Student Spotlight: Johan Rios Gonzalez, Mexico

Please introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Johan Rios Gonzalez. I'm from Mexico, and I'm currently a Bachelor's student studying biotechnology at ITMO University. 

You're studying in Russian. So far, what has that experience been like?

It is definitely challenging. My Russian is good enough for everyday life, so I can communicate with people on the street and handle most daily situations. Scientific Russian is completely different, though. There are many specialized terms in class that I don't understand yet. I think adapting to it fully will take some time, but I'm working on it.

How did you end up studying in Russia and at ITMO?

I came to Russia through a government scholarship. As part of it, I had to choose five universities – and was eventually offered a place at ITMO.

So, ITMO wasn't the only university I had considered, but now that I'm here, I think things couldn't have worked out better. It’s a very strong university, especially when it comes to science and technology, and I've been really impressed by the opportunities available here.

What do you like most about ITMO so far?

I really like the laboratories and the equipment available to students. For example, there are spaces such as the FabLab where you can work with technologies like 3D printing. I think it's amazing to have access to resources that let you actually create things and experiment.

I also really enjoy ITMO's events. Something like ITMO Family Day is on a completely different scale from what I was used to seeing in Mexico. The organization and the number of students involved are impressive.

Read also:

ITMO Family Day 2026: Diplomas, SUP Surfing, and a Science Bar

Moving from Mexico to Russia is a pretty big change. What has the transition been like?

It has been quite a change. The language, the food, the people, the weather, and even the way I live my everyday life are different.

One of the biggest changes is living in a dormitory. Back home, I would usually finish my classes and go home. Here, many of my friends live in the same place, so after classes we can spend time together, visit each other's rooms, or cook together. It creates a very different student experience, and I really enjoy it.

What has been the easiest part of adapting, and what has been the hardest?

Surprisingly, living independently has probably been the easiest part. My roommates moved out, so at the moment I mostly have the room to myself. I enjoy having that independence while still having friends nearby.

I also got used to cooking for myself every day. One of my favorite meals to make is chicken with broccoli and rice.

The hardest part is definitely the language. Everyday Russian is one thing, but understanding lectures and scientific terminology is much more difficult.

How did you start making friends in St. Petersburg?

When I first arrived, I started going to different meetings and speaking clubs because I wanted to meet people and find things to do. That became one of the main ways I made friends here.

I've had some great experiences through these communities. We even organized a Latin American event where we talked about our countries and Latin American culture. Experiences like that helped me meet people and feel more connected to life here.

I also have Russian friends now. We mostly communicate in English, but I try to practice Russian with them whenever I can.

Read also:

ITMO Students Advise: How to Make Friends in a New Country

Have you noticed any major differences between student life in Mexico and Russia?

Yes, especially when it comes to how I spend my time outside university. Here, I feel much more involved in student life. Because I live in the dormitory and have friends nearby, university isn't simply a place where I attend classes and then leave.There are also so many events, clubs, and activities to take part in. It feels like there is always something happening.

What do you enjoy doing in St. Petersburg when you're not studying?

I like exploring the city and spending time with friends. During the summer, I visited different parks, museums, and neighborhoods and spent a lot of time simply walking around St. Petersburg.One of my favorite places is Termoland. I really enjoy the pools and saunas there.

I also play guitar almost every afternoon when I have enough free time. Recently, I've been trying to learn some new riffs.

Have you had a chance to travel outside St. Petersburg?

Yes, I recently went to Moscow, and I loved it. The city is huge, and I was especially impressed by the metro. There are so many stations, and the system itself is fascinating. I also visited places like Red Square and explored different parts of the city. I'd like to travel more while I'm studying here.

What about Russian food? Have you found any favorites?

I've tried several Russian dishes, including golubtsy and borscht. I really like borscht. Some of the other dishes might take a little more time to get used to!

Food is actually one of the things I miss most about Mexico. I don't get very homesick in general, but I definitely miss Mexican food.

You came from a much warmer country. How did you handle your first St. Petersburg winter?

In Mexico, I was used to temperatures of around 30 degrees Celsius, and here I experienced temperatures of around minus 20. Of course, that's a huge difference, but I don't think the weather is something students should be afraid of.

You have to adapt and buy the right clothes, but winter here can also be really beautiful. St. Petersburg looks completely different when everything is covered in snow, especially with all the lights and decorations. It's a special experience.

What are your plans for the next few years?

First, I want to successfully finish my first year and become more comfortable with studying biotechnology in Russian.After that, I'd really like to take part in an academic exchange. China would probably be my first choice, but I'm also considering Europe, including Spain. Spain would obviously be easier in terms of language because I already speak Spanish.And, of course, I'd like to go back to Mexico during the holidays.

Finally, what advice would you give to international students who are considering moving to Russia?

Don't be afraid of moving to another country or completely changing your life. For me, it has been one of the greatest experiences I've ever had, and I'm still experiencing it now.

People can have many different ideas about what Russia will be like before they come here, but your own experience can be very different from what you expect. I've met amazing people and had a very positive experience.

There will always be challenges when you move somewhere new, whether it's the language, the weather, or getting used to a different culture. But you adapt, make friends, create your own experiences, and start enjoying your new life. I think coming here is one of the best things I could have done.