Student Spotlight: Basil Soufi, USA

Hi Basil! Thanks for accepting the invitation. 

Thank you! I'm happy to share my experience.

Aside from your studies, what brings you here to Russia?

I've always been curious about the world. I’ve traveled a lot, and Russia has always fascinated me. It’s very different from the US. I had already visited several times before and wanted to improve my Russian. It’s spoken in many countries, so learning it really opens up a rich world of culture, literature, and geography.

You mentioned previous visits – what cities have you explored already?

I’ve been to all eight of Russia’s federal districts – from the Far East to the Caucasus to the Northwest. In total, I’ve visited around 30 regions. It’s a vast and incredibly diverse country.

Wonderful! Let’s talk about you. Where in the US are you from?

I was born in Washington state, but lived mostly in California.

You're currently pursuing a Master’s at ITMO. Can you tell us more about your program?

Yes, I’m in the Digital Urban Studies Master’s program. It’s taught in both English and Russian. I chose the Russian track – partly inspired by Dostoyevsky’s idea that suffering gives meaning to life. It’s been a real challenge, but also a rewarding one.

Did you go through ITMO’s Foundation Program first?

I mostly taught myself Russian before arriving. At ITMO, I completed the Foundation Program and am now taking a course on scientific terms in Russian. It’s a difficult language; the grammar alone is a major hurdle.

What was your academic background back in the US?

I studied economics and business. But cities have always fascinated me, so I decided to pursue urban studies more formally here.

That’s a great transition. Having observed cities in both countries, what differences stand out?

A lot, actually. Take San Francisco and St. Petersburg: the latter is one of the largest planned city centers in Europe and was built before the automobile. Western US cities were built after cars became common, resulting in lower-density housing and greater car dependence. I find St. Petersburg’s layout very human-friendly.

If you could take one feature of St. Petersburg’s urban planning back to the US, what would it be?

Definitely public transportation and high-density residential development. In the US, smaller homes aren’t being built, and large homes are expensive. Russia’s multi-story housing offers a solution to the growing housing crisis.

When did you start your studies – and how was the admission process go for you?

I applied in August 2023 and was accepted into the Foundation Program. My initial goal was to improve my Russian and build a network here. I arrived in April 2024, just over a year ago. The application and visa processes were quite smooth – ITMO is very modern and efficient.

Have you traveled to other Russian cities since enrolling at ITMO?

Yes, I’ve been to Moscow, Kazan, and Vladivostok, among others. Vladivostok actually reminds me of San Francisco in terms of geography and weather. Plus, the Asian cuisine there is excellent – better than what I had in Hong Kong!

What’s student life like at ITMO? Have you made Russian or international friends?

It’s a challenge, especially with the language barrier and me being a bit introverted. But I’ve made a few good friends – some of them are Russian, which has been wonderful.

What does a typical day look like for you?

It varies. Today was stressful – I had an exam in Russian. Usually, I head to the Institute of Design and Urban Studies on Vasilyevsky Island. It's a beautiful building with a lovely courtyard and staircase. I live in one of the ITMO Apart dorms, which is modern and convenient.

Are you working on any specific projects?

Yes, I’m working on a research project titled Urban Sustainability in Arabia: Comparative Analysis of High-Density Population Centers. It is quite demanding, to be honest. My thesis advisor is excellent but holds me to a high standard, which I appreciate.

Have you noticed any differences in teaching styles between Russia and the US?

Definitely. In Russia, there’s more of a collectivist approach. For example, professors might critique students publicly, which is less common in the US, where feedback is usually private. However, Russians are more gentle in their communication overall, which balances it out.

What are your plans after graduation?

I’m considering working on urban development projects in the GCC countries or BRICS nations. There are fascinating new ideas emerging, like the NEOM project in Saudi Arabia. I think the future of cities will be shaped by such innovative projects in these regions.

Speaking of NEOM, what are your thoughts on futuristic cities?

I think sustainability will define the cities of the future. Projects like NEOM inspire us to rethink how we use space, especially vertical space for habitation and agriculture. It’s a fascinating area.

What advice would you give to students considering studying in Russia or at ITMO?

Stay open-minded and consider all your options. There are excellent opportunities outside your home country. And yes, Russia may not be what the media often portrays – it has a lot to offer in terms of education, culture, and quality of life.

Lastly, what’s one word that defines your ideal city of the future?

Sustainable. That’s the direction we need to move in – preserving resources and designing cities that are adaptable, inclusive, and resilient.