Student Spotlight: Aleksandr Furlan, Italy

Welcome, Aleksandr! Can you start by introducing yourself to our readers?

Ciao a tutti! I’m Aleksandr Furlan, an international student from Italy, currently studying Russian language and culture at ITMO. I am passionate about programming, exploring new places, and embracing challenges — and that's exactly what brought me to Russia!

That’s interesting! Tell us a bit about your hometown.

I’m from Parma, a city in the Emilia-Romagna region. It's famous for its incredible food (think Parmigiano Reggiano, balsamic vinegar, and tortellini), its connection to fast cars (Ferrari and Lamborghini come from this region), and its vibrant cities like Parma, Bologna, Modena, and Rimini. My hometown is small but rich in history, with centuries-old castles, beautiful vineyards, and the warmest people you’ll ever meet.

Wonderful! But what inspired you to study abroad?

I’ve always wanted to step out of my comfort zone and experience life in a country completely different from Italy, and Russia felt like the perfect mix of challenge and opportunity. 

How did you first hear about ITMO and what made you decide to apply?

I first heard about ITMO from my mother, who is actually from St. Petersburg herself. After that, I started researching on my own and was really impressed. ITMO’s focus on cutting-edge research, its strong international community, and its location in the stunning city of St. Petersburg convinced me to apply.

How has your experience been so far in the Foundation Program?

It’s been intense but incredibly rewarding. Learning Russian feels like solving a new puzzle every day: sometimes frustrating, but always satisfying when things finally click. My teachers are patient, and my classmates from all over the world make the journey fun.

What are your goals after the Foundation Program?

I plan to enroll in the Bachelor’s program Robotics and Artificial Intelligence and hopefully work in tech, combining Italian creativity with Russian innovation.

What has been the most challenging part of learning Russian?

Definitely the grammar. The cases, verb aspects, and especially the infamous “ы” sound gave me a hard time at first. But I’ve learned to embrace mistakes – Russians appreciate it when you try, even if it sometimes comes out a bit funny.

Do you have any strategies or study techniques that help you improve your Russian?

I have a couple! Watching Russian cartoons like KikoRiki (Cмешарики) helps because they use simple language. And repetition is key: reading, speaking, practicing grammar – doing something in Russian every day really helps.

Have you had any funny or memorable moments while trying to communicate in Russian?

Yes, definitely! There have been a couple of times when I said words that, in Russian, had completely different (and sometimes not very appropriate) meanings. Not exactly the best moments for an interview, but funny memories!

What is your favorite Russian word or phrase you’ve learned so far?

“Ни пуха ни пера!” (“Neither fur nor feather!”) – it’s how Russians say “Good luck!” before exams. The reply is “К чёрту!” (“To the devil!”), which always cracks me up. It reminds me of our Italian version: “In bocca al lupo” (“In the mouth of the wolf”), to which we reply “Crepi il lupo!” (“May the wolf die!”).

How has your daily routine changed since moving to St. Petersburg?

I’ve definitely embraced the Russian rhythm! Later dinners are normal now (sometimes even at 2 AM with my roommate). I drink a lot more tea, though I still love coffee. And I’ve never checked the weather forecast so often in my life, always hoping for a sunny day, even though the weather here isn’t as bad as I expected.

What was the biggest cultural difference or adjustment you had to make?

The direct communication style! Italians are expressive, but Russians are very blunt. It was a bit surprising at first, but honestly, I appreciate it now. It's very “straight to the point.”

What is your favorite place to visit in St. Petersburg?

Nevsky Prospekt! I love walking around there, taking photos, and visiting cafes, restaurants, and museums. It always feels lively and full of energy.

What has been your most memorable experience in Russia so far?

Definitely trying the баня (Russian sauna) for the first time and then jumping into a frozen lake – an incredible experience! I did it for the first time at Yagodnoe with the Buddy System. I would honestly do it every week if I could.

Have you traveled to any other Russian cities?

Yes! I’ve visited Vyborg (near Finland) and the Karelia region. Both felt like stepping into a fairy tale – absolutely beautiful places.

What are your hobbies or interests outside of studying?

Photography – St. Petersburg is a dream for photography lovers. Cooking – I’ve learned to make блины (Russian pancakes) and vinegret salad, though I still miss Italian pasta. Ice skating – since coming to Russia, I’ve been practicing a lot and really enjoy it.

Do you have a favorite Russian dish?

Syrniki (sweet cheese pancakes)! They remind me of Italian ricotta fritters, but with sour cream and jam, they’re even better.

Do you have any advice for future ITMO students?

Learn the Cyrillic script before arriving – it will save you a lot of headaches. Pack clothes for all seasons (yes, even for -20°C winters). Say “yes” to every opportunity – whether it's a dorm party or a trip to Siberia!

Any final thoughts?

Russia surprises me every single day. It’s not always easy, but the people, the culture, and the adventure of it all make it absolutely worth it. Спасибо for having me!