Search by tag «Russian culture» 84 results

• Russia's Firsts at the Oscars

  Over the past 80+ years, Russia has made its presence felt at the Academy Awards with over 160 nominations and 30 wins. As the 2025 Oscars approach, we decided to look back at some moments etched in Russia’s history on the red carpet – feat. the first-ever nomination and win, a Guinness World Record-breaking movie, and a viral movie star making the headlines today.

  25.02.2025

• Five Soviet and Russian Cars That Made It Onto the Big Screen

  Though the Russian (and before it, Soviet) car industry has had its ups and downs over the decades, today we're going to examine a few of its most iconic representatives that have left a lasting impression on the silver screen – both in Russia and in Hollywood. Buckle up and enjoy the ride!

  03.02.2025

• From Unicorns to Orange Trees: St. Petersburg's Most Unusual Local Flags

  Strange shapes, mythical animals, Roman gods… we’ve already explored some of the most unusual flags found throughout Russia, but what about St. Petersburg in particular? In this installment, we’re going to zoom in on the flag collection of our beloved city.

  14.01.2025

• Must-Watch Russian Cartoons for Learners of Any Level

  Watching animated movies isn’t solely a fun pastime. Packed full with simple-to-grasp themes, authentic vocabulary, and vibrant visuals, they are also a great way to learn a language and its culture. For an efficient-yet-enjoyable learning experience, here’s a list of Russian cartoons for anyone from beginners to more advanced speakers, lovingly hand-picked by Svetlana Dorofeeva, a lecturer at ITMO's Foreign Language Training Center.

  06.01.2025

• 5 Historic Mansions Near St. Petersburg To Visit This Winter

  Options for making the most of the winter holidays are unlimited: you can discover new architectural styles, learn about prominent Russian figures, or find peace reconnecting with nature. Actually, why choose? By visiting these historic mansions, you’ll kill three birds with one stone.

  20.12.2024

• Making Sense of Russian Street Names: St. Petersburg Edition

  Have you ever walked down a street and wondered where its name comes from? In fact, many local toponyms are part of larger patterns influenced by history, geography, and the everyday lives of people. Read this article to uncover the stories and meanings behind some of the most popular ones.

  09.12.2024

• Beyond the Tricolor: Russia's Most Unusual Local Flags

  While the Russian flag (aka the tricolor) is familiar to many, there’s a collection of other, lesser-known flags found in the country’s towns and cities, districts, and many other areas; some of which will strike you with not only with their beauty and creativity – but also, sometimes, oddity.

  26.11.2024

• Top Russian Cartoons Watched Worldwide

  With these five contemporary Russian animated series, you'll not just have a blast – you'll also get in on plenty of cultural references, in-jokes, and even some philosophical conversations that are all so loved by the Russians and the world.

  08.11.2024

• Speak Like a Russian: Zoomer Lingo

  In order to really feel like you’re a part of the conversation, just knowing the language isn’t always enough. If you’re learning Russian, one of the puzzling parts of talking to locals will be slang – such as the kind used by the youngest of your peers at university. Luckily, internet culture has made these terms more universal, and many may be intuitively understood by many English speakers; however, there are some notable – and often fascinating – differences. 

  28.10.2024

• ITMO Student’s Adaptation Guide

  For international students, exams and term papers aren’t the only cause of stress. Having to combine studies with finding your footing in an all-new environment can be tricky! The challenges are many, but none of them are impossible – or even difficult – as long as you’re prepared. From dealing with culture shock to learning the local customs and history, here are the things you should know as a new arrival to St. Petersburg. Trust us: you’ve got this.

  08.10.2024