Student Spotlight: Zana Sherwani, Iraqi Kurdistan

Tell us something about yourself.

I am Zana Ezat Sherwani, a 25-year-old guy from Iraqi Kurdistan. I am a Master’s student of the Information Security program at ITMO University. 

What made you study information security?

I have been a gamer since childhood. Unfortunately, in some countries, it is not a conventional profession. So, I wanted to develop my expertise in different related fields. One such field is information security. What I like the most about the program is its mix of different subjects, including computer science, programming, and information security.

How do you feel at ITMO?

I have fallen in love with this university. It is so much better than I had imagined. ITMO embraces diversity so well that you don’t feel foreign at all. The staff is very friendly and kind. Here you get both the groovy swag of the modern generation and the classic vibe of the traditional era.

Why did you decide to study abroad?

I think everyone should step out of their comfort zone at some point in their lives. It can be as simple as living away from your family. Such an experience will bring out the best in us all. It will help us discover our hidden potentials. That was the main reason why I decided to study in a foreign country.

How did you discover ITMO?

My father got his PhD in criminology in Moscow. When I was looking for options in different countries, my dad’s friend came up to me and said: “Why don’t you try ITMO University? It is the best university for computer science in the world!” I had never heard about ITMO before. When I looked it up on the internet, I was fascinated. I made up my mind about applying to ITMO almost immediately.

What do you like the most about Russians?

Russians are a lot like Kurdish people. They are pretty open-minded and welcoming. They do a lot of handshakes and hugs. They are not hostile towards foreigners, especially international students. It makes me feel a lot more comfortable. 

Is it your first time in Russia?

No,  I visited Moscow, Tula, and St. Petersburg when I came here in the summer of 2014. St. Petersburg looks and feels a lot different during the winter.

Do you know the local language?

Yeah, I have some elementary-level knowledge of Russian but it is not enough. I can say мой русский очень плохой, привет, как дела, etc. I am working on improving it as soon as I can.

Here’s an interesting fact about the word спасибо (spasibo), which means “thank you” in Russian. It is quite similar to my native language, where we say spaas. We have a lot of similarities between Russian and Kurdish. “Wife” in Kurdish is jin and in Russian, it is жена (zhena). 

How are you coping with the ruthless winter in St. Petersburg?

At first, I was really freezing. But a month later, I grew accustomed to it. The other day, my roommate from Pakistan asked me how the weather was and I said it was normal. When we checked the temperature, it was -10 degrees Celsius. It seems my body has become used to such low temperatures.

What do you think about Russian food?

I am still exploring. I like a lot of Russian dishes. But I don’t have a favorite yet. The only complaint I have about the food here is the portion size. In my country, the portions are huge compared to Russian servings. Usually, I have to order two plates of everything to satisfy my appetite!

Which dormitory are you living in?

I live in the dormitory located on Vyazemsky Lane 5-7. It is a great place. It is so much better than what I expected. It is neat and clean with a good management system. The staff is very welcoming. My roommates are very friendly. They are from Pakistan and Kazakhstan. My friend from Kazakhstan is helping me with my Russian and I help him with his English.

Have you been to any of the sights in St. Petersburg?

I have been to the Hermitage and a few other museums. I love museums! The city itself is no less than a museum with its rich collection of architectural specimens. I like roaming around in the city, mesmerized by its beauty and grandeur. 

What are your hobbies?

I like hiking. I used to go hiking in the mountains of Kurdistan. It is a spectacular experience to hike and camp on those beautiful mountains. I also love to play football and watch movies. I also like engaging in social work.

Can you share some of your social work experiences?

I worked at the Barzani Charity Foundation (BCF) for a year. It is one of the biggest charitable foundations in Iraq, specifically in Kurdistan. They have several departments that look after orphans, people with disabilities, and those affected by war. We have had over 2 million refugees come to Kurdistan from Syria and the south of Iraq. I worked as the data manager at a few camps.

What motivates you to get involved in such initiatives?

Helping people is my biggest motivation. I believe in the principle of karma. If I help someone, I will get the help back in some shape or form. I believe if you help a lady on the street today, somehow the universe will work its way back to you and your mother, sister, or friend will get the help back someday. I cannot describe the happiness I feel after helping someone!

Do you have any such experiences here that you’d like to share?

I like helping new students with dealing with their documents even though I myself am new here. When I don't know the language, I use Google Translate. Understandably, people are surprised but I assure them that I am not helping them in anticipation of something in return. As soon as the work is done, I leave. As I said, it gives me joy to help people every day.

What would you like to say to the younger generation regarding study abroad programs?

I would encourage them all to go for such programs at least once in their lives. As I said, it is very important to get out of one’s comfort zone. Living away from one’s family in a new country is really a test of character and personality. This experience will teach you a number of lessons apart from academic ones. These lessons will make you ready to take on the world. 

Also, once you go back to your family, you will have an enhanced respect and love for them. You will be grateful for every small thing that you get at home. This amplified gratitude along with your newly learned skills will make you a gem of a person.