Student Spotlight: Aveen Hussein, Syria

Thank you for joining me today for this interview.

Thanks for having me. It is my pleasure.

Let’s begin our conversation with a brief introduction of yours.

I am Aveen Hussein from Damascus, the capital city of Syria. I completed my Bachelor’s from the Higher Institute of Science and Technology in Damascus, specializing in software engineering and AI. 

So you’re at ITMO for your Master’s?

That’s right. I am going to pursue a Master’s degree in system and applied software here at ITMO.

That’s great. What motivated you to go into this field?

Since childhood, I have been highly interested in science and technology. I was particularly passionate about physics. Later I found out that this field is very diverse and software is gaining huge popularity in this era. So I decided to gain expertise in this area.

Wonderful! But why Russia?

I’ve really liked St. Petersburg for a very long time. I also consulted a few of my friends who were already living in Russia. Everyone said, “ITMO University in St. Petersburg is a really great option!”

Is your Master’s program taught in the Russian language?

Yes, it is. Therefore, I had to learn the Russian language for one year at ITMO’s Foundation Program. It was bittersweet. The classes were very interesting and I had lots of fun, but the language is quite tough and I had a hard time learning the grammar. The teachers, however, were very kind and efficient. Thanks to them, I graduated with good grades. 

Did you make new friends?

Yes, that was one of the best aspects of these classes. I made numerous new friends from various countries. I have become quite close to a few Chinese students. It is so interesting to learn about different countries and cultures.

Do you think you are prepared to study full-time in the Russian language?

To be honest, I am not sure. Every time I think I have learned a lot, I face the harsh reality that there’s so much more to learn! In particular, I need more time to learn scientific terms. But I am optimistic. 

How long have you been in St. Petersburg?

I arrived here last October. My experience in this beautiful city has been mixed. In the beginning, I communicated only in English and life was easy. But after a few months, when I started to live like a Russian, things started to become difficult. But overall, it has been a pretty rewarding time.

So, what were some of the challenges you faced here?

I faced difficulty communicating with the insurance company when I was trying to claim the insured money. But there are many helpful people in Russia who always step forward to support and assist international students, which is lovely.

Was the winter in St. Petersburg difficult for you?

Honestly, no! I have a different opinion about Russian winter. Yeah, it is cold and full of snow, but the city is so beautiful with grand decorations. The vibe is quite different and everyone is in a jolly mood. My dormitory is also very cozy, making it hardly necessary to step outside.

Which dormitory are you living in?

I am living at the dormitory located on Vyazemsky Lane 5-7. I live with two other girls, one from Russia and the other from Latvia. The environment in the dorm is just so good. I absolutely have no complaints!

Which is your preferred mode of transport in Russia?

I prefer the metro to any other mode of transport here because of its well-connectedness, accuracy, and speed. I take the metro to travel to ITMO every day from my dormitory. I am confused by buses!

Do you have any favorite Russian food?

I enjoy the food served at the cafeteria of my dormitory. I often have my meals there. When I first arrived here, my friend also made me try borscht with smetana which I really liked. Pelmeni is also another of my favorite Russian dishes.

Have you been to any of the tourist attractions here?

Yeah, recently I went to Pushkin (Tsarskoe Selo) with my teacher. It was mesmerizing. This place is close to the city, an hour’s journey by local train (elektrichka). I really enjoyed this trip.

That’s so awesome! Do you have any hobbies?

Yes, I do like to paint in my free time. I am also a singer and occasionally, I like to play table tennis.

Would you like to return to Syria after your graduation or look for opportunities here?

Both options are viable for me. Only time will tell which one I end up choosing. It is very difficult to predict it right now.

Finally, any advice for future ITMO students?

I would urge everyone to be open and outgoing. It is very important to make new friends and participate in any event that comes your way. During my time here, I attended a lot of events organized by my faculty. It helped me meet new people and get accustomed to my future teachers and peers.