Hi Djurdje, how are you?
Hi, I am fine. How about you?
All good. Let’s start today’s conversation with your introduction.
I am Djurdje Pavlovic from Serbia. I was born and brought up in a small town near Belgrade, the capital city of Serbia, but I moved to Belgrade later on for my studies. I finished my Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering with IT as my specialization at the University of Belgrade. Right now, I am a Master’s student at ITMO in programming and internet technologies.
That’s wonderful. Were you a part of ITMO’s Foundation Program?
Yes, I was. I studied the Russian language for one year before starting my Master’s program.
That’s quite interesting. Is Serbian very different from Russian?
Not really. Some aspects of Serbian are similar to Russian while a lot of things are different. While the grammatical rules are somewhat identical, we still need to learn the correct pronunciation.
Is the script different, too?
Serbians use both the Cyrillic and Latin scripts. The modern generation likes to use the Latin script more.
Do you feel confident about your Russian now?
Yes, I do feel better now, thanks to the teachers at ITMO, who were very efficient. But I am still not fluent. Therefore, I am continuing to practice on my own.
How do you feel about the classes here at ITMO?
It is a mixed feeling so far. Classes here are conducted differently than in Serbia. At ITMO, a lot of classes are held online. That surely allows students to attend lectures remotely, but I like offline classes more. Conducting lectures in a hybrid format might be the best option in my opinion.
Do you notice any other differences between the Russian and Serbian education systems?
The curriculum here is very advanced and modern. I highly appreciate the fact that the subjects taught in Russia are up-to-date. Also, the teachers here are very friendly and approachable. Unlike in Serbia, the teachers in Russia are more like friends who are always ready to help and guide us.
How do you feel in St. Petersburg?
So far it has been positive. To me, St. Petersburg looks like a city made for students. It is very open in terms of opportunities for youngsters, both Russian and foreigners. The city is very well connected with public transport, too. The only negative for me might be the weather. It is very cold here!
Is the weather here different from what you’re used to?
Yes, it doesn’t get so cold in Belgrade. Snowfall happens there at the very end of December and in January. The temperature doesn’t fall so much, too. The winter is quite comfortable and enjoyable. Winter in St. Petersburg is very challenging, especially for international students who have never faced such a cold.
And how are you liking Russian food?
I really like the soups and salads in Russia. I am a big fan of shawarma which is not a Russian dish, but a popular (and may even be considered traditional) food in St. Petersburg. It has become my comfort food. I can eat it every single day, but I control myself not to do so!
Does Russian food have any similarities with Serbian food?
It is again like the language — some aspects are similar while in other aspects, they are very different. But I do enjoy eating Russian food.
Djurdje at a cafe. Photo courtesy of the subject
Are you living in an ITMO dormitory?
I live at Vyazma — the dormitory located on Vyazemsky Lane 5-7. I lived in a dormitory when I was a student in Serbia, too. So, it was not so difficult for me to adapt. I like the location of the dormitory as well. It is situated more or less in the center of the city. You can go to any ITMO campus really fast and conveniently. The rooms are a little on the smaller side, but it's a dormitory — what else can you expect? My roommate is also from Serbia and we have a nice time sharing our spaces.
What are your hobbies?
When the weather is nice, I try to go out as much as I can and explore the city. I did that a lot last year when I had more free time. During the winter, I stay at home and play some games or watch a movie or a web series. Back home, my hobby was playing the drums. I went to music school for around 6 years, where I learned to play the drums!
Also at ITMO, I help students who come here from the Balkan states to settle down and get over the challenges a new student faces in the initial days, such as creating a bank account or getting the medical examinations done.
That is so cool. Do you do this as a part of an ITMO student club?
No, I do it independently along with my friends who are also ITMO students from the Balkan states.
What is your favorite spot to walk or hang around in St. Petersburg?
I think the Petrogradsky District is my go-to place because it's really close to my dorm and is regarded as one of the prettiest parts of St. Petersburg. I like strolling in the parks there when it's not raining or snowing. For a bad weather day, you can head over to the numerous restaurants and cafes there.
Awesome choice! Have you been to any other city in Russia?
Not yet, but I am waiting for some free time to visit Moscow. It is on my bucket list.
Would you like to stay in Russia after your graduation?
I am open to both options — staying in Russia or returning to Serbia. It depends on the opportunities presented to me once I approach the end of my Master’s degree.
Do you have any concluding remarks for our readers?
I would like to urge the readers from the Balkan regions to not be worried or scared. Russia is a great country for higher education and here at ITMO, we are always available to help you. We have a large group of students from the Balkan regions and we will never let you feel homesick. If you are considering studying at ITMO, then just do it. You will not regret your decision!
