't work out, I'll return home.
— Will you miss Russia?
— Of course, especially since I have been to many Russian cities. I visited Sochi, Nizhny Novgorod, St. Petersburg. I've been to Vladivostok and Irkutsk...
— You went all the way to Vladivostok?!
— Yes, I stayed there for a couple of days before heading to South Korea. I really liked Vladivostok. It's an interesting city with a large port. But of all the places in Russia, I fell in love with St. Petersburg the most. It's so beautiful! In Moscow, I particularly enjoy walking along the embankment near Gorky Park. I also like VDNKh. Russia is a wonderful country. It's a special place that I'll deeply miss.
«When I arrived, Moscow surprised me a lot. I did not expect it to be such a big and beautiful city»
— Ibtikhel, we are speaking English now, and your language skills are just wonderful. Does everyone speak so well in Tunisia?
— There are two official languages in Tunisia, which are Arabic and French. Luckily for me, my parents made me learn foreign languages. There were some supplementary language courses at my school. English, German, French — I learned all these languages there. Unfortunately, there was no Russian language course! But nevertheless, I’ve already learned it here, in Russia.
In addition, before I started learning medicine, I studied for three years at the "Business Administration" program in Tunisia. I studied at a university based on the American education system. I was in an English-speaking environment all the time, in an atmosphere where everyone communicates with each other by means of this language, which certainly helps to practice. I learned it well enough to pass the TOEIC exam, which helped me to enter the Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University.
— So you speak five languages?
— Arabic, German, French, English and Russian. I can also add Tunisian — my native language, a mixture of Arabic and Berber.
— Speaking so many languages… Why did you choose Russia?
— To be honest, of course, I tried to enroll not only here, but also in universities in other countries. Russia is so far away, and Europe is very close. And European culture is closer to us, there is a more or less Europeanized population in Tunisia. I wanted to go to France, to Germany. These countries are close to me. Alas, everywhere I was offered to first take one preparatory year to learn the language. But I had already completed three years of training by that time. I didn't really want to lose a whole year. Fortunately, there is a RNRMU! I could not imagine that I would ever study in Russia. My dad said I should try. He was very supportive of me. And this is the sixth year I've been here!
— Let’s jump back six years. Remember your feelings, emotions at that time.
— Three nights before the flight to Moscow, I had a dream, I was very scared. I was afraid of something unknown. What if my teachers don’t know English and I need to communicate in Russian right away?
Then I arrived, and Moscow surprised me a lot. I didn't even expect it to be such a big and beautiful city. But I still didn't understand Russian – it was just a shock to my ears. There is a common opinion that people who know several languages understand new ones more easily. Not this case at all. I listened to the Russian speech, tried to read some inscriptions at the airport. Nothing was like the languages I had already known. And yet, thanks to my great motivation, now I speak Russian. I was afraid, but now I can say with confidence that I don’t regret my choice at all.
— Do you remember your first exams in the university?
— I even remember my first day and my first lecture in Russia. We have an English-speaking group of students from all over the world — Egypt, Algeria, Ecuador - and no one spoke Russian then. On the first day we came and saw all the students wear white coats. In Tunisia, we wear them if there are practical classes ahead. And here they should always be worn. I remember my first lecture on chemistry with Natalia Andreevna Kalashnikova. She's one of the people who influenced me a lot. I'll never forget her.
Each of the teachers influenced me quite a lot, they became a part of my life. I moved far away from my home for the sake of studying, so contact with the teacher is the basic level of relationship here. I will never forget the moment when I burst into tears at a lecture. Once a classmate did not prepare the homework, which Tatiana Yurievna Ruchinskaya had given us. She said: "Why have you come to Russia, thousands of kilometers from home, if you don't do your homework? You are future doctors and you must be responsible. You are just wasting your parents' money by not doing your homework. As a teacher of the Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, I am not ready to destroy the reputation of our University. If you want to graduate from it, you must be responsible and do the tasks." After that, I started crying. Not because I was offended, no. I felt so motivated and responsible! I respect Tatiana Yurievna very much. She is both a friend and a teacher. Thanks to her lectures, I successfully learned pathophysiology.
— Have you already decided what kind of doctor you want to become?
— Not yet. I choose between pediatrics and plastic surgery. I understand that these are very different directions, but I haven't decided yet. Maybe I will go to plastic surgery, but I will choose a narrow area of specialization that involves working only with children.
— Are you planning to enter residency in Russia?
— I really would like to, but there are circumstances due to which I am now considering different options in other countries. My parents have already supported me very much. Now I'm looking for a place to study, where I can earn a living on my own. So I'm four to five months away from leaving Russia.
— What do you remember most about the country during these six years?
— Every morning I wake up thinking that I am a day closer to leaving. I think about it without any joy, because Russia has become a part of my life during these six years. I will definitely tell my children about my studies here. Recently I caught myself thinking that sometimes I even think in Russian or do something like a Russian woman. I was very lucky to go this way, to get an incredible experience of studying in Russia.
— Tell us a little about your country. In Russia, we only know that Tunisia is the place where Carthage was once located.
— My parents come from the city of Jargis. This is a very beautiful place in the south of the country. I was born in the capital, Tunisia. There I went to school and entered university. In Tunisia, there is also a big difference between the capital and the rest of the country. But the differences are still not as striking as in Russia.
As for Carthage, we, of course, consider ourselves descendants of the inhabitants of this state. I can call myself the "daughter of Elissa" (the queen, the founder of Carthage. — Ed.). This is our culture, it's in our blood. From the first lesson we begin to learn the history of Carthage. Even now such a city exists, it is located north of Tunis, I can say that it is a suburb of the capital. There are many historical ruins and there is a beautiful mosque.
My father always wanted me to study science and to teach children. It’s his dream. I hope I can make it come true!
— Nuryagdy, in which universities did you study before entering our graduate school?
— I was born in the north of Turkmenistan, in the Tashauz region (the city of Gerogly), in 1993 From 1995 to 2002 our family lived in Tver. My dad is an engineer, my mom is a doctor, she worked in the pediatric department in a local hospital. I graduated with honors from the State medical university of Tver. After that, I moved to Moscow and enrolled on a budget basis (via “RosSotrudnichestvo”) in the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN) residency, and I graduated in 2020 with a degree in cardiovascular surgery.
— Did you decide to become a doctor like your mom?
— Perhaps the succession played a role. But to be honest, it was a more random choice . Initially, I did not have a specific aim in the profession. I applied to many universities, and in several areas, including international relations, law, economics and medicine. The first invitation came from state medical university of Tver. My mom was very happy about this, because she always wanted me to become a doctor.
— How did you choose your specialty?
— I was inspired by my teacher in cardiovascular surgery Maxim A. Strakhov (Ph. D., phlebologist, cardiovascular surgeon). The manner of his teaching, the way he presented the educational material, interested me very much. Before that, I wanted to become an oncologist-mammologist. When we had a clinical practice, I worked a little in the department of the regional clinical hospital of Tver, where dr. Strakhov taught. So I made a final decision after that.
— Did you have clinical practice in other hospitals?
— Actually I have had a lot of practice. For a year and a half I worked at the Semashko RZhD Clinical Hospital at VDNKH. I practiced in several departments there, as it was necessary to try all directions. I have also worked in the Department of vascular surgery with Nikolay A. Talov and Igor Y. Cherkasov, cardio surgeon, in charge. He is engaged in the installation of pacemakers. It was a pleasure to work with him. He is great person!
And for 6 months I have worked at the Vishnevsky Hospital in Krasnogorsk with an arrhythmologist Grigory A. Gromyko, I assisted him during operations, I kept patients’ medical records also.
— Are these technically complex operations?
— In a certain sense. Installing a pacemaker requires X-ray and ECG machines, as well as devices for programming it. It is placed under the patient's pectoral muscle in a "pocket", and the electrodes that deliver impulses from it to the heart are placed in the ventricles and atria. An experienced surgeon copes with this task in 40 or 45 minutes. But these are not the operations when you need to perform a thoracotomy. Endovascular and minimally invasive interventions are now common. But the arrhythmologist is not only engaged in the installation of pacemakers. It also performs the implantation of optimizers for heart failure, cardioverter defibrillators for life-threatening forms of arrhythmias, and of course radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation and flutter. So, there is enough work for us!
— Are you currently working on your PhD thesis?
— Yes, I am at the Department of cardiovascular surgery of the Faculty of additional professional education and I am writing my PhD thesis. Dmitriy Puzenko helps me a lot in this. My topic is related to the study of the consequences of radiofrequency ablation and the installation of pacemakers with an open oval window (a pathology characterized by incomplete closure of the oval opening in the atrial septum). The team of Professor Andrey V. Ardashev provided us with a database of 350 patients. And I am engaged in this interesting topic. I work at the Medsi clinic.
— Why did you choose a postgraduate course at the RNRMU?
— When I entered graduate school, I could choose up to six universities. I transferred to RNRMU from St. Petersburg State University. I spent the first month of my postgraduate studies at this university. There are good conditions, but there was no department of cardiovascular surgery. I was on a therapeutic profile. And I decided to transfer to RNRMU (thanks to the reputation of the University). To do this, I just called Nadezhda Bylova (the dean of the International Faculty), I introduced himself, told my story and asked if they would accept me. She answered: "I agree. Come on in." I sent her a statement. It was signed, so I'm here now.
— What are you long term plans?
— To be honest, I would have gone to Germany, if there was no lockdown. I have already learned German language (I have been studying it for 2 years purposefully). And I have already mapped out the routes of arrival, I translated my documents into German and certified them in all needed instances. But in March everything screwed up. The Goethe Institute German examination centres stopped working, and the borders were closed. So far it’s impossible to go to Germany... Initially, I did not intend to go to graduate school. Since I am the only son in the family, I wanted to start clinical work and to earn money. Now I expect to go to Germany after finishing my postgraduate studies.
— What attracts you in Germany?
— Young doctors begin to earn really good money soon. You just come, provide a foreign language knowledge certificate, then you pass a small exam to assure them that you understand the terminology. After that you are given a temporary work permit. And 2 years later you can pass the exam to get a constant work permit in Germany.
— Are you planning to come back to Turkmenistan?
— Definitely. But I would like to return as a successful specialist to start up my career.
— Any plans for making your own family?
— Not yet. Now I am focused on getting a high-quality education and medical experience. But my mom finishes every phone call with the words: "I would like to see my grandchildren..." It is customary for us that parents help us to choose a bride. So, when I decide to get married, it will not be difficult for me.
— You have been living in Russia for quite a long time. What are your main impressions?
— I have been living in Russia for the last 9 years. Everything is more open here than in my motherland. In Central Asia there are a lot of topics that are taboo in communication between women and men. I grew up in a traditional Asian family. Many things were unusual here for me. In our country all relationships are built in another way, more strictly. Relationships in Russia are more open and friendly. I can express my opinion when communicating with senior colleagues here. For example, Dmitry V. Puzenko told me when I met him that I could call him any time. And we talk to him at 8 and 10 o'clock in the evening. And in Turkmenistan you can’t call your boss after 5 p.m. to talk about work issues.
— If the circumstances make you stay in Russia, will it be fine with you?
— Sure. Frankly speaking, I have a feeling that my life consists of a series of events beyond my control. Every time I plan something – and it turns out quite differently, but it turns out well in finally. It's amazing.
I have an ordinary family, and paying for education in Moscow would be unaffordable for us. But I was lucky to get to Russia and to cooperate with wonderful specialists, and then to go to graduate school here and to learn from real “coryphaeus” of medicine. Everything is going just fine so far. It was not my purpose initially to study in graduate school. I wanted to get to work right away. But the idea of going abroad (to Europe), honestly, scared my parents. They wanted me to either return to Turkmenistan or stay to study and work in Russia. And I DO understand their feelings. Both in Moscow and in Tver we have many relatives who will be able to support us. I think career opportunities have no limit in Russia. I can see that if you work hard, you can achieve a lot. Besides, I was very lucky to have teachers who guided me on the right path at the right time
— Do you remember them with gratitude?
— Sure! My mom taught me to be thankful. She used to repeat one proverb: "Where a horse's hoof does not tread, thousands of people will tread." The meaning of this wisdom is that our world is so tightly connected that you should always maintain relationships with those who treated you nicely. You have to return the favor you’ve been given. You should always remember the support that you received from people.
— What are your long term plans?
— In a few years, I would like to work in a clinic and at the same time I’d like to teach the students at university. I think I have a teaching ability. I can talk excitingly about what I'm interested in. In addition, my father always wanted me to study science and to teach children. It’s his dream. I hope I can make it come true.
— We wish you success in your career and your own scientific achievements!
— Thank you! My aim now is to explore new methods of treatment and surgical techniques in order to keep up with the development of modern medicine.
The interview will be published soon. Published interviews are marked in blue on the map.
“Education opens up the whole world”
Through the jungle
Odong's story differs from the usual stories of foreign students that were published in the "University Newspaper" before. This is a story about a difficult journey — from captivity in the camp of bloodthirsty sectarians to family life in Russia. We talked with Odonga Bosco about his childhood in Uganda, the civil War, the Russian journalist who changed his life, and certainly about RNRMU.
— I lived in the north of Uganda, where there was a civil war between government forces and the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) group. LRA are religious zealots who have set themselves the goal of overthrowing the government. They said that there were bad people in power who needed to be overthrown. The LRA wanted to establish a theocratic regime in the country based on the ten biblical commandments.
These people «recruited» small children into the service, forcing them to fight on the side of the LRA. They came at night, during the day — whenever — and separated families. They were interested in children from seven years old and older. The militants believed that a new righteous society could be built only from those who are not touched by the sins of the modern world. The first time after the abduction, these people used children as slaves. Later, if the sectarians realized that you had become one of them, they gave you weapons and sent you to fight.
In 2003, when I was 14 years old, they found me and took me to their encampment.
Abduction
— How were you taken?
— These people knew exactly in which settlements more children could be found. If the village or camp was not protected by government forces or there were few of them, then the militants calmly entered and took away everyone who caught their eye.
That day… My friends and I decided to get further away from our camp. It was raining heavily, and we built something like a hut in the jungle. There was a rumor that LRA was nearby, and we decided that it was better not to return to the village. The fighters came to the village and caught our friends. They began to ask where the others were: "Why are there so few children?!". The guys were threatened, and they gave us away.
— What became of them?
— Someone stayed with LRA, I definitely saw someone in the rehabilitation camp. The rest died.
— You have seen Joseph Kony live (the leader of the LRA, who declared himself the incarnation of the Holy Spirit. He is accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity, currently hiding from justice).
— I have never seen him, we were in different groups. What can I say about Kony... He is a very bad man, he did unimaginable, unforgivable things. On his orders, people were killed, families were destroyed.
— It is clear from your story that you did not support them at all. And how many other children, on the contrary, were indoctrinated and believed in all this?
— Almost no one believes it. It happens that they take very small children and inspire them with their own picture of the world. They don't know what's good and what's bad. The rest are just afraid to go home. If suddenly a soldier escaped and was caught, then the punishment is one — death. If they haven't found him, they will come to his family and do something bad to them. We were told about it very often, so few people dared to escape.
— But you dared. Has anyone been looking for you?
— No, they didn't know anything about my parents. I was kidnapped right out of the jungle, so the cultists simply had no idea where to look for me.
— How did you manage it?
— A year later they made me a soldier — they gave me weapons and did not restrict my movement, I could go somewhere alone. One day I was assigned to canvas the area together with a group. The usual task, the protection of the territory. We moved into the jungle and walked in a group, at a distance from each other. I decided this was my chance. I just turned around and left. It was ten o'clock in the morning. We were in a place which was very far from civilization, and I couldn't go home. I wandered in the forest until about six in the evening, until I came to the camp of government troops. I couldn't give up immediately — I was in a LRA uniform, I was holding a weapon in my hands. The soldiers would not ask anything, but would simply shoot. I decided to spend the night right in the jungle, and in the morning, after changing clothes and throwing away my weapons, I went to the camp. They took me to a military base, and from there they sent me to a rehabilitation center. There, on the very first day, I met the journalist Victoria Ivleva.
— Is this a significant person for you?
— She's a friend. She needed a translator at the camp, and I was the only one who knew English. One day I asked her: "Vika, I want to continue my studies. Will you help me?" She thought I wanted to return to Russia. Although then I just meant a school in my hometown. She said that in Russia I can only get a higher education, but for this I need to graduate from school in Uganda. Thanks to her help, I ended up in a very good school in Gulu (a city in Uganda, the administrative capital of the region of the same name. — Editor`s note).
It was difficult for me: I went to an educational institution for children from rich families, and many did not treat me very well. But Vika helped. She sent the money she collected here in Russia. I needed them to pay for my education. And I, in turn, studied well.
Russia
— In 2012, you had a chance to enter a university in Russia. What went wrong?
— It was necessary to prepare documents, which I simply did not have. The Russian Ambassador to Uganda (this is about the head of the consular department of the Russian Embassy in Uganda in 2012, Andrey Fedorov. — Editor's note) invited me to Kampala, which was the capital. He paid for my travel and found a temporary place of residence while he was doing all the necessary documents! I heard that he personally translated them from English to Russian, but I don't know for sure. In the end, I just had to go to Russia.
— But there were also problems with finding a place of study?
— There were people who didn't want to give me a grant. "How will he live here, what will he do?". As a result, they were convinced, and I entered the RUDN Medical faculty. I started from the preparatory faculty, where I studied for a year.
— Why did you decide to become a doctor?
—That was before I was taken away… My family are Christians, and there is a Christian church in our village. Next to it is a hospital run by missionaries. My mother and I often went there and prayed for the sick people. I was a very young child, and I was so impressed by all these people: how they dress and help others. From that moment on, there were no other professions for me. At first I thought of becoming a pediatrician. In my fourth year at RUDN, I took a six-month sabbatical. I spent this time helping in the cardiology department of the University Clinical Hospital № 4 of the First Sechenov Moscow State Medical University. That's where I decided that I like cardiac surgery more than pediatrics.
— When was the last time you were in Uganda?
— In 2015, I think. I came to see my mom for two weeks.
— Do you keep in touch with Victoria Ivleva to this day?
— Yes, before I had a family, I often lived with her. We communicate every day. In Uganda, it is customary, if a woman is older than you, you call her mom. But Vika asked not to do that. He says that it is not accepted in Russia. She is my friend.
— Tell us about your family in Russia.
— I have a wife, a son was born four months ago, we named him Misha.
— How did your wife find out about your childhood?
— Once I invited her to an exhibition of Vicky's photographs. I was there, among others. If you search the Internet, you will easily find the same photo where a 15-year-old me posing with a machine gun. How did she react? She accepted everything.
RNRMU
— Why did you decide to enroll in residency at RNRMU?
— Firstly, I have read a lot of good things about this place. Secondly, I was attracted by the structure of the University. RUDN has business, economics, and many other areas, and in RNRMU there is only medicine, which is what I need. And, of course, the rating of RNRMU is higher than that of other medical universities.
For some reason, my friends told me that foreigners are rarely taken to RNRMU. I told them I'd take a chance. In the residency there is a limit on the number of universities where you can apply. I put RNRMU as the first number and, just in case, distributed the subsequent places to other universities. As a result, I was accepted, and it turned out that students from all over the world are welcome here. I was also told that if I study seriously and think only about becoming a good doctor, then everything will be fine.
— How were your first weeks at the University?
— I felt better than in the last university. We have a very friendly department, where professional and intelligent people work. They have an almost individual approach to students: they always listen and help us.
Right before entering the University, I underwent a medical examination, during which I was diagnosed with covid. They allowed me to study remotely at the department, sent me tasks, and I already started studying for the first two weeks, although I could not physically attend the University. I was very pleased!
— You speak with such warmth about the University staff!
— Alesya Aleksandrovna Klimenko, head of residents, Professor of the Department of Faculty Therapy named after Academician A.I. Nesterov of the Faculty of Medicine, monitors our progress. If there are any problems, she is immediately in a hurry help us. We always find a common language with Angelina Vasilyevna Aksenova, professor of the Department of Faculty Therapy. If I have difficulties, then on weekdays or weekends she will always help. Angelina Vasilyevna sends me to various conferences, thereby giving me the opportunity to develop. We always discuss the patients I care about, I prepare presentations about interesting clinical cases.
— How do the patients feel about the Ugandan doctor?
— In the Center of the brain patients are interested in, they really want to communicate, and I feel absolutely no negativity. Then they leave me good reviews on the hospital's website! (Laughs.) But earlier, when I was a student at RUDN and we were sent to different clinical bases, there were patients who forbade me to measure their blood pressure.
— You are in the RNRMU for the second year, what's next? Graduate school?
— I want to go home. I will work there and live with my family. As soon as we started dating, I immediately told my wife that someday I would return to Africa: "If everything is serious, then we will go together." I promised myself that I would come to help my country. The wife did not agree for a long time. I gave her time to think. She weighed the pros and cons, realized that it was important to me, and agreed.
— What has Russia become for you?
— I remember my first day. I think it was September 14th. Outside — 18 degrees Celsius…
— So it's good!
— But I was very cold! (Laughs.) And then winter came, and I saw snow for the first time. After all these years I am still not used to it. It's so cold every time! I used to have a different idea of Russia, but now only a good one remains. I like your culture, I married a Russian girl. Of course, I will come back here.
I will say separately about our university. RNRMU has given me an opportunity that is very important to me. Education opens up the whole world here.
The interview will be published soon. Published interviews are marked in blue on the map.
Not everyone should have the highest scores at school or university – it is not the greatest success in life! Don’t be a slave to the unfulfilled desires of your parents. Work on self-confidence, which is one of the key factors on the way to success!
— Nikolina, why did you decide to become a pharmacist?
— I have always loved chemistry and I wanted to connect my profession with it. And I managed to do it! Pharmacy is a mix of medical and chemical sciences.
— Why did you decide to study in Russia – not in your homeland?
— I really liked Russian language since the 6th grade in school, when we started learning it. I was considered the best among my classmates in Russian language course, so that was an additional motivation, and everything showed me that my dream of getting an education in Moscow would come true after my graduation.
— So, the language barrier wasn’t a “barrier” for you?
— Yes, learning foreign languages is easy for me. I speak English, Spanish and Russian. The Russian language belongs to the Slavic group, as well as my native Montenegrin. They are similar in the structure of sentence construction, they have similarities in grammar, although we have 7 cases. There are many words in the Montenegrin and Russian languages that are written the same, but differ in meaning. For example, "word" means a letter in Montenegrin, and "right" is "straight".
— Why did you decide to enter RNRMU?
— Because I have seen a lot of positive feedbacks about the University on internet.
— What do you like and dislike here?
— There can be no more than 6 subjects in one semester in the universities of Montenegro. And when I started studying at the RNRMU, it was a bit weird to see 11 disciplines in the schedule.
I’d like to note that the quality of education is at a high level, besides, our University gives us all opportunities to demonstrate our talents. The only thing I don't like is the automated educational system and memorizing tests. I think that it’s better to test your knowledge mainly orally. All the other things are just fine here.
— What were your impressions of exploring Russia?
— I adore Russian culture. I have already managed to visit Rostov the Great, Saint Petersburg, Suzdal, Vladimir, Smolensk, Yaroslavl, Ryazan, Nizhniy Novgorod, Pereslavl-Zalesskiy, Anapa, Tula, Kineshma, Tambov and Uryupinsk. I am in love with the beauty of Russian cities! They are all different, while they have a deep and rich history.
We love Russian literature: Dostoevskiy, Chekhov, Turgenev, Bulgakov, Tolstoy, Pushkin and other writers are taken in our schools. When I arrived in Moscow, I got acquainted with Anna’s Akhmatova poetry, and it is something very special!
— What difficulties did you face?
— The biggest problem was the distance, especially ‘cause of the inability to see my family. But I am very persistent by nature, so it wasn’t difficult for me to find solutions.
If we talk about what foreigners had to adapt in Russia, I would note a huge number of people of course. I came from a country with a population of 650 thousand people, and at first it was very difficult for me to get used to the crowd of thousands that surrounds you almost everywhere: on the street, in transport, etc.
— And what was unexpected for you?
— There is no metro in Montenegro, and it made the biggest impression on me in Russia. I couldn't believe that transport could be so well organized. It was also unexpected that I am the only foreigner in the group and I was received very kindly by other students. At first they helped and supported me a lot. In the classroom I often clarified the meanings of incomprehensible words, and my mates tried to explain those words to me together and joked with me.
— Do our students differ from their peers at your homeland?
— No, we are very similar.
— Have you made friends with anyone from Russia?
— I have met a lot of people here. I hope they will be by my side in the future.
— Do you participate in extracurricular activities of the University?
— I love singing and dancing. I am the head of the RNRMU pop and jazz vocal studio. I have gained many awards during these 4 years. I take part in all concerts and competitions. I am also a tutor. I make classes once a week and help students to overcome the difficulties that they have faced during studying chemistry.
— Do you have any experience of volunteering?
— I do. I took part in charity fairs. As a volunteer, I helped with the vaccination against COVID-19 at our University.
— After finishing your studies, would you like to stay in Russia or will you return to your motherland?
— I believe I’ll stay in Moscow. Russia has met all my expectations both in terms of the study and of the life. And you can always come back to your motherland if something goes wrong.
— What would you wish other students?
— Not everyone should have all high scores at school or university, and this is not the greatest success in life!
Do not be a slave to the unfulfilled desires of your parents. Work on self- confidence – it is one of the key factors on your way to success. Choose your own city, place, faculty, direction and improve yourself by at least 1% every day.
The biggest success is to smile to yourself that you used to be yesterday, to do your best and to continue to get better with faith in yourself, regardless of whether you are in a global metropolis or in your hometown.
— Kalugalage, How long have you studied in RNRMU?
— I studied medicine in Bangladesh and then studied for a master's program in telemedicine in Italy. Two years ago I went to Russia and entered graduate school.
— What a huge diversity in countries choice!
— My mother used to work in UN and I visited a lot of countries with her. I was born in Canada where my mother finished her graduate school. We also were together in the Netherlands where my mother had a job. I always was interested in international education.
— What piece of advice your mother gave to you about country choice?
— She proposed me to study in Europe and I chose Russia because I adore local weather conditions. It reminds me of Canada.
— Canada, the Netherlands… So why do we call you a student from Sri Lanka?
— Because my parents are from Sri Lanka. Father still lives there and continues his career. He is a politician.
— So why did you leave Canada?
— Education in Canada is very expensive. You need to study for seven years to get the first diploma, then residency (five years) and graduate school (four more years). Getting an education at a university there lasts almost a lifetime, and it is not free either. In case of failing the study here I will move back to my mother in Sri Lanka. It is possible to find job there because russian medical education is high valuable in my home country. Frankly speaking I suffered from asthma while living in Sri Lanka due to dry and polluted air. Here in Russia I don’t have such problems.
— Why did you decide to become a doctor?
— It's been my dream since childhood to become a doctor. As an idealistic child, I thought that being a doctor was the most noble profession in the world because a doctor is able to relive a fellow human being's pain and suffering.
— What difficulties did you have to face when moving to Russia? Any funny situations, maybe?
— The biggest difficulties were the language barrier and the fact that I had never been in temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius before moving to Russia, so I didn’t know what it would feel like. So I came to Russia in October dressed as if I'm about the explore the north pole in a very heavy and large winter coat and boots and very thick gloves, when the temperature was just +2 degrees and I was sweating.
— What surprised you here? What shocked you? What was unexpected for you here?
— I came to Russia thinking that the country is not very modern in its infrastructure, because that is how the country is portrayed in international media. I was very pleasantly surprised when I saw that the facilities here in Moscow were identical to any other developed European country.
The willingness of the Russians to help a stranger in trouble was a very unexpected characteristic that I see here. Be it a Russian or a foreigner if they get sick or fall down or are distressed in anyway the Russians will offer help. This is so different from the cold indifference that I have seen in other countries and it made me like Russia a lot.
The way Russians take care of other people's properties was also very unexpected and surprising. If you drop something unknowingly Russians will inform you and if you forget your bag or belongings anywhere they will keep it until you return for it. This is an exemplary behavior that I have never seen in Srilanka or anywhere else in Europe.
— Have you been to any other cities in Russia?
— Yes, I have been to Kazan and Sochi.
— Why did you decide to choose the Russian National research medical university? What did you like mostly in your studies? What did you like less/ didn’t like at all? Do you regret your choice or not?
— I chose the Russian National Research Medical University because it was one of the four medical universities recognized by the Srilankan medical council at the time of my enrollment as well as being a highly reputable medical university in Russia itself and it also offered decent student accommodations. I enjoyed the time I studied Russian language, it was like being back to school with a lot of friends from different countries. I also enjoy working in the hospitals where I train.
— Which specialty did you choose?
— Now I study at the Faculty of Pediatrics (PF), I attend ophthalmology course and work at the Scientific and Practical Center for Specialized Medical Care for Children of V.F. Voino-Yasenetsky. I really like this clinic. All of the teachers are very helpful. I would like to especially mention my supervisor - docent of the Department of Ophthalmology of the PF Galina Viktorovna Nikolaeva, who always gives me recommendations on the dissertation, and the head of the Department of Ophthalmology of the PF Evgeny Ivanovich Sidorenko - he is very kind and it is he who advised me to contact Galina Viktorovna. Moreover I would like to thank the leading researcher of the Research Laboratory of Glaucoma and Dystrophic Eye Diseases Zhanna Yurievna Alyabyeva. She always took care of me like a mom.
— Were you not afraid of the language barrier? What was the level of your Russian at the very beginning?
— I was not afraid because I came here first to enroll in a preparatory Russian language course. Only after completing the language course I was supposed to enroll in my medical studies. My Russian knowledge was zero when I first came to Russia. I had friends in Moscow who spoke English and helped me with the enrollment process, and I must say that without them it would have been very hard for me.
— Do you miss your traditions and local food? Please tell a bit about your favorite dishes, holidays, traditions in Sri-Lanka and in Russia?
— When I first came to Russia I found the food here as being very bland. But later I discovered that Russian desserts and cakes are very diverse and tasty. My favorite Srilankan dish is called "lumprais". It is a dish which was originated in Srilanka under the Dutch occupation. It's a rice dish cooked in coconut milk with various curries and then wrapped in a banana leaf and baked for a few minutes so that its infused with the taste of the banana leaf. My favorite Russian dish is Russian honey cake (medovik).
— What is a “must” to see in your country?
— Sigiriya - an ancient hogh rock fortress with a ruins of a palace on top of the rock with beautiful ancient drawings and an amazing sculpture of a lion's paws at the mouth of the stairs which leads from the ground level up to the palace.
— What level has medicine in your motherland nowadays?
— Actually, medicine is very advanced in Srilanka. The doctors are very dedicated, talented and have vast experience from working in different countries during their specialty training.
— What are you planning to do after graduation?
— I love Russia, I want to stay and find a job in child welfare clinics. Let's see how it goes, because there are many issues to be resolved with the paperwork.In case of failing the study here I will move back to my mother in Sri Lanka. It is possible to find job there because russian medical education is high valuable in my home country. Frankly speaking I suffered from asthma while living in Sri Lanka due to dry and polluted air. Here in Russia I don’t have such problems.
I plan to come back home to contribute my motherland’s development. My future aspirations are not related only with medicine. I consider about getting involved in Ecuadorian politics.
— Edwin, why did you decide to become a doctor?
— It's a long story, but I can tell briefly – I've always wanted to help people. As a child, I even thought about becoming a Catholic priest. Now it can make you smile. When I graduated from high school, my long-term intention was to become a dentist. For the first few years I studied to be a doctor in Machala, my hometown, and then for some reasons, including political events, I transferred to the National university of Loha, which is located to the south of my country.
— Why did you decide to enter the residency programme in Russia?
— I came here because Ecuador does not train doctors in the rheumatology. Besides, since childhood, I wanted to study in Russia and get to know your amazing country better. I couldn't believe it would ever happen, though.
— Were you not afraid of the language barrier?
— I was very afraid of the language barrier. In my opinion, Russian is one of the most difficult languages. But I worked hard to study it, so my daily efforts are bearing fruit.
— Why did you decide to choose Russian national research medical university?
— While searching information about Russian universities on the Internet I found out that the best comments and feedbacks were about RNRMU.
— What do you like mostly in your studies?
— I really like the learning process itself, it is interesting to learn about diseases in the profile of my specialty, even if they are rare.
— Do you regret your choice?
— I do not regret at all that I came to Russia and entered the RNRMU.
— What are your impressions of Russia?
— Russia seems to me a huge, interesting, safe country with excellent opportunities for education, especially in the healthcare area. A great example of the high level of development of Russian medicine is the effective management of resources during the current pandemic.
— What difficulties did you have to face when moving to Russia?
— There were no big difficulties. The main ones are the need to get used to the cold climate, the language barrier and the fact that I had to go very far from home.
— What was unexpected for you here?
— Well, the pandemic was unexpected.
— Have you met any friends here yet?
— My mates and neighbors are very sympathetic people, and they are always ready to help me when I am in need. I think we have a good friendship.
— Tell us a bit about your plans.
— After completing my residency I plan to come back home to contribute my motherland’s development. My future aspirations are not related only with medicine. I consider about getting involved in Ecuadorian politics”.
In the nearest future I am going to continue my training as a specialist. Definitely, advanced education includes participation in face-to-face or distance seminars, attending courses and congresses. And if I have the opportunity to go to graduate school, it would be great!
«It's very cool when you a foreigner who is about your age can explain what you need to learn»
Mathematician at a medical university
— Yaroslav, I would venture to assume that you are from a family of Russian migrants.
— No, no. I am Russian, but I have a different situation. If my memory serves me right, my parents both come from a military family. For some reason, my grandparents had to leave Russia and Ukraine for Estonia at different times. Later, my parents met in the city of Tartu, got married, and I was born to them.
— Why did you decide to return to Russia?
— Not quite “to return”. I had already been to Russia by that time: as a child, I often visited my grandmother during the summer holidays. And I decided to enroll in a Russian university because it is very difficult for me to study in Estonian. Of course, I studied it for 12 years, but the knowledge still did not meet the required level in Estonian universities. I could have taken some additional courses, but it required a lot of time and effort, which I decided to direct to the study of fundamental disciplines.
— Did you study at a Russian school?
— Yes, in a Russian school with an in-depth study of mathematics. But according to the law, some subjects had to be taught in Estonian. In my school, these disciplines were art history and social studies. And fundamental subjects such as mathematics, chemistry, physics, biology were taught in Russian.
— Why were you attracted to medicine?
— A difficult question, I'm afraid I won't be able to answer it. I just don't remember why at some point of my life I decided to become a doctor. Just recently I went to my school, talked to the teachers, and they told me that I had always thought about studying for medical. I don't know how it happened.
— Have you regretted your choice in three years of study?
— When I got to medical school, I felt a huge competition, met students with a greater knowledge base. After all, I came from a mathematical school and did not understand anatomy and other medical fundamental sciences at all. And my peers here are medalists who graduated from educational institutions with in-depth study of medicine and chemistry, medical schools. Someone came from other medical universities. At first I was in a panic, I didn't know what to do with such a load. In the end, I just calmed down, survived, studied. And now I already understand that I can cope with such a load.
During the winter holidays (the interview was taken in January 2022. — Editor's note) I went to Estonia, went to my school. My teachers are always happy when former students visit them and share their successes with them, tell them about studying at universities. And I even held a small lesson "Anatomy: how medical students see it" for students of the 12th grade (it's like the 11th for Russia). The guys then sharing their impressions said that they were very interested.
— And why did you choose Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University?
— It happened that I became a participant in the project "School of a young surgeon" of the University and met a wonderful teacher Alexey Markovich Symon. I really liked the way he presented the material, explained everything, gave examples of clinical cases. It is difficult to study at our university, but you know for sure that you will graduate with a big knowledge base.
— You mentioned the "Young Surgeon's School". How did you become a participant in this project if you studied in Estonia?
— I came to Russia for the summer holidays. I really wanted to get to know medicine better. The study was difficult, but it was worth it.
— After graduation, would you like to become a surgeon?
— I plan to go either to abdominal surgery (to treat pathologies of the abdominal organs), or to a forensic examination. Why a surgeon? It's just that a few of my friends often drink alcoholic beverages, and I would like to understand how they could be helped with liver damage. (Smiles) I've never tried alcohol, we don’t drink alcohol in my family. And I became interested in forensic science, most likely, because of detectives, horror films and thrillers.
— Could you already name your favorite subjects and teachers?
— If I single out my favorite teachers, there will be a too long list — there are more than 80 percent of them. I can tell you about the current third year. I am very pleased that I got to Olga Olegovna Turishcheva, assistant of the Department of Pathophysiology and Clinical Pathophysiology of the Medical faculty. Yes, she is demanding, it's hard to learn from her, but it's worth it. We persistently assimilate the material, so we will definitely know it.
I am also very glad that Andrey Vasilyevich Kolotvin, who used to teach biochemistry at RNRMU, held classes in the second semester. Thanks to his support, I was able to pass this subject perfectly. I would also like to mention other teachers: in anatomy — Alexey Anatolyevich Fedosov, in physiology — Anna Yuryevna Shishelova, in microbiology — Oksana Sergeevna Zhdanova. I was lucky with all the teachers — they gave us a lot of useful knowledge.
— Tell us, where did you practice?
— What for the first year, I worked at the Multidisciplinary City Clinical Hospital No. 24 and at the Municipal Clinical Hospital No.15 named after O.M. Filatov. Due to quarantine, we were unable to get into practice at the end of the first year, and I asked to volunteer at the 24th clinic. I would like to thank Andrey Olegovich Chugunov, Associate Professor of the Department of General Surgery of the Medical Faculty, who allowed me to work there.
In my second year, I was assigned to the Sklifosovsky Research Institute for Emergency Medicine, to the dressing department. If in the first year I dealt only with medical histories, then I have already managed to work with patients here. I put on droppers, disinfected wounds, made bandages. It was a good experience.
— Do you have enough free time?
— In the third year, I had some free time again. I try to spend it listening to my favorite music, as well as regularly visiting the theater. For example, I watched Anna Karenina at least five times at the Moscow Operetta Theater. The performance delighted me! How do they sing, dance, what kind of decorations are there… I also went to Count Orlov and Count Monte Cristo. It was interesting, but I still prefer more serene performances. In general, all the productions that are shown in this theater are just something. I advise everyone to go there!
I am also fond of sports and, if possible, do WTF taekwondo. In Tallinn, I trained at the 5th Russian gymnasium, and in Russia I practice the exercise "shadow fight" on my own. I go out into the street, into some open space, and make a series of sequential movements to practice the accuracy of the execution of strikes. Of course, it is very nice to come to the gym and kick a punching bag, practice sparring, but such classes need more money and free time.
By the way, I have been the head of my subgroup for two and a half years. In the future I would like to become a tutor. As soon as I arrived at the University and enrolled, I immediately decided that I would be a head of the group. I have always been a very private person, so I thought that this kind of activity would help to communicate better with people. I really like this job. Once I was already an assistant counselor at a summer camp, so here I feel like the head of the squad.
— And why did you decide to become a tutor?
— When I just entered the University, I didn't know anything as a foreign student. But it's very cool when you a foreigner who is about your age can explain what you need to learn, what notes to get, where to find fresh answers to exam questions and what computer tests to take in the system ks.rsmu.ru . So I wanted to become one of them.
— You have lived both in Estonia and in Russia. What are your impressions?
— I noticed that Russians dislike Estonians, and Estonians dislike Russians. I sincerely do not understand this. In Estonia, if they find out that you are Russian, everything is closed for you. They won't hire you, sometimes they may not give you a salary. If you are a teenager, then you will only be hired as a floor cleaner or in a storage. If you decide to raise the bar, for example, to become a doctor, you will not be allowed to become a top assistant in any case. Because you are Russian. To qualify, you have to go to America, Germany or Russia. Only then start working in Estonia.
— And how has your family lived in this country for so many years?
— Everything was fine. The situation is aggravated mainly during the presidential or political party elections. In the 1990s, when the riots were going on, the situation was even worse there: they didn't want to take Russians anywhere. Nevertheless, my dad was lucky: he was able to find a specialty that was considered necessary everywhere — IT. In this area, they did not look at nationality — the specialist simply had to work for the benefit of the company.
There is no such tension now. Estonia is a member of the European Union, and now it has enough other troubles. Rejection persists only in the work environment.
I also noticed a difference in the character of city residents. In Moscow, everyone is in a hurry somewhere, especially in the subway. When I first got into transport during rush hour, I was very surprised. Everyone is running, everyone is pushing. After all, in Estonia, the concept of "traffic jam" is equivalent to the number of people in the Moscow metro on the Koltsevaya Line around noon. And the most free time we have is six in the morning. You can ride a bike on a high-speed highway, even on the oncoming lane, but you won't see a single car. No one is in a hurry anywhere, and everyone somehow gets in time everywhere.
There is a stereotype that all Estonians are slow. When you talk to a native, you will realize how wrong you were. They talk so fast that you will not understand anything if you know only a basic set of phrases in their language. Estonians can produce 200-300 words per second — faster than rapper Eminem read his lyrics. (laughing)
— You spoke of bicycles. Do Estonians often travel to their place of work and study by this vehicle?
— There are buses and cars, too, but the bicycle is one of the most popular modes of transport. However, the distances are different in Estonia. We can get from one end of the city to another, even through the back streets, in about an hour and a half. It's like a very large village with a good infrastructure.
— Do you also miss something Estonian?
— The food. I miss sweets, some can only be found in Europe. And I also miss baking: in Estonia it is more salty, and I really like it. But in Russia, bread is more lush and soft — also delicious.
There is also a popular piparkook cookie in Estonia, which I don't like. Bitter chocolate is added to it, and sometimes even red pepper, and this combination is too strange.
— Share your plans for the future.
— I'm going to find a WTF taekwondo club, which I will systematically go to in order to get myself back into shape. I also hope to join the student scientific circle on forensic examination or the student scientific circle of the Department of Topographic Anatomy and Operative Surgery.
The interview will be published soon. Published interviews are marked in blue on the map.
A “brain drain” was in my country. Doctors decided to move because they did not want to stay in a country in unstable situation with life risks. But at that time the locals needed their help! I think this was wrong – the doctors had to stay and heal the people.
— Tina, who are your parents?
— My dad is a politician, he is a member of parliament, and my mom is a nurse. She inspired me to study at the medical university. Once my mother also wanted to become a doctor, but she got married and devoted herself to the family.
— Why did you choose to study, and not to get married, like your mom did?
— My dad helped me to realize my dream, and I'm grateful to him for that. I came from a country where society appreciates the education of boys, but my father also values the education of girls. Dad believes in the empowerment of women. In our family you just have to get a higher education, and it doesn't matter whether you want it or not. All my brothers and sisters are well educated, and there are 12 of us.
— But why did you choose medicine?
— In my opinion, medicine in my country is not taken seriously by people, and many people die from ordinary diseases. The government does not pay enough attention to the medical sector and medical schools. I think "half-baked" and inexperienced doctors are being produced there. So I decided to help people myself.
— So do you plan to come back home after graduation?
— Yes, I really want to return to work to improve the medical area in my country.
— What kind of doctor do you want to become?
— I'm thinking about gynecology and neurosurgery.
— Is it true that many local doctors left South Sudan because of the civil war?
— Yes, there was a “brain drain”. Doctors decided to move because they did not want to stay in a country in unstable situation with life risks. But at that time the locals needed their help! I think this was wrong – the doctors had to stay and heal the people.
— Do you have hospitals in South Sudan?
— We have public clinics, but they are equipped badly: there are barely enough ambulances, hospital beds and rescue equipment. The government hopes to rebuild hospitals with the support of educated people from all over the country.
— Where did you study before you entered the RNRMU?
— I studied in the World High School in South Sudan and at St. Lawrence College London in Uganda.
— Why did you decide to study in Russia?
— My compatriots do not know much about Russia, but they have heard about your great scientists who invented such things as the periodic table. I wanted to learn and personally see the achievements of science.
— Why did you choose our University?
— I was told about good Russian universities, and also I found out that in the beginning, only women studied at this University. My father believes in women power parliament, and I am sure that we are really capable, so I wanted to study at the RNRMU.
— Maybe your dad would like to promote the idea of a women's parliament with you when you come back home?
— Yes, I think we could work together and empower women in the medical field. If I can draw attention of the government to medicine, then I will be able to take care of the lives of the population.
— What were your impressions and thoughts when you came to Russia?
— I was a bit afraid, because I didn't speak Russian. I thought people would try to talk to me everywhere, and that really scared me. But gradually I realized that people are busy with their own business and they just don’t have time to talk.
— Have you already seen the sights of Moscow?
— Yes, I was in the centre of Moscow. Last year I went to the Red Square for Christmas. It’s an amazing place! And I would like to visit the embankments of the Moskva River again — it is wonderful, especially in summer. I also plan to travel around Russia — for example, to Saint Petersburg. It’s a beautiful city!
— Did you find Russian friends here?
— No, but I would like to. Russians are very friendly.
— Are you making any progress in learning Russian?
— I'm learning it, but I just need time to do it. For example, when I go to the store, I try to speak Russian. And sometimes I practice in the place I live. However, it is for international students — I live with guys from South Africa. If I only had the opportunity to communicate with Russians more, I would learn Russian language faster.
— How is your classes progressing then?
— Good! I understand the grammar, but I need more practice: I'm having some problems with speaking. Nevertheless, I like classes and teachers, I do assignments and try to read lectures out loud. My favorite subjects are anatomy and histology (Alexandr V. Sokolov).
— Do you take part in the social life of the University?
— No, but I used to play netball in my motherland. This is a women's sport that resembles basketball. I have asked my teachers if there was a netball section at the University, but it wasn't there.
— Do you miss your traditions and local food?
— I miss the Sudanese dish called “kisra”. It’s like “chapatti” tortillas, but “kisra” is more salty. I can't cook it in Russia because I don't have proper ingredients. I usually cook Nigerian dishes, such as “egusi soup”. I'm just used to traditional spicy African food
— At what time of the year is it most comfortable to travel around your country?
— We have two seasons: dry (from the end of November to February or March) and rainy. I think it’s better to come in March or April, because there is not so much rain and not as hot as in the summer then. In summer temperature rises up to 35 degrees C.
— What is a “must” to see in your country?
— It is worth visiting the eastern part of South Sudan, there are a lot of mountains. But there are also mosquitoes, so you need to prepare to meet them.
— Do you have national holidays?
— On July 9, we celebrate the Victory Day. On this day, the soldiers march in front of the public on Square of Freedom, and then all the spectators return home and spend time with their families. Also in Khiala, my native village, we celebrate a holiday called "Efira". This is a ritual of initiation that all boys who have reached the age of 16 go through. The ritual symbolizes the transfer of power to the next generation of young people. You see, in Russia, according to the law, young people under the age of 18 are not allowed to buy alcohol. It's the same in my country. We just don’t have such kind of law, but there is a ritual of initiation of children into adults, into free people.
I can easily tag my teachers from Russian National Research Medical University in social networks, if something remains unclear to my during my studies!
— Faiza, why did you decide to become a doctor?
— The thing is that in my country there are not so many doctors, and I wanted patients to receive all the necessary aid The government hires a lot of people from abroad for building hospitals and clinics, but they are lack of specialists and remedy actually.
— How did you know about a possibility to study in Russia?
— I saw an announcement and submitted the necessary documents. 5 months later I got a call and was invited to an interview at the Russian embassy in Botswana. I managed to pass it! My dad helped me to choose my place of study: he was at the Russian embassy by chance and saw an ad, and suggested that I try to enroll. But I didn't apply... I decided only when I saw an ad in the local newspaper.
— What were the conditions to enroll the Russian university?
— Applicants should be over the age of 16 y.o., who scored at least 46 points at the final exam. It includes questions in physics, biology, chemistry and mathematics. To pass the exam successfully, you have to answer correctly more than 90% of the questions.
— How did you find out about the RNRMU and why did you choose it?
— I chose among the largest research medical centres, and the RNRMU was the first on my list. I also applied to Sechenov University and universities in Saint Petersburg and Volgograd. I indicated 4 higher educational institutions. And I'm glad that I ended up in Russian National Research Medical University.
— What are you favorite subjects?
— I really like chemistry, anatomy and philosophy. Natalia M. Chistyakova, Natalia V. Synkova and Ivan Z. Shishkov, our teachers, explain every new topic very clearly. And if something remains unclear to me while I am preparing for the classes, I can easily tag them in social networks.
— Who do you see yourself after graduating from RNRMU?
— I’d like to become a gynecologist. And I will have to come back to my country to work there for 7 years. And then - we will see!
«From childhood, I wanted to become a doctor»
Treat the people all over the World
— Habib, why did you decide to become a doctor?
— It was my old dream. From childhood, I wanted to become a doctor. It so happened that at a certain point in my life I lost some motivation and changed my mind.
— And why did you come back to your dream to become a doctor?
— Military service. In Singapore, we are required to do a military service for two years. I was a fireman. After all, I have been through; I have regained the feeling that helping the other people is my obligation. That is why I am here: I want to become a doctor and to help the people, but not on the front line, but in the rear, if I can say so.
— Why did you choose Russia?
— You know, I did not study in Singapore well. I was educated in Malaysia and came back home to serve a country. Then I got a scholarship here in Russia. That is how I ended up at RNIMU. It was the only option, because I applied only here. So why Russia? My father likes your country very much! But this is not the only reason. When my father was young, he studied abroad. And from the earlier childhood, I dreamed of moving into another country for an education, just like him. I thought about moving to Europe, but I felt the financial lack. However, here I have the opportunity to study, and in general, the country is very similar to Europe. I like the local culture, and the Russian weather is good too.
— Please tell us more how did you get education in Malaysia?
— It's simple: I was born in this country. My parents are from Singapore but moved into Malaysia where I was born. Dad is now retired, mom is a housewife, but she works part-time in the library. Now they are back home.
— How did your parents react to your choice?
— They were incredibly supportive and they were very happy for me because I got a scholarship. Parents have not yet come to Russia, but I hope that they will soon come to me. I have not been at home for several years. Initially, I planned that I would not return for the first four years in order to adapt in Russia better. The pandemic helped me with this issue. Now I think that I will probably come to my parents soon. I still miss them so much.
— It is the third year of your being in Russia…
— Yes, now I am in a second year of study, and before that, I studied at the preparatory faculty in Voronezh. There were a lot of foreign students, and I was the only one who did not speak Russian at all. The teachers helped me a lot, especially in Russian. They were kind and did their best to support me.
— And what about your first days in University?
— By the time of admission, I had already lived in Moscow for about a month; during this time, I gradually began to equate myself with the city and the University. Therefore, the first day was not so scary.
— What do you mostly like in the second medical university?
— I received great support from teachers here. I know that many students single out some specific professors and teachers, but I just cannot do it.
As for my favorite subjects, I will mention the anatomy. My purpose now is to finish my studies up to the fourth year. They say that then it becomes a little easier. (Laughs.) Let us check it out. After that, I plan to take a nursing exam and get a license to work as a nurse in a hospital. What kind of doctor would I like to be after my studies? I want to be a cardiac surgeon.
— Russia, Singapore or some another country?
— I don't think that in Singapore. In Russia? Maybe.
— It is seems like you love to live in Moscow?
— Yes! The central part of Moscow is similar to Singapore and in some places even better. It's like in Europe in many ways, that's why I like it.
— What did surprise you the most in Russia?
— People's behavior. I will explain now. In many countries, Russians are thought to be much closed and even fierce people. But when I arrived here, I realized that if you speak with them in their language, then everything turns out to be exactly the opposite! They treat each other like the family members. You can call an elderly woman a grandmother and she will communicate with you as with her own grandson. Now I will give you another example. It is normal here to say in the store: "Hello, thank you, bye..." Do not get me wrong, we do this in Singapore too, but not as often.
— Who do you think you will be within ten years?
— Cardiac surgeon. However, where will I be? We, as the doctors, have a responsibility to spread knowledge and treat people all over the world. Maybe, I'll be the part of some humanitarian mission.
"Ever since I was a child, I wanted to become a doctor. Both my mother is a medical professional, and many family friends are as well. I literally grew up surrounded by doctors. I've always been interested in this field, wanting to help people. From fifth to twelfth grade, I even studied Latin in school, specifically to study medicine in the future."
— At RNIMU, you are our first student from Germany. Were you aware of that?
— I wasn't sure, but I suspected it. Among my acquaintances from Germany, none had studied at this university.
— Why did you come to study in Russia? In Germany, as far as I know, higher education is free.
— Here I am also studying for free, for now. My parents are from Russia, and I've known Russian since childhood. I have a slight accent but understand the language. I brushed up on my Russian in my senior year and spent a week on an exchange program in Voronezh. That's when I decided to enroll in a Russian university: I wanted to continue my education in a different country and gain new experiences.
— Tell us about your parents. What do they do, and how did they end up in Germany?
— My mother is from Lipetsk, studied dentistry at the Third Medical University, and moved to Germany after graduation. My father is from Kiev; he also studied in Russia as an engineer. After finishing his studies, he moved to Germany. That's where they met.
— Did you want to become a doctor because of your mother?
— In part. I've wanted to be a doctor since I was a child. Both my mother is in the medical field, and many family friends are as well. I quite literally grew up surrounded by doctors. I've always been interested in this field, wanting to help people. I even studied Latin in school from fifth to twelfth grade, specifically to study medicine in the future.
— Do you have an accent when speaking Russian since your family primarily speaks German?
— It's an interesting story. I have a brother, and our parents speak to us in Russian, but we respond in German. It's always amusing for others to watch our interactions.
— Is that so you would be better at German?
— No. Initially, we only spoke Russian at home. But when my brother and I started attending a German school, we made German friends. We began speaking in German more and more and almost stopped communicating in Russian. Now we all understand and can watch Russian movies with our parents, but speaking Russian has become much more challenging for us.
— I noticed a photo of you with a bass guitar. Are you a musician?
— Yes, indeed. I started with the piano—began even before I started school. I played for about seven or eight years, and then I wanted to try something new. I learned to play the guitar, and soon enough, I found friends who sang and played other instruments. Eventually, we formed a band.
— And what did you name it?
— We thought long and hard about the name and settled on 'Clearance Sale.' The thing is, one of my friends had a T-shirt at home with the word 'Clearance Sale' on it. Such shirts are usually worn by mannequins in stores. We never figured out where he got it from, but it was hilarious, so we chose that name.
— But you didn't pursue a career in music...
— No. We weren't professional enough in our musical endeavors to take it any further.
— Why did you choose our University and not go for the same Third Medical?
— I felt that the latter was more for those aiming to become dentists. So, I was deciding between the First and Second Medical Universities. In the end, I joined RNIMU through the Rossotrudnichestvo program.
— Can you share your initial impression of studying with us?
— Studying in Russian was a challenge for me. Of course, I took a preparatory course for a whole year before enrolling at RNIMU, but it's different. Besides, we were remote learning at that time, and I remained in Germany. Medical studies are tough, but so far, everything's been going well.
— Do you have any favorite subjects or teachers already?
— I was fortunate with my group; all our teachers are good. As for favorite subjects... I'd say physics. I graduated from a physics-mathematics class, and I've always loved this subject. It's taught by Natalia Alexeyevna Larina (associate professor of the physics and mathematics department of the pediatric faculty. — Ed. note).
— How do you spend your free time? Do you have any?
— Just a little. I joined the rowing sports section at our university. Vanya Prokhorov is an excellent captain!
— Did you continue with your music?
— No, I even left my bass guitar in Germany. Maybe I'll bring it here when I visit home next.
— Have you ever traveled around Russia?
— Not since enrolling in the University. But since my mom is from Russia, I've been here a few times. We've been to Moscow, Lipetsk, Voronezh. We also went to Altai — we loved the nature there!
— Could you share your future plans? Have you decided on a specialty?
— I have a couple of ideas, but there's still a long journey ahead. I've considered moving into pediatrics after graduation (currently, I'm studying General Medicine), or choosing orthopedics or sports medicine.
In RNIMU, A Dream Comes True
— Nicole, you speak Russian very well. When did you learn it?
— Both my parents are Russians. They moved from the Soviet Union to South Africa. They insisted that my brother and I speak only in Russian at home. When we were younger, we didn't understand why we needed this. But after enrolling in a Russian university, I realized that knowing Russian is a gift my parents gave me.
— How did your parents end up in South Africa?
— They're originally from Azerbaijan. When an armed conflict began there, my parents first moved to Israel and then to South Africa. My mom and dad overcame many challenges, moving to another country to give a better life to their future children, like me. They started everything from scratch. Everything I have now is thanks to them. I am so proud of them! I do everything possible so they can be proud of me too.
— Why did you decide to become a doctor?
— Since I was five, I've always said I wanted to be a doctor. No one pushed me towards this decision; the desire came from within me. I was a good student in school, and I loved biology and chemistry. I didn’t want to work in a lab; I wanted to connect directly with people and help them. To me, this is the ideal profession.
— Nicole, did you leave your country to find yourself following your parents’ example?
— As a teenager, I considered studying abroad. I began to look at options, and of course, I considered universities in Russia. South Africa has student exchange agreements with Russia. I applied for this program. I learned that at RNIMU, there's an opportunity to get a dual degree. In the later years, one can continue studying at universities in Italy. For me, this was the best option. I'm glad I made this choice and joined the international department at RNIMU.
— Tell us about your first acquaintance with Russia.
— In 2013, my family and I visited Moscow. That's when my brother and I realized that knowing Russian was cool. We could converse in it with others, not just our parents. I visited Russia alone for the second time in 2019. I took Russian language courses in Rostov-on-Don. I couldn’t write in Russian, had difficulty reading, definitely not at the anatomy textbook level. I started with the alphabet and gradually learned everything.
— What challenges did you face?
— The hardest part was leaving my parents and moving to another country. It was the first time I lived alone in Rostov-on-Don. Then the pandemic happened, and I was stuck in the city, living alone in an apartment. It was a huge shock. But it made me stronger. Also, all my friends remained in South Africa. I love them and miss them. In Russia, I had to build a new circle of friends, and that was challenging.
— What surprised you the most when you first encountered Russia?
— Definitely the weather. In 2013, when I was 13, I saw snow for the first time. I later realized that such a phenomenon is great when you visit for a week, see it, and then go back to a warmer place. I was surprised to find that you can't just buy one jacket and wear it throughout the entire cold period. You need a very warm long jacket, a shorter and lighter version, and a windbreaker. In South Africa, the weather is more or less the same all the time.
— How did your parents react to your decision to study in another country?
— They weren't very thrilled. Who wants their child to live on a different continent? But they understood that becoming a doctor was my main goal in life. They had no other choice but to support me.
— You've been studying at RNIMU for the second year now. Have your expectations been met?
— Studying is, of course, challenging, but I've never regretted my decision. The information I receive is crucial, this knowledge will someday help me save a patient's life. For me, it's a gift. RNIMU is helping to bring my dream to life!
— Have you chosen a specialty yet?
— I've changed my mind many times. For example, for me, being a surgeon and a woman feels quite incompatible. Something has to be sacrificed, either family or work. Right now, I'm considering becoming an anesthesiologist or an obstetrician-gynecologist. The former are present during surgeries, while the latter are there during the most crucial stage of a mother's and newborn's life. Both are very interesting.
— Nicole, how do your compatriots differ from Russians?
— In South Africa, people are more open and kind. In any store, you'll be greeted and given a smile. Kindness is everywhere. Moscow is a bit tougher in that regard. People are more reserved and focused on their work. Moscow is a vast metropolis. I think it's ingrained in the city's energy: the residents' mindset is to study, work, sleep, and occasionally eat.
— Have you made new friends at the University?
— Yes, thanks to them I haven't lost my sanity. (Laughs.) Everyone probably thinks so, but I truly have the best group. We get along and help each other. Among my classmates, I found my people. I also adore my dormitory roommates.
— Do you participate in extracurricular activities?
— I'd love to say "yes," but there's just not enough time. Also, I'm a bit shy. I participate in the University's blood donation and have donated blood three times. It's very important to me. I want to help those in need of blood transfusions. Why not? I have plenty to spare.
— How do you spend your leisure time?
— I prefer wandering around the city with friends, exploring new places, and visiting restaurants. I love reading and drawing. Interestingly, the inspiration and intense desire to create usually come when I'm preparing for exams. (Laughs.)
— Nicole, the dual degree program opens up many opportunities for you. Which country would you like to stay in after completing your studies?
— Of course, practicing in different countries, even on different continents, is intriguing. I hope to glean as much knowledge and skills as the international faculty at RNIMU provides. Ultimately, I see Russia with its endless possibilities as my goal.
— Can you tell us a bit about South Africa?
— I adore this country. We've had a tumultuous history. Nowadays, South Africa is called the "rainbow nation" because of its cultural diversity. We have numerous tribes and European immigrants. There are 11 national languages in the country, and our anthem is sung in five of them. If you get a chance to visit South Africa, don't miss it. There probably isn't a better country. I came from the densely populated city of Johannesburg. We always have great weather, and it never snows. The surrounding views are beautiful — clouds, sun, trees.
— What would you wish for other students?
— Never give up! Don't bury yourself in studies; it can drive you mad. I hope you find an extracurricular activity that brings joy and pleasure.
"I'm a foreigner everywhere"
— Romeo, you second name is Han Song. How are you connected with Korea?
— My mother is from South Korea, father is from Italy. They met each other during their student days – in the 1990s – at the A.S. Pushkin. We decided to stay in Russia and raise future children in a Russian environment. The fact is that my father was intrigued by Russia of those years. As he told me, for him the country of that time seemed the real Wild West everything was chaotic, he felt a sense of danger. And my mother is from a poor family, and when she got the opportunity to go abroad, she took advantage of it.
— Have they been in Russia since then?
— Not really. After the graduation they both returned to their countries and then came back to Russia.
— Do you consider yourself as an Italian Korean or a Korean Italian?
— Actually, it is a difficult question. Wherever I go, I am a foreigner everywhere. As a child, when I was in Italy, I was told that I was not a pure Italian (I look like an Asian). Not Chinese, not Japanese, but certainly not Korean. In Korea, I am generally taken for a Russian, because I live here. And in Russia I am considered more Italian, because I know Italian better than Korean. I speak Korean only with my mother, and with my father and brothers I speak Italian.
Who do I consider myself? Just a human. I don't feel any national identity.
— But the cultures are completely different. Which one is closer to you? What attracts you in Italian, Korean and Russian cultures?
— In Italian and Russian cultures, I would say that I like the free mentality. Here you have an opportunity to think freely. In Russia or Italy, if you were told something you disagree with you can do it on the other way.
In Korea everything is too strict. I mean, you act how you are told to act like a soldier.
Hierarchy is developed there; I don’t like it. But honesty has a great value there. I remember that I’ve noticed it in my school years. I was made to go to school in summer because in Korea summer holidays started only in august and I came to my grandmother in June. For example, the teacher asked who had done homework and those who hadn’t done it came to the teacher and confessed. I was amazed by such honesty.
Also, I like the local cuisine. Koreans mostly like spicy dishes like kimchi (a spicy pickled vegetable) or kamjatang (Korean spicy soup with pork back and vegetables).
— Where have you studied before RNRMU?
— All 11 years I have been studying in Moscow
— But you have entered our university as a foreign citizen.
— Yes, I do not have Russian citizenship, just Italian and Korean.
— Have you already managed to travel around Russia?
— Yes, I have been to Rostov-on-Don, Yaroslavl, Kazan and St. Petersburg. What can I say? I have never liked big cities. Although Moscow is very developed, it does not attract me much- I prefer small towns. For example, I visited my friend in in the village of Chkalovsky. I liked this place; the nature is wonderful.
— Why have you decided to become a doctor?
— The question is philosophical. First, I wanted to be a politician. I saw everything happening around and thought; why don’t I come and do everything right? But then I realized that in politic you have less control over the situation but in medicine, you have certain knowledge and skills, and no one can take them away. I realized that this is the only effective way to help people.
— And why have you chosen RNRMU?
— Here was the dual degree program with an opportunity to go studying to Italy. But unfortunately, I didn’t get into these five students being able to get the degree there. Moreover, I was interested in studying in English, not in Russian language.
— But you could enter an Italian University.
— The problem is in Italy you have 12 years of school. So in order to be taken to the local university I had to study somewhere one more year.
— What were your first impressions of the University?
— At first it was difficult to organize myself, but then, when I found my rhythm, it became easier. I like our faculty and my specialty "General Medicine".
"There is strong competition between medical students in France. They can lie to you, and steal your lectures. In Russia, there is no such thing. I have good relationships with classmates, we help each other. We make sure that all of us, and not just one person, pass the exam."
— You are fluent in Russian. Do you have any connections with Russia?
— Not that I know it very well, I can just speak without an accent. My mother always tried to communicate with me and my brother in Russian, because, without practice, I would quickly forget the language. We studied at a French school, which is why I can speak fluent Russian only on everyday topics. More complex ones are difficult for me, I don’t have enough vocabulary.
I only learned to read Russian when I was 14 and last year, when I found out that I would be studying in Russia, I began to write.
— How did your parents react to your desire to study in our country?
— Very good. Mom really wanted this and was glad to know that I would study in Russia, especially at Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University
— Are your parent's doctors?
— No, none of my family is connected with medicine. Mom used to work as a translator, now she is a journalist. And my stepfather – I consider him my father – is a pharmacist. Both father and stepfather are French.
— Why didn't you stay in France or choose another European country?
— I always knew that if I decided not to study in France, it would be Russia, because I know Russian well. I also heard that you have very good teaching methods. Europe today is indeed lagging in education and some other areas. In Russia, medicine is better than in France, and I trust Russian doctors more. You have fewer financial resources, but better staff, education.
— Where did you get such knowledge about the healthcare system?
— I lived all my life in France, so I know local systems – both healthcare and education. My friends studied at medical schools, and many of them ended up leaving. Students experience stress everywhere, and RNRMU also has it, but there is no such fierce competition. France has developed a strong rivalry between medical students. They can easily lie to you, and steal your lectures. In Russia, there is no such thing. I have good relationships with classmates, we help each other. We make sure that all of us, and not just one person, pass the exam. We support each other.
— Fine. Why did you choose RNRMU?
— First of all, I wanted to study in Moscow, and only then I chose between RNRMU and the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN). To be honest, at first, I thought about going to RUDN University, because I was afraid: I knew that RNRMU was the best medical university. Teachers are the best and serious attitude. I heard the best students come out of here. That's why I was afraid it would be difficult. But when I found out that I was taken to Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, I was very happy and thought: “Okay, let it be more difficult, but the level of education will be higher.”
— Do you already have favorite subjects or teachers?
— I like biology (it is taught by Natalya Sergeevna Prisukha) and chemistry (teacher - Maria Alexandrovna Lyzhenkova), but they are not easy due to lack of time. Therefore, my favorite disciplines I would call mathematics and physics, which are taught by Natalia Alekseevna Larina. When a teacher explains a topic well and treats you well, you want to learn his subject.
— Why did you choose medicine?
— French literature and foreign languages, Spanish and English were easier for me than mathematics and biology, but studying these subjects seemed like a boring pastime. So, I decided to connect my life with STEM (Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) which always attracted me. Also, I wanted to go into a field where I could help people. A profession that is directly related to this is a doctor.
— Have you already decided on a specialty?
— I would like to become a pediatrician. I study the specialty "General Medicine" to have more options when choosing medical directions.
— When you first came to our country, what impressions did you have about it?
— At first, I studied remotely at the preparatory faculty, I arrived in Russia in January 2020. I will always remember my exit from the airport. For you to understand, there is almost no snow in France. Well, maybe it will fall out once every ten years, and even then it will melt quickly. And in Russia, I saw how much snow there is, I felt the cold. Then a Russian language teacher came to the airport for me, who was horrified by how lightly I was dressed - I was standing in a thin jacket ... They lent me boots, and a jacket until I bought it all here. Still not used to this weather. I don’t take off my jacket even at the University!
— Is the mentality of people here differ much from what you are used to?
— These are two completely different cultures: in France, there are completely different values, life. To be specific, it's great that people in Russia are more honest. You love your country, you retain traditional, family values that are passed down from generation to generation. In France, a lot is built on individualism, we have very few patriots. Even the concept of "France" fades with time. We are considered Europe. And from early childhood, we are taught that here is not France, but the European Union.
Also in my country, they watch what you say very closely. I remember when I arrived in Russia, I was surprised that Russians can calmly express almost any opinion. There are too many taboo topics in France, and if you do not agree with the position of the European Union, you may have problems. You are free as long as you share the opinion of the leaders.
— Surely you miss something French in Russia ...
— Yes, good cheese. (Laughs) The French eat it all the time, at every meal. For us, it's like drinking water. In Russia, of course, there are cheeses, but not like ours. I don't want to use the cliché now, but most French people really do this: we eat a baguette every day. In our bakeries, you will meet only them, albeit in different variations. In Russia, I saw a couple of baguettes, but I did not like their appearance. We also love wine very much: even among teachers in French universities, it is customary to drink a glass of wine with dinner. It is considered beneficial for health. But most of all I miss the sea: in France, my house is next to it, so I went to the coast at least once a week.
— Let's change the subject a bit. Tell us about your hobbies.
— Now, to be honest, there is no time for anything. We just sit and study all day. I love sports and I like going to the gym. A month ago I even signed up there, but I still can’t get out. My favorite sport is probably surfing. Although I am not a professional, since I have been doing this for only two and a half years, I like to take my board in the summer and “catch” the waves. I used to be fond of women's rugby, in 2014-2015 our team even won national competitions and became the champion of France.
— You said that you learned to read in Russian. What books are you already familiar with?
— I read something from Russian works. I have always liked French, English, and Spanish literature, and now I wanted to get acquainted with Russian. I am a fan of poetry, so I read Turgenev, Blok, Pasternak, and Pushkin. I try to replenish my list during the holidays.
— What are your plans for the next five years?
— I would like to graduate from the Russian National Research Medical University and get a doctor's degree, complete residency here. I don’t know, after that, I will stay in Russia or decide to return to France ... I would like to take part in humanitarian movements and go to work in third-world countries, where is a lack of good doctors.
“I rate my time here as very valuable. I have never once regretted my decision to study in Russia; it was the right choice for my future.”
— Where did you come to us from?
— I am originally from Uganda.
— Why did you decide to become a doctor?
— I decided to become a doctor because I want to help people, especially women and children. I have always been interested in women's health and reproductive system.
— Why did you decide to study in Russia and not in another country?
— I chose Russia after communicating with successful and highly qualified doctors from Uganda who studied here. I had a strong interest in the Russian education system.
— What was the reason you chose Pirogov University?
— I chose Pirogov University because it is one of the most challenging medical universities in the world. And graduating from it will be an important milestone in my career.
— Was it difficult to adapt to life in Russia? What struck you most when you arrived in Russia?
— Adapting was a bit difficult, but I quickly got used to it. I was impressed by the kindness of the people and the diversity of cultures. I was also impressed by the teaching structure and the attention to each student.
— What direction of study did you choose? What is your current specialization?
— I am studying general medicine with a focus on pathophysiology, biochemistry and internal medicine. My goal is to specialize in obstetrics and gynecology.
— How do you evaluate the learning process? Is it difficult for you to study?
— The learning process is very intense, but I like what I am learning. Sometimes it can be difficult, but it helps me to grow as a specialist.
— What do you like about the learning process? Do you have any favorite teachers and subjects?
— I like the way my teachers share their knowledge and experience. My favorite subjects are pathophysiology and biochemistry because they are related to each other and help me feel like a real doctor.
— How do you spend your free time? Have you enrolled in any of the creative or scientific circles, of which there are more than 100 at Pirogov University?
— In my free time I like to explore different places in Russia and meet new people. I also joined the First Aid and Emergency Medicine Club, where I participate in various events and competitions.
— Do you participate in the social life of the University?
— Yes, I am actively involved in the social life of the University through clubs and activities, which allows me to develop my skills and meet new people.
— Have you managed to make friends?
— Yes, I have managed to make many friends from different countries. We have 18 students in our group who come from 13 nationalities.
— How do you evaluate your time here? Do you have any regrets about coming to study in Russia?
— I evaluate my time here as very valuable. I have never regretted my decision to study in Russia; it was the right choice for my future.
— What advice would you give to young people from your country who want to study in Russia at Pirogov University?
— I would advise them to be open to new knowledge and cultural differences, to work hard and not be afraid of difficulties.
— What are your plans after graduating from the University (first stage of education)? When you finish your studies, are you going to stay in Russia or return to your homeland?
— After graduation, I plan to return to Uganda and specialize in obstetrics and gynecology to help women and children in my country.
— Where did you come to us from?
— I came from Egypt.
— Why did you decide to become a doctor?
— It has always been my dream to become a doctor, because I want to help people and make a difference.
— Why did you decide to study in Russia and not in another country?
— Russia offers excellent medical education, and I was also attracted by its high academic reputation.
— Why did you choose Pirogov University?
— Pirogov University is one of the best universities in Russia, with outstanding professors and excellent academic research.
— Was it difficult to adapt to life in Russia? What struck you most when you arrived in Russia?
— Adapting to life in Russia was a challenge at first, but gradually I got used to it. The hospitality, culture and nature of Russia won my heart.
— What direction of study did you choose? What is your current specialization?
— General medicine.
— How do you evaluate the learning process? Is it difficult for you to study?
— From my point of view, studying is a difficult but rewarding process that is gradually moving me towards becoming a better doctor.
— What do you like about the learning process? Do you have any favorite teachers and subjects?
— I love the hands-on approach to learning and I have amazing lecturers who inspire me. I love and respect them all and find all subjects useful.
— How do you spend your free time? Have you enrolled in any of the creative or scientific clubs, of which there are more than 100 at Pirogov University?
— In my free time I study the city, meet with friends. Unfortunately, I haven't joined any of the university clubs yet, but I plan to do it next semester.
— Do you participate in the social life of the University?
— Yes. I like to take an active part in the social life of the University, it makes my studies even more enjoyable.
— Have you managed to make friends?
— Absolutely. I have made wonderful friends with whom I feel like family.
— How do you feel about your time here? Do you have any regrets about coming to study in Russia?
— I had a great time here, I don't regret anything. Russia has become a second home for me.
— What advice would you give to young people from your country who want to study in Russia, at Pirogov University?
— My advice: go for it. Pirogov University is a great place to grow, learn and create memories for a lifetime.
— What are your plans after graduation (first degree)? When you finish your studies, are you going to stay in Russia or return to your homeland?
— I plan to continue my studies in Russia and contribute to medicine.
“Pirogov University is the best medical school in Russia, from which many doctors and scientists have come out, who have great prestige in their circles.”
— Where did you come to us from?
— I came from Sofia, Bulgaria.
— Why did you decide to become a doctor?
— I have always admired the work of doctors, their ability to help patients even in the most difficult situations. Over time, I realized that medicine is not just a science, but a real art that requires knowledge, patience and compassion. The opportunity to alleviate pain, save lives and see the grateful eyes of the people you have helped - that is what inspires me.
— Why did you decide to study in Russia and not in another country?
— I once came to Russia with my grandmother on a tour, and our trip left me with very warm memories. Especially in Moscow I felt surprisingly pleasant - it was as if everything around me was familiar and close. This feeling of coziness and soulfulness stayed with me, and since then I dreamed of coming back here for a longer period of time. When the time came to choose where to study, I realized that I wanted to connect this important stage of my life with Russia.
— Why did you choose Pirogov University?
— When I was choosing where to study, this particular university was recommended to me by Bulgarian doctors who know very well the level of training of specialists here. Pirogov University is the best medical school in Russia, from which many doctors and scientists came, who have great prestige in their circles.
— Was it difficult to adapt to life in Russia? What struck you most when you came to Russia?
— It was not difficult for me because we are culturally close. I was struck by the scale of Moscow, its beauty, the cordiality of the people and the incredible cultural sights. I hope that one day I will have time to explore the natural attractions of your beautiful country as well.
— Which field of study have you chosen? What is your current specialization?
— Based on my little experience in medicine so far, I haven't chosen a specific specialization, but I am impressed by different areas. In pulmonology - the complexity of diagnosis, when lung diseases are masked by other pathologies. In cardiology - the precision of work with hemodynamics, the need for quick decisions in heart attack or heart failure. In gastroenterology, the relationship of the GI tract to overall health and the difficulty of diagnosing functional disorders. I am still studying all these areas to make an informed choice.
— How do you evaluate the learning process? Is it difficult for you to learn?
— It is really difficult to study, but all efforts are justified. The curriculum is organized in such a way that it not only gives new knowledge, but also constantly helps to consolidate it. Thanks to this, the material is digested more deeply and the knowledge becomes a solid basis for our future medical practice.
— What do you like in the learning process? Do you have any favorite teachers and subjects?
— Each subject opens up a new universe for me and I see that the teachers give their best to immerse us in this new world in the most exciting way possible.
— How do you spend your free time? Have you enrolled in any of the creative or scientific circles, of which there are more than 100 at Pirogov University?
— To be honest, I don't have a lot of free time, but I take advantage of the advantages of being in such a cosmopolitan city as Moscow: I go to theaters and ballet. I don't go to a club yet, but I will definitely sign up.
— Do you participate in the social life of the University?
— I am mainly focused on my studies, but when the workload allows, I always attend the University events.
— Have you managed to find friends?
— Yes, of course! Students from different countries study at the University, which makes the atmosphere unique, because it helps us to enrich ourselves culturally. I hope that we will be able to maintain our friendships in the future, no matter where each of us will build our careers and share professional experiences.
— How do you evaluate your time here? Do you have any regrets about coming to study in Russia?
— No, and I will never regret it, because it was my first and only wish, which became a dream come true.
— What would you advise young people from your country who want to study in Russia, at Pirogov University?
— I would advise them to be ready to devote themselves entirely to the scientific process, because behind our successes there is a serious approach and dedication to study.
— What are your plans after graduation (first degree)? When you finish your studies, are you going to stay in Russia or return to your homeland?
— An excellent education here opens up many opportunities for me, but I haven't decided which path to take yet. At this stage I want to concentrate on my studies. I strongly hope that if I decide to stay in Russia, I will have that opportunity.
— Where did you come to us from?
— I am originally from Ghana, I came from that country.
— Why did you decide to become a doctor?
— My childhood dream has always been to become a doctor solely to help people and also to learn more about human biology.
— Why did you decide to study in Russia and not in another country?
— I was advised to study in Russia by a friend of my dad, who had previously come here to study to be a doctor, and that was the main reason why I chose Russia.
— What was the reason you chose Pirogov University?
— I chose Pirogov University because it is one of the best medical universities in the country and it also gave me the opportunity to study in English, which was rare in most universities.
— Was it difficult to adapt to life in Russia? What struck you most when you arrived in Russia?
— In any environment it takes time to adapt, so it was a little difficult to manage things for a few months, but I was impressed by the responsiveness and willingness of the Russian people to help you in everything you do, as well as the Russian culture.
— What direction of study did you choose? What is your current specialization?
— I will fulfill my dream of becoming a surgeon, but at this point I know there are many options to choose from, so I am still in the decision making process.
— How do you feel about the learning process? Is it difficult for you to study?
— I think every medical student would agree that studying medicine is not an easy task, but with discipline, effort and determination it is possible. There are some difficulties when it comes to studying, but I am gradually adapting to them.
— What do you like about your studies? Do you have favorite teachers and subjects?
— Studying introduces you to new information every day, and in the world of medicine I learn a lot of new things every day and that is the main thing I like about studying. Chemistry has been my favorite subject since high school and it has helped me a lot in learning general chemistry and biochemistry. I also enjoy anatomy, physiology and pathological physiology.
We had some wonderful and amazing teachers during those few years, among them I would like to mention Veronika Anatolievna Lipatova (Department of Morphology, Lopukhin Institute of Anatomy and Morphology), Andrey Sergeyevich Bilichenko (Department of Physiology, Institute of Physiology), Olga Petrovna Shatova and Olga Vladimirovna Borisenko from the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Pharmacy and Medical Chemistry.
— How do you spend your free time? Have you enrolled in any of the creative or scientific circles, of which there are more than 100 at Pirogov University?
— I have almost no free time, but I try to spend as much time as possible with my friends, we usually go for walks, try new dishes and explore this wonderful city.
— Do you participate in the social life of the University?
— No.
— Have you managed to make friends?
— Yes, I have met some wonderful friends here and I am always grateful to them for that.
— How do you evaluate your time here? Do you have any regrets about coming to study in Russia?
— No, I don't regret a single second spent here, I would rate my experience here as new, challenging but interesting.
— What would you advise young people from your country who want to study in Russia at Pirogov University?
— To anyone from Ghana or any other country who wants to study in Russia, I would say that studying abroad is an important step and choosing Pirogov University is a great opportunity, especially for those who want to pursue a career in medicine.
Here are some tips for young people considering this opportunity. First, Russian language. While some programs may be in English, learning Russian will greatly enhance your experience. You can start learning the language before you arrive. This will help you with your studies, daily life, and socializing with people. Second, the application process. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the application process well in advance. Pay attention to deadlines and required documents. Prepare all required documents, including academic transcripts, language proficiency certificates, and any letters of recommendation. Third, visa and immigration. You should understand the visa requirements for studying in Russia and start the process as early as possible, and make sure you have all the necessary documents and understand the immigration rules. Also, when it comes to cultural awareness, be open-minded and respect cultural differences.
— What are your plans after graduating from the University (first stage of education)? When you finish your studies, are you going to stay in Russia or return to your homeland?
— I have been thinking a lot about what will happen after I finish my first stage of education here at Pirogov University. To be honest, I am gradually starting to like Russia. Although I miss my homeland and the comfort of home very much, I may stay in Russia for a longer period of time than I had intended.
— Where did you come to us from?
— I am from Iran, I came to Moscow four years ago to continue my studies.
— Why did you decide to become a doctor?
— I decided to become a doctor because I am interested in medicine and treating people. It brings me pleasure.
— Why did you decide to study in Russia and not in another country?
— I chose Russia because the travel and expenses are acceptable to us, and the relations between our countries are friendly.
— Why did you choose Pirogov University?
— I chose Pirogov University because it provides a good level of education for international students and also the University website had full information available in English, which was not available at other universities.
— Was it difficult to adapt to life in Russia? What struck you most when you arrived in Russia?
— Adapting to life in Russia in the first year was difficult because of the complexity of the language. There are always cultural differences between all countries, and in my first year I encountered some of these differences that were difficult for me and probably for other international students.
— What direction of study did you choose? What is your current specialization?
— I am currently studying at the Faculty of Dentistry.
— How do you evaluate the learning process? Is it difficult for you to study?
— I consider the learning process to be good, although it was much more difficult at the beginning.
— What do you like about the learning process? Do you have any favorite teachers and subjects?
— There were lecturers who helped us a lot, understanding our situation as international students, and I would like to thank them, especially one lecturer (Faculty of Dentistry) named Victor Valerievich. He speaks good English and was very helpful to the international students.
— How do you spend your free time? Have you enrolled in any of the creative or scientific circles, of which there are more than 100 at Pirogov University?
— In my free time I try to do sports and participate in scientific events of the University.
— Do you participate in the social life of the University?
— Rarely.
— Have you managed to find friends?
— I found a lot of good Russian friends.
— How do you evaluate your time here? Do you have no regrets that you came to study in Russia?
— Good! I have no regrets at all about choosing Moscow and Pirogov University.
— What advice would you give to young people from your country who want to study in Russia, at Pirogov University?
— My advice to those who want to come to study in Russia: make sure you have a good knowledge of Russian and pass your subjects on time.
— What are your plans after graduation (first stage of education)? When you finish your studies, are you going to stay in Russia or return to your homeland?
— My plans after graduation depend on the conditions I will see. If it will be possible to continue my studies at Pirogov University, I will stay, if not, I will return to Iran.
— Where did you come to us from?
— I came from Iran.
— Why did you decide to become a doctor?
— When I was a child, I dreamed of becoming a doctor one day, and one of my father's wishes was to see one of his children become a doctor.
— Why did you decide to study in Russia and not in another country?
— I chose Russia for three main reasons: first, I had heard about the level of Russian universities around the world and how good education is in Russia; second, because of the good relations between Iran and Russia; and third, because the living expenses here are affordable.
— What was the reason you chose Pirogov University?
— My cousin has a Russian friend and when I was looking for a university, I asked her about Russian universities and she immediately said that if you want to study at one of the best but most challenging universities in Russia, you should choose Pirogov University.
— Was it difficult to adapt to life in Russia? What struck you most when you arrived in Russia?
— To be honest, at first it was a bit difficult for me because I was far away from my home, but I adapted to the situation very quickly and this was because Russian people don't interfere or bother you and they are also very alert and when you ask for help they do their best to help you. The great thing about Russia is its safety, I don't think there is anywhere else in the world where you can go outside at any time you want and feel completely safe!
— What direction of study have you chosen? What is your current specialization?
— At the moment I am studying general medicine, but after graduation I want to study surgery in my specialty.
— How do you evaluate the learning process? Is it difficult for you to study?
— Being a doctor is one of the most difficult professions. And of course, the process of studying is also very difficult, but these difficulties are not like others: you know that it is difficult, but you do not want to finish because it gives you a very pleasant feeling.
— What do you like about the learning process? Do you have favorite teachers and subjects?
— What I like most about teaching is that you learn something very practical, when you see that what you have already learned in your long life gives you a great feeling and a huge motivation to move forward despite the difficulties.
My favorite subjects are pathophysiology, physiology and therapy of internal medicine, and my favorite teachers are Dr. Artyom Sergeyevich Vishchipanov, Dr. Irina Grigoryevna Savinkova, Dr. Tatiana Yuryevna Ruchinskaya, and Dr. Nadezhda Gennadyevna Illarionova.
— How do you spend your free time? Have you enrolled in any of the creative or scientific circles, of which there are more than 100 at Pirogov University?
— In my free time, which I have so little of, I usually socialize with my parents and friends, read a book over a cup of tea or walk around the city.
I know there are so many clubs I could join, but I really don't enjoy it.
— Do you participate in the social life of the University?
— No.
— Have you managed to make any friends?
— Yes, I have made friends from my country or even from other countries like Uganda, Algeria, Egypt and Jordan, I also have some friends from Russia.
— How do you evaluate your time here? Do you have any regrets about coming to study in Russia?
— I give it a nine out of a possible ten points. The only thing that made me lower my grade by one point is that Russia, despite all its beauty, is not my country, I do not belong to this or any other country. But of course I don't regret coming to Russia, I learned a lot about this country and its precious culture.
— What advice would you give to young people from your country who want to study in Russia, at Pirogov University?
— Be fully prepared if you want to study at this University and be sure that you can handle all the pressure you will have to face. But don't be afraid, because everyone at the University is very responsive, you will meet a very warm community here, and after a while the University can become your favorite place - your second home!
— What are your plans after graduating from the University (first stage of education)? When you finish your studies, are you going to stay in Russia or return to your homeland?
— After graduation, I want to continue my studies and study surgery in my specialty. In addition, I really like teaching, so I also want to work as a professor at the university. I want to return to my country, even though living in Russia is also very fantastic and great, but I consider it my duty to serve my country and my people, besides, this way I can be closer to my family.
— I came from Peru.
— Why did you decide to become a doctor?
— Because it was a difficult and important challenge, besides my dad and grandmother inspired me to help others in their time of need.
— Why did you decide to study in Russia and not in another country?
— My grandmother studied at N.I. Pirogov RNIMU many years ago, and I want to repeat her path: to study in Russia and see what it looks like.
— What was the reason you chose Pirogov University?
— My grandmother was a graduate of this University.
— Was it difficult to adapt to life in Russia? What struck you most when you arrived in Russia?
— It was difficult at the beginning, but then I got used to it. I was struck by how big Moscow is and how developed public transportation is.
— What direction of study did you choose? What is your current specialization?
— Medicine.
— How do you evaluate the learning process? Is it difficult for you to study?
— The university has great potential, the teaching is good. For me personally it was difficult, but that makes my studies a great achievement.
— What do you like about the learning process? Do you have any favorite teachers and subjects?
— Several teachers and several subjects have inspired me to study well, but I would say that my favorite teacher is Olga Sergeyevna Rajewska and my favorite subject is physiology.
— How do you spend your free time? Have you enrolled in any of the creative or scientific circles, of which there are more than 100 at Pirogov University?
— I participate in the student scientific circle on topographic anatomy and go to the boxing section.
— Do you participate in the social life of the University?
— From time to time I attend university events.
— Have you managed to find friends?
— Yes, I think that extra friends never hurts.
— How do you evaluate your time here? Do you have any regrets about coming to study in Russia?
— No, I don't regret at all, it was my decision. I am sure that God sent me to Russia on purpose so that I could develop myself to become the best doctor I can be.
— What advice would you give to young people from your country who want to study in Russia, at Pirogov University?
— I think they need to have a clear goal and interest in what they are going to study, otherwise the learning process will be quite difficult.
— What are your plans after graduation (first stage of education)? When you finish your studies, are you going to stay in Russia or return to your homeland?
— I haven't decided exactly yet, I think there is still time to think about it.
— Where did you come to us from?
— I came from Zimbabwe.
— Why did you decide to become a doctor?
— I always wanted to become a doctor because when I was a child I saw the diseases and problems some of my family members and close friends were facing, it bothered me that there was nothing I could do to help, so I decided to study medicine to help cure as many people as possible.
— Why did you decide to study in Russia rather than in another country?
— Firstly, because I love exploring new places, and Russia caught my eye. Secondly, it was more accessible compared to other countries in terms of medicine. Third, the length of the training program here is better considering there is direct access to medicine.
— What was the reason you chose Pirogov University?
— It's simple: because it is the University that has the best academic reputation in Moscow and, dare I say it, in Russia, as well as international recognition in the World Directory of Medical Universities.
— Was it difficult to adapt to life in Russia? What struck you most when you arrived in Russia?
— In general, adapting to a new environment was never very difficult for me, but there were some difficulties with the language here.
— What direction of study did you choose? What is your current specialization?
— Medicine.
— How do you evaluate the learning process? Was it difficult for you to study?
— Studying was not very difficult, more interesting than difficult. Of course, there is a lot of material to study, but it is not so difficult.
— What do you like about the learning process? Do you have favorite teachers and subjects?
— I love the hands-on work in the offices, and that's why topographic anatomy and operative surgery really won my heart, as well as most other surgical programs.
— How do you spend your free time? Have you enrolled in any of the creative or scientific circles, of which there are more than 100 at Pirogov University?
— Currently I am an active member of the Department of Culture and Creativity, to be more precise, I am a participant of the pop-jazz vocal studio, I have performed at various national and international musical projects and competitions (for example, last year at the World Youth Festival, Universvision competition, Studsvesna festival, etc.).
— Do you participate in the social life of the University?
— Yes, mostly.
— Did you manage to find friends?
— Yes, I managed to do it, mainly thanks to extracurricular activities.
— How do you evaluate your time here? Do you have any regrets about coming to study in Russia?
— It was definitely an interesting time, we experienced many different events, but I have never regretted my decision. I believe that God has a good reason for putting me here.
— What would you advise young people from your country who want to study in Russia at Pirogov University?
— I would advise them to start learning the language early so that it will be easier for them to adapt and if they specifically go to Pirogov University, they should prepare themselves mentally to be ready for good academic work.
— What are your plans after graduating from the University (first degree)? When you finish your studies, are you going to stay in Russia or return to your homeland?
— I really hope to stay and continue my education here in residency and gain more experience, and then return home when I am fully prepared to be the best doctor I can be.
