We have noticed over the years that for international students at ITMO, making Russian friends plays a crucial role in their overall experience. Despite the potential language and cultural barriers, many students, over the years, have shared heartwarming stories about forging meaningful friendships with locals.
For instance, Daxta Pandey, a Foundation Program student from India, highlights the importance of having an ITMO Buddy and how they help international students blend in. Right from her arrival in Russia, her Buddy, Masha was there to support and guide her. Through this initial connection, Daxta was introduced to Masha’s close friends, forming the foundation of her social circle. Daxta, being an extrovert, found it relatively easy to meet new people and develop friendships. She embraced the opportunity to spend time with her Russian friends, immersing herself in their culture and exploring Russia together. This cultural exchange also extended to her Buddy, who is currently on an exchange program in India, experiencing the vibrant culture and cuisine of Daxta's homeland.
Daxta with Masha, her ITMO Buddy. Photo courtesy of the subject
Melany Jaramillo, a Bachelor’s student from Panama, discovered that common interests can be a powerful catalyst for making Russian friends. She connected with locals who were interested to learn more about her culture and especially the Spanish language. As Melany was on her way to explore the Russian culture, their mutual curiosity created a strong bond, despite the language barrier. Melany, armed with the limited Russian she had learned, amazed her Russian friends with her ability to communicate. Through their interactions, she not only improved her language skills but also gained a deeper understanding of Russian customs and traditions. Melany's story emphasizes the importance of finding shared passions and interests as a bridge to forming lasting friendships, even in the face of linguistic challenges.
I would like to add my own experience of making Russian friends, too. I am an ambivert, so it wasn’t so easy for me to open up and bond with Russians at first. However, I was curious about Russian culture and lifestyle. So, I embarked on a mission to explore it through friendship. Intrigued by the richness of Russian traditions, I actively sought opportunities to engage with local students. Being open-minded helped me connect with people who were eager to share their culture. Invitations to celebrate festivals such as New Year, Maslenitsa, and Easter allowed me to witness firsthand the vibrant customs and traditions of Russia. Through these experiences, I not only expanded my knowledge but also developed genuine friendships. A sincere interest in learning about another culture can really lead to profound connections and a broader worldview.
Daxta and Melany with their friends. Photo courtesy of the subject
These stories shed light on the various pathways to making Russian friends. While each journey is unique, several common threads emerge:
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Utilizing support systems: ITMO University's Buddy system, designed to assist incoming international students, can be invaluable in connecting with locals and establishing initial friendships.
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Shared interests and passions: Finding common ground through hobbies, cultural interests, or languages can serve as a powerful bonding agent, transcending language barriers and fostering connections.
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Open-mindedness and humility: Approaching cultural exchanges with a genuine desire to learn and understand can create an environment conducive to building meaningful friendships.
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Celebrating traditions: Embracing local customs and participating in festivities provides international students with immersive experiences, facilitating a deeper understanding of Russian culture and strengthening friendships.
Making Russian friends as an international student may initially seem daunting, given the language and cultural differences. However, there are immense rewards that await those who actively seek connections with locals. The stories of our students serve as an inspiration to future international students, encouraging them to embrace the opportunity to make lasting connections and build a global network of friends during their time at ITMO.
