They say dreams know no borders, and mine certainly didn’t. As a young girl growing up in India, I often imagined a life beyond the familiar — a life filled with learning, exploring, and discovering the world. Studying abroad wasn’t just an ambition, it was a promise I made to myself that one day, I would step out of my comfort zone and truly chase knowledge in a new land. This promise led me to Russia.

Finding a path: the chance of a lifetime

My study abroad journey wasn’t immediate or easy. Like many students, I faced endless questions: Where do I begin? How will I afford it? Is it even possible? That’s when I discovered the Russian Government Scholarship (Rossotrudnichestvo) — a golden opportunity that changed everything. With determination, preparation, and a little bit of faith, I applied.

And then, it happened — I won the scholarship. I still remember the joy of opening that email: I had done it, I was going to Russia!

All kinds of firsts

The journey from India to St. Petersburg was a whirlwind of emotions. My first international flight. My first time stepping into a foreign airport. Everything was new, exciting, slightly terrifying — and completely unforgettable.

Then came a series of firsts that will be forever be etched in my memory:

• My first snow — delicate, quiet, magical;
• My first time skating on a frozen lake — wobbly but exhilarating;
• My first river cruise along the Neva — the city lights twinkling like dreams come alive.

And of course, the first time I saw the city in winter — St. Petersburg looked like a painting. Ice crystals on railings, pastel skies, and the cozy scent of mulled tea at every turn.

One step at a time: from studying Russian to a Master’s degree

Before starting my Master’s, I spent a year studying in a Russian-taught preparatory program. It was intense. Learning the language from scratch, adapting to a new educational system, and living thousands of miles away from home tested me in every possible way.

But ITMO made it easier. From supportive teachers to international student events and warm friendships, I found more than just a university — I found a community.

After that year, I successfully joined the Master’s program in Business Informatics. Suddenly, everything started feeling real. The dream was no longer just a vision — it was my everyday life.

Winter in St. Petersburg: more than just snow

Many people think Russian winters are too harsh, but for me, they were filled with warmth — of memories, new experiences, and inner growth. During winter, St. Petersburg becomes a wonderland. Here’s what I discovered:

• Skating in New Holland and at Sevkabel Port;
• Attending light festivals on Palace Square;
• Trying blini on Maslenitsa;
• Visiting museums and cozy book cafes to escape the cold.

Every little moment felt like magic.

The other side of the story

Of course, it wasn’t always easy. There were days of homesickness, when I missed Indian food, family conversations, or festivals back home. There were language barriers, cultural misunderstandings, and new traditions that were yet to be explored.

But these challenges shaped me. They made me resilient, open-minded, and self-aware. Most importantly, they taught me how to thrive beyond borders.

Full circle: the girl who dreamed

From a childhood dream in India to living, studying, and growing in Russia — this journey changed my life. It taught me that dreams do come true, when you’re brave enough to chase them, even when the road ahead is unknown. Today, as I write this final blog for ITMO.NEWS, I am filled with gratitude — for every challenge, every memory, and every person who made this possible.

If you are reading this and dreaming your own dream — believe me, you can make it too, because if a girl with a dream from India can do it, so can you.

Thank you so much for reading! I am always ready to answer your queries related to study abroad experience in Russia (you can find me on LinkedIn and other social media platforms by searching Daxta Pandey).

With love,

Daxta Pandey

Master’s graduate, ITMO University

From India, living the dream in Russia