Search by tag «International Students Stories» 242 results

• Student Spotlight: Ayan Ali, Pakistan

  Picture this: a small robot rolls through a virtual maze, thinking its way around corners. Behind the scenes is Ayan Ali, a Master’s student at ITMO – quietly watching, tweaking, and reprogramming. Raised in Pakistan, Ayan is an individual driven by his love for machines. In this interview, he shares with us what it means to build tech that’s both intelligent and human.

  10.07.2025

• Student Spotlight: Houssam Aabdani, Morocco

  With a background in energy and hydraulics, a lifelong passion for climate action, and an ever-curious spirit, Houssam is diving into the world of green tech as a Master’s student at ITMO. But there’s more to his life than thermodynamics and hydrogen modeling: you might also find him fencing, skating, or brewing mint tea for friends. In this interview, he reflects on education, resilience, and what it truly means to build a future that’s both sustainable and deeply human.

  03.07.2025

• Student Spotlight: Mariam Badran, Syria

  Meet Mariam, a Master’s student at ITMO University, studying foodtech. In this interview, Mariam talks about shifting disciplines, discovering Russian life, and her hopes to combine her pharmacy background with food science to improve health on a global scale. Read on!

  26.06.2025

• Student Spotlight: Bakhtiar Rasheed, Pakistan

  When Bakhtiar Rasheed arrived in St. Petersburg, it wasn’t just the weather and elegant European architecture that left an impression – it was the chance to be part of a technological future shaped by cutting-edge tech. In this interview, he shares his first impressions, future ambitions, and what learning Russian is really like.

  19.06.2025

• Student Spotlight: Sinem Aygün, Türkiye

  When she came to St. Petersburg, Sinem knew she was signing up for more than just Russian language lessons – she was stepping into a whole new rhythm of life. Currently a student of the Foundation Program, Sinem is not only preparing to begin her Bachelor's in software engineering at ITMO, but also embracing a new lifestyle. In this interview, she shares how her study-abroad experience has helped her grow, both as a student and an individual. 

  12.06.2025

• Student Spotlight: Wang Qin, China

  Wang’s academic journey bridges many worlds – China and Russia, software and hardware, challenges and successes. After completing his Master’s at ITMO, Wang is now preparing to return as a PhD student, having won a full scholarship once again. In this interview, he reflects on his cross-cultural academic path, the value of interdisciplinary research, and how setbacks can become stepping stones.

  05.06.2025

• Student Spotlight: Abdallah Essa, Egypt

  With a background in computer science and a full scholarship via the Open Doors contest, Master’s student Abdallah Essa is now diving deep into the world of big data and machine learning at ITMO University. In this interview, he shares what inspires him, how he's navigating life in Russia, and much more.

  29.05.2025

• Student Spotlight: Basil Soufi, USA

  What brings an American student from California to the heart of St. Petersburg? For Basil Soufi, the answer lies in his lifelong curiosity, love for cities, and fascination with global cultures. Now pursuing a Master’s degree in Digital Urban Studies at ITMO, this globe-trotting urbanist believes every city – and every student – deserves to see the world beyond their borders.

  22.05.2025

• Student Spotlight: Sophia Gallegos, USA

  Not quite a foreigner, not quite a native – Sophia Gallegos lives in the in-between. An American who finished high school in Russia and now studies biotechnology at ITMO, Sophia blends the two worlds with quiet confidence, sharp wit, and a cup of tea always close by. Whether she's collecting colorful salts or dodging cultural clichés, Sophia is proof that not all international students’ stories follow the same script.

  15.05.2025

• Student Spotlight: Sara Samine, Morocco

  Some experiences stay with you forever – whether it's snowfall in the mountains of Morocco or a stroll along Nevsky Prospekt beneath the winter lights. For Sara Samine, her exchange semester at ITMO wasn’t just her first time abroad; it was a leap into the unknown that brought her closer to herself. In this interview, Sara shares how courage, curiosity, and community helped her find unexpected strength, cross-cultural connections, and a second home in St. Petersburg.

  01.05.2025