Student Spotlight: Afsar Uddin Sagor, Bangladesh

Please introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Afsar Uddin Sagor, and I am an international student from Bangladesh studying software engineering at ITMO. I am passionate about programming, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies, and I enjoy learning by building practical projects.

What first sparked your interest in software engineering?

My interest began with curiosity about how websites, applications, and digital systems actually work. As I learned programming, I realized that software engineering allows me to turn ideas into something useful and real. That combination of creativity, logic, and problem-solving is what attracted me to the field.

Why did you choose to pursue your education abroad, and what made ITMO stand out?

I wanted to experience a different academic environment and challenge myself outside my comfort zone. ITMO stood out because of its strong reputation in technology and its focus on practical, modern education. I was especially drawn to its connections with the IT industry and the opportunities to work with real-world technologies.

What has been the biggest adjustment for you since arriving in St. Petersburg?

It has been adapting to a completely different culture, climate, language, and lifestyle. At first, even simple everyday activities required extra effort because I did not speak Russian well. Over time, however, I have become more independent and comfortable handling things on my own.

How have you found the academic environment at ITMO? Has it met your expectations?

The academic environment is challenging, but that is one of the things I value most. We study programming alongside mathematics and other technical subjects, which gives us a strong foundation. It has definitely pushed me to think more deeply and improve my problem-solving skills.

What has surprised you the most about life in St. Petersburg?

The city itself surprised me the most. St. Petersburg has a unique combination of history, architecture, modern life, and international culture. I also enjoy how different the city feels in each season.

Have you discovered any favorite places in the city where you like to relax, explore, or find inspiration?

I enjoy walking around the historic parts of the city, especially near the Neva River. Sometimes I simply wander without a specific destination. It helps me clear my mind and gives me a chance to appreciate the unique atmosphere of St. Petersburg.

How do you usually spend your free time?

I enjoy programming, exploring new technologies, watching educational content, or spending time with friends. I also enjoy walking around the city. When I need to recharge, I try to step away from my studies and do something completely different for a while; it helps me return with fresh energy.

Learning Russian is an important part of the journey for most international students. How has your language learning experience been so far?

It has been challenging, especially because of the grammar and cases, but living in Russia gives me many opportunities to practice every day. I have gradually become more comfortable communicating in everyday situations. I am still learning, but I can see clear progress when I compare myself to when I first arrived.

What keeps you motivated during difficult moments?

I remind myself why I started this journey. Moving to another country and studying a difficult subject is not always easy, but every difficult period teaches me something valuable. I try to focus on long-term growth rather than getting discouraged by short-term problems.

Finally, what advice would you give to students from Bangladesh who are considering studying at ITMO?

I would tell them to prepare seriously before coming, especially in mathematics, programming, and Russian. Do not expect everything to be easy from the beginning. Be ready to adapt, ask questions, make mistakes, and learn independently. Most importantly, come with a clear goal and take full advantage of the opportunities that ITMO provides.