Open Doors Scholarship winner Bishoy Magdi Abdu Sabir from Sudan is studying in the International Master's Program " Power Plant Engineering" at the Institute of Energy of SPbPU. In the interview he told us whether it is difficult to learn Russian, where to meet new friends, as well as how is student and academic life at the university.
- Why did you choose our university?
- Polytech holds high positions in the world ranking and is one of the three most international universities in Russia. It has many partners among companies and universities in different countries. My specialization allows me to work in such companies as Gazprom, Rosneft, Lukoil, Rosatom. And I dream of getting a job there.
- Was it a tough decision to travel to Russia?
- This is my first trip to another country, so it was exciting. What kind of infrastructure and technology is there, what kind of people will I meet, what can I expect from the weather, will the language be a barrier to communication? I asked myself all these questions. When I arrived in Russia, all doubts faded away. Polytech struck me with its beauty, and the staff and students were friendly. Modern buildings neighbor historical buildings. TutorForces and PolyUnion interclub are available to support international students. This greatly facilitates the adaptation of international students in Russia. The variety of educational programs in English makes it easier to master the material. Polytech offers a wide range of opportunities and actively involves young people in scientific and project activities. Here we can improve and develop.
- Is it difficult to study Russian?
- Our classes are in English, so I am trying to learn Russian on my own. It is a essential prerequisite for living in Russia. I can already understand some dialogues, read Russian and know the cases. Learning a new language requires a lot of free time, which I don't have at the moment. I hope our next interview will be in Russian.
- Have you made any new friends at Polytech?
- Of course. I organize events in TutorForces, and thanks to that I met a lot of people. We often get together, walk around St. Petersburg, and take part in student events at Politech.
- Do you have a favorite place in the city?
- I try to see as many sights as possible. I have been to the Church of the Resurrection of Christ, Hermitage, St. Isaac's Cathedral, cruiser Aurora. My favorite place is Peterhof, there you can relax and enjoy the magnificent palace and park ensemble, architectural monuments, and, of course, various fountains.
- What other Russian cities have you seen?
- I went to Moscow six months ago and saw the Bolshoi Theater, Kremlin and Red Square, St. Basil's Cathedral, State Historical Museum, VDNKh, Museum of Cosmonautics. There are many interesting cities in Russia that I would like to visit. You need to manage your time properly so that traveling does not harm the academic process.
- Share your plans for the future.
- I am glad that I study at Politech. I want to continue my education at postgraduate level at SPbPU and further engage in scientific activities. As one famous person said, if opportunity doesn't knock, build a door for it.
This material was prepared by SPbPU Media
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