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.
The interview will be published soon. Published interviews are marked in blue on the map.
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.
The interview will be published soon. Published interviews are marked in blue on the map.
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.
The interview will be published soon. Published interviews are marked in blue on the map.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The interview will be published soon. Published interviews are marked in blue on the map.
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!
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 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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The interview will be published soon. Published interviews are marked in blue on the map.
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!
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.
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!
