Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Jesus graduated with honors from the Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University with a master's degree. He spoke about his educational path at the Institute of Energy, which began in his homeland, Bolivia, and continued in the Polytechnic's graduate program.
— Why did you decide to come to Russia and choose the Saint Petersburg Polytechnic University?
— At 18, I became interested in Russia. There are still specialists who studied in the USSR working in Bolivia, including teachers from my university. I was especially impressed by Russia’s rich history and its engineering feats: the first satellite, the first nuclear power plant in Obninsk, and others. After completing my bachelor’s degree, I decided it was time — and chose St. Petersburg. The city attracted me with its culture, theaters, and museums. And the Polytechnic University became my choice because of its centuries-old traditions — after all, the university is already 126 years old!
— What were your first impressions of St. Petersburg and the Polytechnic?
— The first impression was that it was very cold! I come from a bright, sunny country, and the climate adaptation was difficult. But I still remember walking along Nevsky Prospect and being amazed by the architecture of your city! At first, I studied for a year at the preparatory faculty — I studied Russian. It was a very interesting process. Before coming, I studied Russian for about a year in Bolivia, but only at the basic level. The preparatory faculty helped a lot. It was also incredibly interesting for me to study basic subjects, such as physics and mathematics, in another language. Spanish is my native language, and Russian is very far from it. I was even surprised at how effective the Russian language is, in my opinion, for science. We speak a lot in Spanish, and in Russian, it seems to me, the rules are more logical. So scientific phenomena or concepts are explained more effectively, with fewer words.
— You graduated with honors — that’s a huge achievement! What was the hardest thing at the beginning of your studies?
— It was difficult for two main reasons. Firstly, knowledge of the language. Russian is considered one of the most difficult languages. After the preparatory faculty, it was still difficult for me to understand all the teachers at once. Over time, I managed to master the language. Secondly, there is a big difference in the education systems. It was difficult for me to adapt, because everything is different here. If we talk about the engineering industry, then the Polytechnic University has a very practical approach to solving problems.
— What is your specialization at the Institute of Energy?
— My area of expertise is electric power engineering. I deliberately chose this broad area because of its versatility and the presence of various specializations. After studying possible development paths, I decided on the areas closest to me: energy ecology, autonomous systems, and renewable energy sources.
— How did you organize your time for effective study? Were there any special methods?
— The main thing is that I was not afraid to ask any questions to the teachers. They were always ready to help! I had a huge interest in deepening my knowledge, and they constantly supported me. The second important aspect is that studying Russian never stopped. I was always interested, asked questions to my Russian classmates, who eventually became my friends. They were also always ready to help.
— Were there any difficulties in communicating with Russian students?
— Of course, there were difficulties at first. But from the very first days, people came up to me, asked where I was from, asked about Latin America — what we have, what we don’t. That’s how the first contacts were made. And by the end of my master’s degree, I proudly realized that I had written my thesis in another language! It was a real challenge that required persistence and determination. There were moments of despair when I wanted to give up everything, but I knew that I had to go towards my goal.
— What were the biggest non-academic difficulties you encountered in Russia? Climate, food, everyday life, mentality?
— First of all, the climate! I arrived at the end of September. I am still surprised that this city has two faces — winter and summer, it is interesting, but difficult. Secondly, a bit of a mentality. We, Latin Americans, are not as straightforward as Russians. It was hard for me to get used to the fact that in Russia everything goes very quickly, straight to the point. And everything changes constantly. Even the weather! In my city, Bolivia, there are practically no seasons. Here you need to constantly change clothes depending on the season. But it was a very interesting adaptation process.
— What did you like most about St. Petersburg?
— You can find everything here! It was the capital of the Russian Empire. I see old buildings and feel like I am in the 19th century! I went to theaters, museums — there is always something new and interesting here.
— Have you been to other cities in Russia?
— Yes, I visited Murmansk, Moscow and Bryansk. The contrast with St. Petersburg is striking. Moscow lives at an accelerated pace. However, the unique atmosphere of St. Petersburg turned out to be closer to me. Despite all the modernity of Moscow, I realized: this is not my city. St. Petersburg, which has become my home, wins in terms of sensations. Murmansk is remembered for its harsh climate and the special mentality of its residents: the long winter seems to foster mutual assistance. I was amazed by the views of the Arctic Ocean and the tundra – a completely different nature. Polar day and night – an experience that is difficult to comprehend, but incredibly impressive.
— How have you changed during your studies at the Polytechnic?
— Polytechnic changed me both as a professional and as a person. Thanks to the teachers, I did not just gain knowledge — I immersed myself in the world of modern technologies and methods of electric power engineering, which I had only heard about before. Now, holding a diploma in my hands, I feel that this is not just a piece of paper, but confirmation that I have become a real engineer. And life in Russia has taught me much more than textbooks. The St. Petersburg weather and all the difficulties have made me stronger in spirit, taught me patience and incredible persistence. Now I know that to achieve a goal, you need not only a head, but also character.
— If you knew then, on the first day of school, what you know now, what advice would you give yourself?
— The advice is simple. Communicate with the locals as intensively as possible from the first day. This is the shortest and most effective way to understand the cultural code, mentality and real "rules of the game" in studying and life in Russia. Knowledge of these nuances — from informal traditions to approaches to solving problems — turned out to be no less important than academic skills.
— What was the most unexpected or even shocking experience in life and studies?
— The education system is what surprised me the most! Here in Bolivia, a bachelor's degree is a base, a foundation without specialization. You become a specialist only in master's degree, choosing that one and only focus. Here, everything is different. You choose a specialization already in the bachelor's degree! Master's degree is the next level. Can you imagine my surprise? It was not easy to adapt! In lectures, teachers sometimes started from the middle — as if we all skipped the first six chapters of the textbook and should immediately understand the seventh.
— What are your plans after graduate school?
— I hope that I can become a teacher, either in my home country or in another country. I really like doing science, ever since school. I would like to combine my studies with work here in Russia during my postgraduate studies. Your country gave me the opportunity to study, and I would like to try my hand here. We'll see.
— Do you think that a Polytechnic diploma will give you an advantage when applying for a job, whether in Bolivia or another country?
– Yes, definitely! Especially in Asia and Latin America. Employers value those who studied in Russia because they know that you have a very practical approach and methods in engineering. In Latin America, they know about St. Petersburg and the Polytechnic University well. A diploma from this university shows that a person has received deep practical knowledge and is able to solve any engineering problems.
— What is the main piece of advice or advice you would give to a future foreign student entering the Polytechnic?
— Believe in yourself and be persistent. Entering and studying in another country is a challenge. Your confidence and persistence will help you overcome any difficulties. Learn Russian — this is the key. Without the language, it will be difficult to study, communicate, make friends. Be interested in the culture. Don’t be afraid of “seriousness”. Russian people may seem serious and straightforward. But! My experience has shown that there is a real “Russian soul” behind this! They are reliable and always ready to help. The most important thing is to be open, curious and don’t be afraid of new things. Studying at the Polytechnic is a chance not only to get an excellent education, but also to experience an amazing adventure that will change you.
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