BEST FOREIGN FRIENDS
Best Foreign Friends
BFF - is a social media platform that tells the stories of international students' lives in Russia.
Our project is created with the aim of raising awareness among foreign students about the experiences, challenges, and cultural peculiarities of studying and living in Russia, as well as promoting intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding.
As part of our project, we conducted interviews with foreign students studying in Russia. They shared their first impressions, opinions about studying in Russia, and the problems they encountered!
You will also find interesting facts and tips on how foreign students can adapt to life in Russia!
Don't forget to visit our website; it will help you get accustomed to Russia :)
First episode of our video interview series!
We talked to Ayla — a student from Indonesia who arrived in Russia in August 2024. She shared her first impressions of Russia and studying here, as well as the challenges she faced.
We conducted several short interviews with students from different countries to learn about their experiences studying in Russia.
-What is your name and where are you from?
-My name is Yuyin, and I am from Tianjin, China.
-What were your first impressions when you arrived in Russia?
- I was amazed by the architecture, especially the beautiful buildings and historical monuments. I also liked the atmosphere of Petersburg — the city feels quite cozy. Additionally, the streets are very clean, and the people are open and friendly.
-What challenges did you face during the adaptation process?
-At first, it was very difficult for me, but now I am starting to get used to it. I try to learn Russian, and every day I understand it better and better. I still can’t get used to the cold Russian winter and the lack of sunlight. Because of this, I find myself needing a lot of sleep, but overall I feel comfortable and try to enjoy every moment!
-My name is Yuyin, and I am from Tianjin, China.
-What were your first impressions when you arrived in Russia?
- I was amazed by the architecture, especially the beautiful buildings and historical monuments. I also liked the atmosphere of Petersburg — the city feels quite cozy. Additionally, the streets are very clean, and the people are open and friendly.
-What challenges did you face during the adaptation process?
-At first, it was very difficult for me, but now I am starting to get used to it. I try to learn Russian, and every day I understand it better and better. I still can’t get used to the cold Russian winter and the lack of sunlight. Because of this, I find myself needing a lot of sleep, but overall I feel comfortable and try to enjoy every moment!
-What is your name and where are you from?
-My name is Juan Carlos, and I am from Brazil.
-In your opinion, how does the Russian education system differ from the Brazilian one?
-In Russia, there is a greater emphasis on independent work and deep study of subjects. In Brazil, we have more lectures and fewer practical classes. I like that in Russia there is an opportunity to delve deeply into topics that interest me.
- How do exams take place in Russia? Is there anything that surprised you about this process?
-The format of exams in Russia and Brazil is absolutely identical. In both cases, you will most likely need to take a test that assesses your knowledge of the material studied. My secret to success is that I always try to prepare in advance and attend consultations with teachers, where they explain the exam format and grading criteria.
-My name is Juan Carlos, and I am from Brazil.
-In your opinion, how does the Russian education system differ from the Brazilian one?
-In Russia, there is a greater emphasis on independent work and deep study of subjects. In Brazil, we have more lectures and fewer practical classes. I like that in Russia there is an opportunity to delve deeply into topics that interest me.
- How do exams take place in Russia? Is there anything that surprised you about this process?
-The format of exams in Russia and Brazil is absolutely identical. In both cases, you will most likely need to take a test that assesses your knowledge of the material studied. My secret to success is that I always try to prepare in advance and attend consultations with teachers, where they explain the exam format and grading criteria.
-What is your name and where are you from?
-My name is Aryan, and I am from India.
-Was it difficult to maintain your eating habits in Russia?
-I had to get used to the new diet for quite a while. In my religion, eating meat is not allowed, so there are only a couple of dishes in the university cafeteria that suit me. However, I don’t get upset and often cook at home and bring food with me in a container. There are good vegetarian cafes in Petersburg and even a few Indian restaurants, so even in Russia, I can enjoy my favorite samosas and feel at home.
-What surprised you the most when you arrived at the Russian dormitory?
-In Russia, dormitories are generally more modern and equipped with everything necessary. In India, the conditions can vary greatly depending on the university, but they are often less comfortable. Dormitories often lack laundry facilities, so we have to wash clothes by hand. I was surprised to learn that in a Russian dormitory, there is a free bedding laundry service once a week.
-My name is Aryan, and I am from India.
-Was it difficult to maintain your eating habits in Russia?
-I had to get used to the new diet for quite a while. In my religion, eating meat is not allowed, so there are only a couple of dishes in the university cafeteria that suit me. However, I don’t get upset and often cook at home and bring food with me in a container. There are good vegetarian cafes in Petersburg and even a few Indian restaurants, so even in Russia, I can enjoy my favorite samosas and feel at home.
-What surprised you the most when you arrived at the Russian dormitory?
-In Russia, dormitories are generally more modern and equipped with everything necessary. In India, the conditions can vary greatly depending on the university, but they are often less comfortable. Dormitories often lack laundry facilities, so we have to wash clothes by hand. I was surprised to learn that in a Russian dormitory, there is a free bedding laundry service once a week.
Interesting statistics:
Russia ranks 6th in the world in terms of the number of international students.
In 2022, 3,280 international students enrolled in universities in Saint Petersburg.
Newly Independent states, China, India, Egypt, Syria, and Algeria are the leading countries in terms of the number of international students.
Students come to Russia to study in medical, humanitarian, and engineering fields.
In 2022, 3,280 international students enrolled in universities in Saint Petersburg.
Newly Independent states, China, India, Egypt, Syria, and Algeria are the leading countries in terms of the number of international students.
Students come to Russia to study in medical, humanitarian, and engineering fields.
And here comes the second episode of 'Best Foreign Friends'!
We interviewed Alejandro - a student from Colombia. He has been studying at the Faculty of International Relations at St. Petersburg State University for the second year now. Alejandro shared his experience of adapting to life in Russia.
HOW TO ADAPT TO LIFE IN A NEW COUNTRY
Undoubtedly, it is very challenging to adjust to life in a new country, especially when you don't have family and friends nearby. People on the street look at you like you're an outsider, and the language barrier makes it difficult to establish friendly communication.
Don't despair! Today we will try to offer a few tips that may help you adapt to life abroad 🙏
✔️ First of all, if you feel lonely and lost, try to meet other students who have come through university mobility programs.
✔️ Find something that reminds you of home. Whether it's your favorite food, a store that sells national products, or a cinema that shows films from your country—these things can help create an atmosphere of comfort around you and reduce the stress of being in unfamiliar conditions ☕️
✔️ Try to engage in your hobbies to distract yourself and relax 🧘♀️
✔️ Don't be afraid to learn new things and expand your knowledge about the country you're in. Dive into its history, take more walks to enjoy the architecture, visit museums and theaters, and of course, interact more with locals. By immersing yourself in the cultural and social context, the foreign country will gradually become closer and more understandable 🌐
Don't despair! Today we will try to offer a few tips that may help you adapt to life abroad 🙏
✔️ First of all, if you feel lonely and lost, try to meet other students who have come through university mobility programs.
✔️ Find something that reminds you of home. Whether it's your favorite food, a store that sells national products, or a cinema that shows films from your country—these things can help create an atmosphere of comfort around you and reduce the stress of being in unfamiliar conditions ☕️
✔️ Try to engage in your hobbies to distract yourself and relax 🧘♀️
✔️ Don't be afraid to learn new things and expand your knowledge about the country you're in. Dive into its history, take more walks to enjoy the architecture, visit museums and theaters, and of course, interact more with locals. By immersing yourself in the cultural and social context, the foreign country will gradually become closer and more understandable 🌐
And now, the third episode is here!
Today, we will talk to Barbara - a student from Slovakia who is studying at the Faculty of International Relations at St. Petersburg State University. We discussed the differences in the education systems of Russia and Slovakia, as well as her impressions of studying in St. Petersburg.
Today, we will talk to Barbara - a student from Slovakia who is studying at the Faculty of International Relations at St. Petersburg State University. We discussed the differences in the education systems of Russia and Slovakia, as well as her impressions of studying in St. Petersburg.
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