19/10/2021

INTERVIEW – Elina Bakunova, a Russian teacher and former international student: ‘Studying in Russia is different than in America’

Elina Bakunova, a Russian teacher and former international student, states that studying at Russian and American or European universities is very different. ‘At American universities you can choose your study schedule, but at Russian universities students have to follow a strict study program. Russia offers more than 800 universities and more than 700 subjects in master’s and bachelor’s degrees and postgraduate programs to international students.’

Bakunova explains that all classes at a Russian university last for one hour and a half and that there is a strict separation between theoretical lectures and work seminars (study groups of 20-25 people) where students can work on projects, group works and presentations. ‘In Russia you have lots of homework, study often and have to do many essays, assignments and presentations. In Europe you can graduate in however much time you want, because of the credits system. However, in Russia you have to follow a scheduled study plan: a student needs to pass every course in a semester to be allowed to go on to the next semester. ‘Important to note is that students need a student visa to study in Russia. Also, international students are allowed to work while studying in Russia, because of a new law that was introduced one year ago.’

Russian academics not to be taken lightly…
Elina shares that the Russian education system is stricter than the American one. Elina studied at the People’s Friendship University in Moscow before moving to America to study at the Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia. ‘At American universities you can choose which courses you take or drop and schedule them in your planning according to your liking, but in Russia, that is not the case. At Russian universities students have to follow a strict schedule and you have to take all the classes on the planning, even when your day starts at 9 am and finishes at 6 pm. Also, in Russia you often do not receive a syllabus containing all the information you will be learning during the semester. Every lesson can be different and as a student you do not know what to expect.’

…but can be a great option for international students
One of the biggest advantages of studying in Russia is the price and the low living costs, mentions Bakunova. Annually, you pay almost 1.900 dollars to study in Russia and more than 8.000 dollars to study at the best international universities in the USA or in Europe. Furthermore, the quality of education is on par with the level of education offered in Europe and America. ‘Russian universities offer living conditions and dormitories to students that cost between 1.000 and 4.000 Rubbles per month (between 100 and 500 dollars per year).

Moreover, students can enjoy various discounts for transportation permits, expositions, events, ballets, theatre pieces and so on. For example, an unlimited transportation permit costs less than 100 dollars per year.’ Also, Russia has more than 800 universities spread out over 84 regions where you can study and more than 700 subjects in master’s and bachelor’s degrees and postgraduate programs, ranging from mathematics to journalism and science. Lastly, the biggest perk of studying in Russia is that its government offers more than 1.000 free education and scholarship programs for talented Russian and international students each year. ‘Russia can be an excellent country to study in and while studying you expand your knowledge of the Russian language to a professional level.’

The Russian  government offers more than 1.000 free education and scholarship programs for talented Russian and international students each year. © Elina Bakunova

A lot of practical advantages in a cold-weather country
Firstly, convenient public transportation (busses, trolley busses, trams, metro and taxi) is widespread in and between big and small cities in Russia. ‘If you download the Yandeks Metro App (De Lijn and NMBS app in one), you can find out how to travel to anywhere. In small Suburban cities you can even take electric trains or mini-vans, which are very cheap.’ Next, the prices in Russia for everything is really cheap, e.g.: an expensive lunch in a restaurant costs four dollars and the quality of food is really healthy. ‘All the vegetables and fruits are cultivated in greenhouses and in every supermarket you can find healthy and organic food options for the same price.’

Moreover, international cities and particularly Moscow are known for its rich culture: you can find more than 400 museums and 150 theatres in Moscow. ‘Every day there are different plays, pieces and events and students can enjoy up to 50 % discount or even watch some events for free, if they use their student card.’ Furthermore, students can visit around the clock supermarkets and shops: many supermarkets are open 24/7, except for alcohol shops: those are closed at 11 pm.’ Lastly, Russian people treat their guests as the most important person in their household. Russians want to show their best to every guest. ‘My friends from Europe complained that they gained too much weight during their stay, because my mum made too much food for them.’ (laughs)

‘Russians have struggled to learn the English language for generations’

But, there are some drawbacks to living in Russia as an international student. One of them is that very few local people speak English. Russians have struggled to learn the English language for generations. They have difficulty mastering it, because there are not many English sounds found in the Russian language. ‘Many Russians like to only talk in Russian and only young people tend to speak English. Also, locals can seem very reserved and unfriendly and do not actively talk to strangers: they avoid looking into another person’s eyes. ‘When you smile at a Russian on the street, they think you need or want something from them. Luckily, Russians warm up to you once you get to know them better.’

Text: Jellen Monsieur, final editor: Maaike Hugaerts
Photos: © Elina Bakunova