Alexis Ntambwe, SPbPU master’s degree student from the DR Congo: life has no drafts

Alexis Ntambwe told how he entered Polytechnic University under the quota of the Russian government and continued his studies at the Polytechnic University’s Master’s degree program at the Institute of Machinery, Materials and Transport.

— Since childhood I dreamed of becoming an engineer and this interest in math, physics and descriptive geometry led me to Polytechnic University. After my first year in my home country, I started to look for opportunities to study abroad and came across online that the Russian government provides a quota for students from the Democratic Republic of Congo. That’s how I ended up in Russia.

— You speak Russian quite well, how did you manage to reach such a level?

— Before my arrival, I had managed to master the Russian alphabet and a few duty phrases. At university, after the preparatory faculty, I learned to explain myself clearly and, of course, to understand others. It took about 2- 3 years to reach the level I have now.

— What were your impressions when you first came to Russia?

— I still remember my arrival on October 10, 2019. It was the lowest temperature in my life — only +8 degrees. It was very cold and I was told it wasn’t even winter yet. I was amazed by the weather and immediately bought winter- appropriate clothes.

— Why did you choose Polytechnic University?

— Polytechnic University is a true center of science and culture and is renowned for its outstanding faculty and research labs that allow students to immerse themselves in relevant scientific research. I was particularly impressed by its historic buildings, which were built 125 years ago.

— Tell us about your studies.

— My experience studying at Polytechnic University has been extremely positive. The path was not easy, but thanks to the wonderful teachers who helped us overcome the language barrier, I was able to gain the necessary knowledge. This is what determined my decision to enroll in a Master’s degree program here at SPbPU.

I am now in my first year of the Master’s degree program in Design and Technology Support of Machine- Building Productions. The program provides graduates with valuable skills in the development and implementation of efficient vehicle manufacturing and assembly technologies, as well as in vehicle maintenance and repair.

— What has helped you cope with life in an unfamiliar country?

Here I found many friends from different countries, including Russia, like- minded people with whom we can implement joint projects both now and in the future. I adhere to the principle that life has no draft: everything happens here and now. The relationships we build during university can be the foundation for a lifetime.

— You represent the Democratic Republic of Congo in the Nation’s Union of SPbPU. Can you tell us more about it?

— Thanks to the initiative and support of Dmitry Arseniev, Vice- Rector for International Affairs, the Nation’s Union, which used to operate in LPI, was reconstituted in Polytechnic University. This organization is an important step to improve interaction between the management of our university and international students, given the multinational composition of our university. The council simplifies various issues related to the improvement of student life and opens up opportunities for joint projects both in the present and in the future.

— What are your plans for the future?

— I plan to pursue science in the future, especially given the growing need for mechanical engineering professionals. It is important to develop strong skills in automated process preparation systems and implement them in manufacturing companies in areas such as automotive assembly, material handling equipment, agricultural machinery, and mining equipment.