Guinea and Russia – like night and day: African girl learns Russian and her profession at VVSU

We continue our series of materials about international students studying at VVSU. Inmaculada Esperanza Ndong Benga (Inma in short), a fourth-year Economics student, will tell about herself next.

Inma says that every year Russia gives her fellow citizens the opportunity to study free. There are not many places available, which is not the case for those wishing to attend, so participation is compulsory. It only worked out for Inma on her second attempt. She was offered a list of universities and cities, but she chose Vladivostok and VVSU.

In her home country, she completed her studies in Russian; a course called administration and business management, but decided that was not enough. She wanted to learn more about finance and credit, so she decided to move in that direction.  Now Inma is studying at the School of International Business, Economics and Management:

– My country is so small and yours is so big. The hardest part was getting used to it, because Russia and Guinea are like night and day. There are big differences – the weather, the people, everything in general. It wasn''t easy at first. I got many help from my teachers and fellow students. A lot. So, over time, things got better.

Inma tell us that apart from being well educated, it''s also interesting. The library is amazing. There's also a student café. Students have the opportunity to show what they can do apart from their studies. Competitions, celebrations, creative work. And, of course, communication. A girl participated several times in the international festival «I study in Russia» at VVSU, she recited poems. She made her own bag for the VVSU creative competition «Star Autumn». She won second place.

– I like the Russian language, it is very rich. And, of course, it is very difficult for me. When I arrived, the study lasted for a month; I had to quickly enter the course. It turned out that my knowledge is still not enough. But I did, says Inma.

According to Inma''s story, the first year she arrived, students from countries other than Russia surrounded her. Plus everyone has a different mentality, but they needed to understand each other, so spoke in Russian. Over time, Inma has also made Russian friends, she tries to listen to music in Russian and watch films. She also tries to talk to strangers in order to overcome shyness, to become freer.

Inma has a presentation of diploma thesis coming up; she might stay for a master's degree. She hasn't been home in a long time and misses it, but her family supports her decision. She says she will remember her university with warmth and gratitude:

– I am sure my teachers will be as attentive to future students as they were to me.