Hi, thanks for joining me today.
Hello, thank you for the invitation. It is my pleasure.
Great. Let’s begin our conversation with your introduction.
Sure. My name is Teshome Esrom from Ethiopia and I consider myself both a student and a professional model.
Interesting! We will talk about your profession more. But first, tell us more about your country.
I’m from Ethiopia, a country with a fascinating and proud history. Ethiopia is known for being one of the few nations in the world never to be colonized. It’s also home to Lucy, the world’s oldest fossil of a hominin, an Australopithecus afarensis to be precise (a distant ancestor of Homo sapiens – Ed.), which makes it the birthplace of humanity in many ways. And, of course, Ethiopia introduced coffee to the world. These cultural and historical treasures make my homeland unique and special.
Fascinating. What does the society in Ethiopia look like?
Families in Ethiopia are important. My life in Ethiopia was simple but meaningful. I was taught several strong moral values by the community, such as respect and perseverance that continue to guide me even today!
That’s so wholesome. Why did you decide to study in Russia?
Back in Ethiopia, I attended the Asko Progress School, where I was fortunate to have Russian teachers. Their influence introduced me to the Russian culture and language and I think that’s where my interest in Russia really began. Ethiopia and Russia have many shared values and similarities, especially in terms of culture and religion. Russia is also a member of BRICS, which further connects our countries. This shared ground, combined with the opportunity to study in a country known for its advanced education system, made Russia a perfect choice for me.
And how did you come across ITMO?
While researching universities, ITMO stood out to me. Its reputation for innovation and academic excellence caught my attention. Right now, I’m focusing on learning the Russian language as a preparation for my further studies. I love the university environment – it’s vibrant and supportive. But I have to admit, the Russian language is a bit challenging for me.

Teshome Esrom. Photo courtesy of the subject
What will you be studying after you complete the Foundation Program?
Once I complete the Foundation Program, I’ll begin my Bachelor’s degree in information security technologies.
What inspired you to choose this field?
I’ve always been passionate about programming. It’s a field where creativity meets problem-solving, and it has the potential to create significant change. I want to contribute to technological development and use my skills to make a difference.
How would you describe your life in Russia so far?
Life in Russia has been a positive experience overall, but there have been challenges, too. The weather, for instance – it’s much colder than I’m used to! However, I’ve enjoyed exploring St. Petersburg, meeting new people, and experiencing a different culture.
What’s your favorite place to visit in St. Petersburg?
My favorite place is definitely the Hermitage. It’s not just a museum; it’s a window into art, history, and culture. I could spend hours there, admiring its vast collections.
Have you faced any other challenges since moving here?
Thankfully, I haven’t faced many challenges. The biggest adjustments have been learning the language and dealing with the cold weather. But I see these as opportunities to grow and adapt rather than obstacles.
Do you enjoy Russian food?
Yes, I like Russian food! My favorite dishes are борщ (borscht) and каша (kasha). They’re simple yet delicious and they’ve become comfort foods for me here.

Esrom walking down the ramp. Photo courtesy of the subject
Please share more about your passion for modeling and other hobbies.
Back in my country, I used to work as a runway model at fashion shows. It allowed me to explore myself while showcasing my culture to the entire world. I also graduated from the Afro Figure Modeling Academy. Besides modeling, I enjoy staying informed. So, one of my hobbies is listening to the news. It helps me stay connected to the world and understand different perspectives.
What are your plans after graduation?
After completing my studies, I plan to return to Ethiopia. I want to contribute to my country’s development in the field of technology and strengthen the relationship between Ethiopia and Russia.
Sounds great. Do you have any advice for future ITMO students?
ITMO is a great university with endless opportunities, so don’t hesitate to join it. Embrace the learning process, step out of your comfort zone, and take advantage of all the resources the university has to offer.