Top-Notch Summer: International Students’ Insights

Mohammad-Hossein Vaziri-Moghim, Iran

student of the Foundation Program 

My first plan for this summer is to meet my family. They are coming to Russia, and it’s definitely a pleasure for me because this has been the first time we’ve been apart for so long, and, of course, I miss them. Also, I’d like to travel to different Russian cities. I’ve been to Moscow, Kazan, and Saransk already, but I’d like to visit Moscow once again to relish Red Square.

Another goal for the season is to strengthen my Russian. When my Bachelor’s classes start in September, my language skills need to be on a high level so I can understand the material well.  For that, I’m going to watch TV series, movies, and read several books in Russian, as well as those in English and Persian.

Since the best months here are July and August, they should be enjoyed. On the other hand, I’d recommend international students to use these two months as an opportunity to enhance their Russian language skills.

Bryan Gergeis, Egypt

Bachelor’s student at the Faculty of Control Systems and Robotics

This summer I’ve started working as a DJ. I play and mix techno, hip-hop, and funk at different clubs and I’m looking forward to improving in this direction in these coming months. Besides being a way to earn some money on life in the city, it’s also an amazing experience and an opportunity to meet new, like-minded people. I’m also waiting for some dancing battles and rap showcases.

This winter we’ve been to Yagodnoye with my faculty to celebrate Megabattle and it was great, so now I'm curious how Yagodnoye looks like this time of the year. In July I’m celebrating my birthday, for the second time in Russia. I’ve never had a huge b-day party before, and don’t know how it will turn out this time, but I’ll be glad to spend it with my friends here. After that, in August, I’m planning a trip home to visit my family and friends before coming back for the new academic year.

Abbar Abdeljalil, Algeria

student of the Foundation Program 

I used to work every summer in my home country, Algeria. There are seasonal government jobs for students where they can fill in for people on holidays. But here in Russia it is completely different for an international student: your language skills are the most important factor in getting a job. After looking a lot at the topic, I decided to dedicate time to improving my Russian through more communication and repetition of what I studied already.

Also, I want to get to know the country more by taking trips to Moscow and the most important tourist cities with my groupmates. And don’t forget St. Petersburg – there are lots of beautiful places that we haven’t visited yet!

Adeniyi Oyehan, Nigeria

Master’s student at the Faculty of Biotechnologies 

Well, it's my first summer here and I've heard about the beautiful verandas and rooftops here. I think it's time to explore them. As for traveling, I've heard a lot about Sochi, but I would still prefer to spend this summer here in St. Petersburg. Just a few days ago, I went to the Kirochnoe Podvorye camp. There's a lake where one can swim and it's beautiful; it’s definitely a place worth visiting.

If you want to get into the spirit of summer like a local, discover our seasonal recommendations for Russian books to read, refreshing foods to savor, and essential summer activities to partake in.