Student Spotlight: Cheikh Ebe Oumar, Mauritania

Hello, please introduce yourself to our readers.

Thanks for having me! I’m Cheikh, from Mauritania, a country where the desert meets the ocean, located in Northwest Africa. I’m a tech enthusiast, a problem-solver, and a huge fan of building things that make life easier.

Tell us something unique about your hometown.

I’m from Nouakchott, the capital city. It’s a fascinating blend of sand, sea, and bustling markets. Imagine waking up to the sound of Atlantic waves while seeing camels strolling near the city – it’s a unique mix you won’t find anywhere else!

So interesting! But why did you choose to study abroad?

I wanted a challenge in a completely new environment. Russia stood out because of its strong reputation in STEM, affordable tuition, and the opportunity to experience a totally different culture. It felt like the perfect mix of academic excellence and adventure.

How did you discover ITMO, and what motivated you to choose it for your Master’s degree?

Honestly, it all started with a late-night Google deep dive! I was researching top tech universities in Russia, especially for emerging fields like web and cloud technologies. ITMO kept appearing in rankings, especially in computer science and innovation. It seemed like the right place for someone passionate about cutting-edge technology.

So, you’re studying web technologies. What excites you most about this field?

The fact that a few lines of code can reach millions! Whether it’s building a slick e-commerce site or a tool to help farmers back home track prices, web tech is everywhere. Plus, it’s always evolving – there’s never a dull moment, and there’s always something new to learn.

Are there any programming languages, frameworks, or tools that you’re currently focusing on?

I’m deep into JavaScript (React, Node.js, Next.js). Also, I’m learning Docker and Kubernetes for deployment.

How has your learning experience at ITMO been so far?

Intense, but in the best way. The projects feel real – we’re not just studying theory; we’re preparing for industry work. The professors don’t just lecture, they challenge you to think, experiment, and solve real-world problems.

What courses or projects have you found the most interesting or challenging?

Definitely my DevOps project this semester. It completely changed the way I think about software delivery. We had to design a full CI/CD pipeline for a microservices architecture, complete with automated testing, container orchestration, and zero-downtime deployments. It was tough but incredibly rewarding.

How does ITMO’s teaching style compare to your previous academic experience?

Back home, it was mostly theory-heavy – memorize, revise, pass. At ITMO, it’s more like, "Here’s a problem – go break things until it works." From the first semester, we’re working with industry-grade tech stacks. Fewer exams, more "prove it works in production."

What was the biggest adjustment you had to make after arriving in Russia?

The weather! Coming from a hot desert climate, St. Petersburg’s winters were a shock. Also, adjusting to the fast-paced lifestyle took some time.

Have you had any difficulties with the Russian language? 

At first, even ordering coffee felt like debugging a crashed system – wrong syntax: total failure! But ITMO’s language classes, plus some serious miming skills, saved me.

What’s your favorite place to visit in St. Petersburg?

The courtyard at ITMO’s Lomonosova campus is perfect for late-night coding breaks. Also, the Hermitage Museum – it’s breathtaking! I love walking along the Neva River and exploring the city’s historic architecture, too.

Have you had any unique or memorable cultural experiences while living in Russia?

Definitely celebrating New Year’s. It was incredible! And I’ve completely fallen in love with pelmeni. Also, surviving a -20°C winter day felt like an achievement!

Have you traveled to any other Russian cities? 

Yes! I visited Petrozavodsk, and it had this quiet, authentic Russian charm – completely different from the bustling St. Petersburg. The lakeside views of Lake Onega were stunning. But I have to admit, while Petrozavodsk was peaceful and beautiful, St. Petersburg’s energy and history still win me over.

What do you like to do in your free time? Any hobbies or interests outside of programming?

Football is my passion! Rain or shine, snow or freeze – you’ll find me at our Vyazemsky dorm stadium, organizing matches with other international students. When I’m not playing, I love exploring St. Pete’s hidden spots and debating tech trends over hot chai with friends.

Have you had the opportunity to make international friends at ITMO? 

Absolutely! ITMO is incredibly diverse. I’ve made friends from Asia, Latin America, and beyond. It’s amazing to learn about different cultures and perspectives.

What opportunities do you see for using web technologies to solve real-world problems in Mauritania or globally?

In Mauritania, better e-commerce and education platforms could make a huge impact. On a global scale, web tech can improve access to healthcare, finance, and sustainability.

What are your career aspirations after completing your Master’s degree?

In the short term, I want to work as a tech lead at a global company to gain experience. In the long term, I want to launch a startup back home – possibly in fintech or edtech. Africa’s digital scene is booming, and I want to be part of that growth. My ultimate goal is to contribute to Mauritania’s tech growth.

What advice would you give to future ITMO students?

Come prepared to work hard but also to grow immensely. Say yes to every opportunity – hackathons, internships, even random blini nights with classmates. Don’t stress too much about Russian at first, but definitely learn it – it opens doors. Most importantly, enjoy the ride. It’s tough, but one day, you’ll look back and see how much you’ve grown.