SPbPU student from Tanzania: "The PolyUnion Club is a great idea to bring enthusiastic students together"

John John, a Polytechnic University student from the United Republic of Tanzania, is currently studying for his master’s degree at SPbPU’s Institute of Biomedical Systems and Biotechnology, where he is studying in English in the Molecular and Cellular Biomedical Technologies program. In an interview with the SPbPU International Office, John spoke about the quality of education in Russia, how he found information about Polytech University, and shared his experience attending the PolyUnion international club for international and Russian students.

— John, what languages other than English do you speak?

— My native language is Swahili, but I also speak English and study Russian. I don’t think it’s that difficult, if only a little.

— Where did you find information about our university? How did you decide to come to Russia?

— In Tanzania we have various Internet resources with information about universities, where you can find out about international programs for students, I found information about Russian universities there.

— Where exactly did you find information about our university? In Tanzania, or when you had already arrived in Russia?

— It was in Tanzania that I learned about such an opportunity as studying in Russia; we have platforms where we can choose a university program. However, I first learned about Polytechnic only when I came to Russia.

— John, where did you complete your bachelor’s degree?

— In Tanzania, at Ardhi University.

— Why did you decide to study in Russia? Why did you choose our university?

— I think there are several reasons for this. First of all, because of the quality and system of education in Russia, you can get a better education here than in other countries. In addition, I started to study here for my master’s degree because I really wanted to study in Russia in general. Also another reason was the university’s excellent reputation.

— Do you remember your first impressions when you first came to Russia?

— Yes, of course. When I arrived at the airport in Moscow and heard Russian, my first impression was that Russian is a beautiful language. In addition, I was a little shocked by the local weather. I came here in December 2020, it was winter, and I actually had to get used to it gradually.

— Tell us about your first month at our university, how did you feel?

— I’m very outgoing, so it wasn’t difficult to get used to new people at the university. There are a lot of students from other countries here, from Africa among them. So it wasn’t difficult at all, I speak English and can easily communicate with other students. Also, the university professors are quite kind and always willing to help us. I made friends from African countries and one friend from the USA. We always help and support each other and live together. I’m very happy that the university gives such opportunities as getting to know people from different countries.

— What student clubs or organizations do you attend?

-There are many language clubs at the university, with practices in Russian, Arabic, Spanish, etc. I go to PolyUnion myself, it’s a great idea to get enthusiastic students together. In the language club you can meet new people and make friends. During internships, students from different countries can learn more about each other while practicing the language. I think it’s very useful.

— John, tell us, what are you going to do after you finish your master’s program?

— After I graduate this year, I’m going to continue my studies and go to graduate school. I feel comfortable continuing to study what I already know. I think graduate school is a pretty respectable degree. In my opinion, it would be better for me to continue my studies and get a Ph.D. to achieve more in my academic future. Getting a Ph.D. is necessary to become a good professional.