Student Spotlight: Jorge Mayor, Colombia

Hola Jorge! How are you doing?

I am doing just fine. How about you?

I am doing well too. Please, tell us something about yourself.

I'm a curious and open-minded person who is always eager to learn about new technologies and have as many diverse experiences as possible. I love adventures and trying new things.

Where are you from?

I'm from Colombia, and I spent my childhood in a town called Roldanillo. It's a small place, often referred to as the Magic Town and the Soul Town because it hosts a fantastic paragliding competition every year. The town's mountainous landscape provides perfect conditions for this sport.

That’s super interesting. What was growing up in Roldanillo like?

My childhood in Roldanillo was very peaceful. I went to school, hung out with friends, played sports, and took drum lessons.

Where did you study before joining ITMO?

I completed five semesters of systems engineering at Universidad del Valle in Colombia. I was in my sixth semester when I received a scholarship to study in Russia.

So did you drop out of university and start afresh at ITMO?

Yes, I did. Currently, I'm pursuing a Bachelor's degree in software engineering and I'm about to start my fourth year.

What motivated you to enroll in ITMO?

Two of my classmates left Colombia to study at ITMO in Russia. They told me everything I needed to know. Their positive experiences and the reputation of the university motivated me to continue my studies here at ITMO.

And why did you transition to software engineering?

Since childhood, I've wanted to study something related to computer science, possibly because of my father who worked in this field. As I grew up, I developed a keen interest in mathematics and programming, which confirmed that this was the right career path for me. Back in Colombia, I didn’t find a program that matched my interests, but at ITMO, I found what I was looking for.

How are you feeling in Russia?

Living in Russia has been an eye-opening experience. It has allowed me to explore a culture very different from my own and meet incredible people who have helped me grow and refine my life goals. Life here is much more peaceful, but it’s not boring at all. St. Petersburg is always buzzing with activities and events.

What is your favorite spot in St. Petersburg?

One of my favorite places is the Mayakovka Library, where a Russian-speaking club meets twice a month. It's a great place for foreigners (and not only) to practice the language and enjoy good company.

And where do you live?

I'm staying in a dormitory located on Vyazemsky Lane 5-7 with two other Latin American students. It is an amazing dormitory and I love being here.

Have you faced any challenges since you came here?

At first, the language barrier was a challenge, as it is for most foreign students when they arrive in Russia. But apart from that, not really.

Do you have any hobbies?

I enjoy playing sports like table tennis and badminton with friends and sometimes I just go for a run. I also like playing video games and board games, learning different languages, reading, playing musical instruments, and cooking whenever I have time.

Do you like to travel?

Yes, I’ve tried to visit all the small cities around St. Petersburg. Each one of them has something unique to offer – from vast parks to beautiful palaces! I’ve been to Kirishi a couple of times, the hometown of a very good friend, that has an amazing forest for skiing in the winter. I’ve also visited the capital of Russia – Moscow. This summer, I went on an expedition with ITMO's archeological student club called Азимут (Azimuth) and we visited many new cities and beaches in southern Russia, between the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.

Wow, that sounds exciting! Can you tell us more about your experience?

I first came across this club through a post on VK. They organize various activities throughout the year, including specialized classes for different fields of study. At the end of the academic year, they hold a selection process, which includes an exam and an interview to join their summer expeditions.

Every summer, they travel to a location where they can put their studies into practice. I decided to join their expedition near Taman. Alongside my teammates and several volunteers, I contributed to the dig. During our free time, we explored several places including Anapa and Temryuk, visited museums and volcanoes, and spent plenty of time at beaches. We also camped in tents, adding to the adventure.

The entire experience lasted about a month and I learned a great deal from the team about ancient Greek civilizations, the restoration processes, the practical aspects of conducting real archaeological excavations, and how to conserve the site for future digs.

You seem to grasp every opportunity that comes your way!

Yeah, I like trying new things as much as I can. I joined the street theater НоС and have performed at different festivals and events in St. Petersburg. I took waltz classes at the Дом Молодежи of Tsarskoye Selo and performed at the Victory Day festival. I’ve attended free knitting and sewing classes at various cultural centers and participated in volunteer programs in St. Petersburg and at Planetarium 1. Here’s a secret: you can attend their events for free after completing your volunteer work! 

I joined the student club I mentioned earlier to try my hand at archaeology and travel around Russia. There are also speaking clubs for different languages at many libraries. This city has so much to offer that it's impossible to do it all – and that’s not even counting all the opportunities available exclusively to ITMO students!

That’s really amazing. Shifting our focus to Russian cuisine, have you found a favorite Russian dish yet?

I really enjoy Russian food, and my favorite dish has to be shashlik. I’m also a big fan of Russian salads and I love to eat Olivier salad whenever it’s available at a restaurant. For dessert, syrniki is always a good option.

Marvelous! Tell us about your plans post-graduation.

I want to continue my studies and apply for a Master’s program at ITMO. I’ve enjoyed my time in Russia and would like to stay here a bit longer. Also, ITMO offers a wide variety of Master's programs that I am interested in.

Do you have any advice for future students at ITMO?

Be prepared for what comes in the first year. Many students think they can manage everything with ease and get overconfident. It’s best to start reviewing new topics before the semester begins, especially for foreign students who have to learn everything in a different language. This makes it more manageable during the semester.