Hello Noviana! Can you please tell us something about your country?
Indonesia is a beautiful country located in Southeast Asia. It is surrounded by the Indian and Pacific oceans. As a result, the climate is very tropical. I had never ever witnessed snowfall in my country. So, when I came to St. Petersburg, it was quite a pleasant surprise for me. Also, Indonesia is a culturally rich country with lots of stories hidden in its streets and localities.
Wow! What are some of the popular tourist destinations in Indonesia?
I am sure you must have heard about Bali. It is one of the best locations for tourists in Indonesia. Besides Bali, Jakarta (the capital city), Gili Islands, and Komodo are some of the other popular destinations for tourists.
What dishes would you recommend to someone who is visiting Indonesia?
I have three dishes in mind which are my absolute favorites. Nasi padang, satay, and bakso. Anyone who plans to visit Indonesia must definitely try these. You’ll be blown away by their phenomenal flavors.
What is your take on Indonesian people?
Indonesians are super friendly. Even if you are a stranger, you will be greeted with a big smile and warmth. We don’t usually hug people. So, when my Russian friends greeted me with hugs, it was a cultural shock for me. I was a bit uncomfortable at first but was able to adapt quickly.
Very interesting! So, have you already completed your preparatory course?
Yes, I was enrolled in the Foundation Program last year. After a year of learning Russian, I passed the exam and started my Bachelor’s studies in biotechnology.
How was your experience of learning a new language?
It was difficult to learn Russian, but I loved the classes because of my teacher, Elena. She is such a kind and polite lady. Whenever she called me моя хорошая девочка (my good girl), my heart used to melt like butter. I am still learning Russian on my own because there is still a lot more to learn.
What made you interested in biotechnology?
My mother is a biology teacher and she is the one who always encouraged me to study this subject. She always urged me to become either a doctor, a pharmacist, or a scientist. But I had a fascination with food. I remember watching a food show on TV where the host went to a fancy restaurant to eat some mouth-watering dishes. That’s what made me interested in this discipline.
That’s great! What is your specialization?
I have not decided on that yet since it is still my first year. But my interest lies in food technology. So probably, I will go for bread technology as my preferred specialization.
Noviana (right) with her friends at a bowling center in St. Petersburg. Photo courtesy of the subject
Why did you decide to study in Russia?
Everyone knows that Russia is a great place for higher education. But what motivated me the most is something interesting. So: when I was in school, I saw my seniors go to Russia for higher education. I got in touch with them to learn about their experience. The more they told me about it, the more confident I got with my decision. I am in touch with my seniors who study in St. Petersburg and I can see what they meant back then. Studying here is really incredible.
How does it feel to live in St. Petersburg?
I am loving it! This city is beautiful in many aspects. It is historically a very significant place, too. I love museums and theatres and St. Petersburg is home to a lot of them. It was my dream to study in such a city and I can confidently say that I am living my dream right now.
That’s amazing! What are your favorite places to visit in St. Petersburg?
I would of course mention the Mariinsky Theatre. My father is an admirer of ballet and he has told me several times to watch the ballet Swan Lake at least once before I graduate. But unfortunately, I have not got the opportunity yet. Maybe in the future.
Have you watched any shows at the Mariinsky yet?
Yes, I did watch a performance there but it was completely in Russian. So, I could not understand a lot of it.
I am sure you’ll be able to watch Swan Lake at the Mariinsky one day. And now tell us about your hobbies.
I am a very basic girl. My hobbies are quite simple, like cooking and painting. Painting is like my coping mechanism for stress. Whenever I have a bad day, I like to draw something. It helps me calm down and relax.
Have you ever cooked an Indonesian dish in Russia?
I do. I really miss homemade food. Also, I prefer eating Indonesian food to Russian food. Therefore, I like to prepare my own meals.
How do you find all the ingredients required?
I get some of them here. In St. Petersburg, there is a very popular Asian store called Red Dragon. It has many authentic Asian spices and grocery items. I purchase most of my ingredients from there.
Were you able to locate any Indonesian restaurants in St. Petersburg?
No, I didn’t find any Indonesian restaurants here. There are a few Indian and Vietnamese restaurants, though. I guess Indonesian cuisine is not very popular in Russia.
Maybe you will be the one to make it popular! Which dormitory are you staying in?
I’m staying in the dormitory located on Karpovka River Embankment 22. I love it here. My roommate is a girl from Kazakhstan who is also my partner in learning Russian. We have a great time together. We celebrate each other’s birthdays and spend time together during festivals like New Year’s.
“I experienced snowfall for the first time in Russia. Although it was a bit too cold for me, I enjoyed the Russian winter a lot,” says Noviana. Photo courtesy of the subject
Did you celebrate New Year or maslenitsa?
Yes, maslenitsa was a beautiful experience. I really like how Russians celebrate this holiday. Their blinis were so delicious. My favorite filling is cheese.
I was also invited to one of my Russian friend’s homes for the New Year celebration. Russians value New Year a lot. They like to spend this time with their families. I noticed a very interesting activity that they did on New Year’s night. They wrote down their wishes on a piece of paper and burned it. Then they put the ashes in a glass of wine or champagne and drank it in one go! I was so fascinated to see this ritual play out. I participated as well. However, my glass contained water, since I don’t drink alcohol.
What would your message be to your juniors who would like to study in Russia?
It is a great place for higher education. I definitely recommend it. Winter might be a challenge, but you will be able to adapt to it quickly. The teachers and the students here will help you out a lot. Stressing out when you’re new in a foreign land is common, but with patience and perseverance, you can easily overcome it.
