My Journey in Russia: From First Words to Big Plans

El Imrani Mohamed, student of the “Adaptation of Foreign Citizens' Education to Russian Standards” program (Preparatory Department) at the Institute of Philology and Intercultural Communication (Center for Pre-University Training of Foreign Citizens) at Bunin Yelets State University

The Beginning of a New Chapter

My name is Mohamed, and I am from Tetouan, Morocco. I am currently taking a preparatory course in natural sciences at Bunin Yelets State University in Yelets, Russia. I really love living in Russia because I admire its rich culture, picturesque nature, and significant advances in technology and information. At the same time, I love my homeland, Morocco, and my beautiful city. I feel peaceful and tranquil by the sea and enjoy the silence and natural beauty of the mountains. These places give me a sense of harmony and inner peace, which I cherish very much. 

Moving to another country is always a challenge, but coming to Russia marked the beginning of a completely new chapter for me. As an international student, I knew that it would be more than just a change of scenery, but a deep immersion in a different culture, climate, and, of course, language.

Now, studying at the preparatory department, I can confidently say that this stage is the most important foundation for my entire future life here. When I started studying at the preparatory department, I realized how difficult it was. At first, cases and verb aspects seemed to be an insurmountable barrier. However, thanks to my teachers and everyday communication, I began to appreciate the beauty of the Russian language. 

The preparatory department is more than just a course. It’s a place where we, students from all over the world, learn to understand each other, using Russian. We laugh at our mistakes together and rejoice at our first grammatically correct sentences in a store or on the bus.

Unforgettable Impressions

In Russia, I really like its architecture and grandeure of the cities. Even a simple walk in the park or a metro trip turns into an excursion. But what impressed me most were the people. Despite the stereotype of their rigidity, I met many open-hearted and helpful Russians. I was especially struck by their hospitality: if you're invited to someone's home, you are sure to be offered a lot of food, and the conversation will last until late in the evening. I also loved the change of seasons—I saw real snow for the first time, and it was an unforgettable experience, even though the cold weather was unusual for me.

Definitely, there are also some difficulties. The main challenge is to adapt to everyday life and the climate. Winter requires special discipline in clothing and habits. It was also difficult at first to adjust to bureaucratic details and the fast pace of life in a big city. Sometimes I feel homesick and miss my home food, but communicating with new friends helps me quickly overcome this. Sociocultural adaptation is a process that requires patience, and I’m learning to accept local rules and traditions as part of my new experience.

Space for Growth

My plans for the future are clearly defined. After successfully completing the preparatory course, I plan to enroll in a degree program at university to get a high-quality education in my chosen field of study. Besides studying, I also want to become a professional who can serve as a “bridge” between the cultures of my country and Russia. I believe that the years spent here will give me a unique perspective and skills that will be in demand anywhere in the world. 

Russia has become a place where I can test my strength and a space for growth. I am grateful for this opportunity and look to the future with optimism.