The day I arrived in Russia, October 7, 2023, felt like a new chapter in my life. Having spent my entire life in Bangladesh, I was accustomed to crowded streets, vibrant festivals, and a warm tropical climate. Arriving in St. Petersburg, I found myself in a completely different world: grand architecture, the crisp autumn air, and a language I couldn’t yet understand. Amid all the unfamiliarity, I had one constant companion — my camera. For six years, it had been my trusted tool to capture fleeting moments and connect with people. Little did I know it would also become my bridge to understanding Russia, helping me embrace its rich culture and fall in love with its diverse landscapes.
When I first arrived in Russia back in 2022 as an international student, I had big dreams — excelling in my studies, getting new experiences, and of course travelling across this vast country. Everything felt fresh and full of possibilities. I spent weekends discovering cozy cafes, wandering around Nevsky Prospect, and making spontaneous trips with friends. Fast-forward to the final year of my Master’s at ITMO and reality hits differently: life has become a whirlwind of deadlines, responsibilities, and a never ending to-do list. Between writing my thesis, working, organizing events, and deadlines with the ever-growing urge to travel before leaving Russia, I often ask myself: how do I juggle it all?
Bangladesh, a captivating country in South Asia, is celebrated for its lush landscapes, intricate river networks, and vibrant cultural heritage. I was born in Moshidpur village in Rajshahi, one of Bangladesh’s most picturesque districts. From a young age, I have reveled in the natural splendor of my village and absorbed the diverse culture of Bangladesh. As a proud Bangladeshi, I have traveled to many significant places throughout the country. Inspired by these experiences, I am writing about the Evergreen Bangladesh in 4 parts. First, I will share my take on why the natural beauty of Bangladesh deserves admiration. In the next parts, I will describe its architectural wonders, cultures, arts, and cuisine, as well as Bangladesh’s stance on the global arena.
Pushkinskiye Gory is a town in the central part of Pskov region. It is famous for its estates, Mikhailovskoye, Petrovskoye, and Trigorskoye, which were significant places in the life of Alexander Pushkin, a famed Russian poet. In the middle of autumn, I took on a weekend endeavor to visit one of the finest places in Pskov Oblast and a natural reserve in Russia that boasts a gorgeous golden autumn. The journey was rough-edged, but my time there changed my perspective of the season. In this blog, I will describe my journey and impressions — and whether I could see autumn through Pushkin’s eyes.
This year, I had the chance to explore four countries — Vietnam, China, Italy, and Switzerland. Each destination offered me more than just postcard-perfect landscapes; they taught me culture, community, and life lessons. Traveling is often seen as an escape, but for me, it became a way to dive deeper into understanding the world and connecting with its people. Let me take you along on this unforgettable adventure.
Only recently did the public get used to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and even picked the ones that are most important to them. Yet there is already a new environment-related term in town. I'm talking, of course, about ESG, which is an acronym for environmental, social, and governance. ESG appeared on the public radar a few years ago and whose impact is growing rapidly. Let's take a look at what ESG means, how it differs from the SDGs and, most importantly, why we should care.
Autumn is a magical time in St. Petersburg, where the crisp air and changing colors breathe new life into the city. From the city's vibrant streets to its quiet parks, autumn brings a charm that deserves to be explored and experienced to the fullest.
A trip to the zoo is the perfect opportunity to spend time with your friends and family and see some unbearably cute animals! So hop on down, and discover what St. Petersburg has to offer you.
The Velikye Luki Aeronautics festival (Воздухоплавание) is a yearly championship of flying hot air balloons that takes place in the city of Velikye Luki located in the south-east part of Pskov Oblast. The city is also called the Capital of aeronautics in Russia. The festival has been taking place since 1996. After a year-long wait, I was finally able to indulge and witness this festival first-hand! Here’s my experience of the event.
Physical education and sports is a class that every Bachelor’s student at ITMO must take for their first few years of studying. There is a wide range of options for how you can complete this discipline, with many different sports at varying levels of difficulty. If you want, you can join a club for a specific sport and compete, or you can complete the disciple on your own time by running or working out at a gym.
