General Medicine - in English

Why did you choose NSU?

- To be honest, I always dreamed of studying at a university in Moscow or Saint Petersburg and never imagined I would study in Novosibirsk. However, I talked with my Russian friends in Saint Petersburg and my Iranian friends in Novosibirsk, and they told me that this is a modern and very good university that will help me become a successful and modern doctor. That’s why I chose the Institute of Medicine and Medical Technologies at NSU.

What difficulties did you face adapting to the new place, and how did you overcome them?

- On the day I arrived in Novosibirsk, it seemed to me that winter would never end. I also thought it would be very difficult to make friends with the locals. But after a few months of studying and living here, the sincere warm communication with people and the amazing atmosphere of the university campus proved to me that these fears were groundless. Now I am very happy with my decision.

Have you developed any new habits during your time living in Russia? If yes, what are they?

- Since I came to Russia, besides my clothes becoming much warmer and myself becoming more cheerful, I have started studying much more. Besides that, I haven’t noticed any special changes :)

Are there any features of Russian culture that you like?

- If I start talking about Russian culture, I won’t be able to express my feelings even in several hours. But briefly: Russia and Iran are very close geopolitically and geographically. There has been close interaction between our countries throughout history. It may be hard to imagine, but our cultures have striking similarities. This is seen in words like “samovar” and “chemodan” (suitcase), the first came from Russian into Persian, and the second — vice versa. This is noticeable in our cuisine and mentality as well. In Iran, as in Russia, the poems of great poets like Omar Khayyam and Rumi are very famous. And the works of Russian writers and poets, such as Pushkin, are sometimes even more popular than books by many European and American authors. This cultural closeness really fascinates me.

What advice would you give to other international students applying to NSU?

- I would advise other students to definitely consider NSU if they want to become the best in their field. This university is like a thief that steals hearts. It is so captivating that you simply cannot help but fall in love with it!

Why did you choose Novosibirsk State University?  

— NSU is one of the most renowned universities in Russia with an international reputation. Additionally, it is located near leading scientific institutes where distinguished professors and researchers work. The university provides excellent opportunities for study and research with its modern equipment and resources. My decision to study at NSU was motivated by its strong integration of theoretical and practical training, as well as the university’s focus on advanced research in medical sciences. Throughout my studies, I have aimed to comprehensively expand my medical knowledge and refine my clinical skills. My goal is to make a meaningful contribution to healthcare and treatment in the future.

What challenges did you face when adapting to a new place?

— I faced various challenges, including getting to know a new environment, adapting to the climate, and meeting new people. At first, these difficulties may seem like obstacles for my goals, but in reality, they can become a platform for growth and self-development. By relying on my own abilities and seeking guidance from local people, I was able to overcome these challenges. My first major challenge was being away from my family and friends. By trying to understand the culture of the new environment and establishing effective connections with people around me, I gradually developed a sense of belonging and comfort.

What do you like, and what makes it difficult to communicate with local students?

— One of the greatest qualities of local students is their willingness to help. Whenever someone needs assistance, they will understand the situation and provide all the necessary support. However, one of the main challenges was my limited proficiency in Russian. Of course, mutual interest in learning helps build constructive and lasting relationships, but sometimes cultural and linguistic differences create challenges, and even wrong words can cause misunderstanding. To overcome these challenges, I have worked on improving my Russian language skills and increasing my interactions.

Have you developed any new habits while living in Russia? If so, which ones?

— Student life in Russia developed such valuable skills as time management and prioritisation. Since accuracy and punctuality are highly valued in Russia, these skills helped me perform better both at university and in daily life. In addition, during my stay, I met people from many different nationalities and cultures. This experience not only improved my communication skills but also exposed me to diverse cultures, which I found both fascinating and valuable. Additionally, becoming familiar with hospitality customs and respecting local traditions helped me interact with others and strengthened my social connections in the new environment.

What advice do you have for other international students applying to Novosibirsk State University?

— Based on my personal experience, I highly recommend NSU to all international students! With its distinguished professors, excellent educational and research facilities, and a dynamic academic environment, this university provides valuable opportunities for growth. Studying at NSU can pave the way to great success. I advise international students to focus on their academic preparation and language skills, as the level of education at this university is very high and requires dedication and consistent effort. Participate in cultural activities, expand your social network. Be patient and maintain a positive attitude. Student life in a new country comes with challenges, but it is also an incredibly valuable and rewarding experience.

Why did you choose NSU?

— NSU is one of the most well-known universities in Russia with a high ranking. Also, my friends recommended this university to me.

What challenges did you face when adapting to a new place, and how did you cope with them?

— The first challenge was the Russian language, as I had little knowledge of Russian when I came here. The second challenge was the weather. I came fr om an Arab country wh ere it is warm all year round, and the winter in Russia was not easy for me.

What are your impressions of the university?

— I am happy to study at such a good university as NSU. We have many activities, we do volunteer work, and every year something new appears, with various interesting events being organized.

What knowledge have you obtained while living in Akademgorodok?

— First of all, the knowledge which is related to my specialty: I learned a lot about Russian scientists who made a significant contribution to the development of world science. I was impressed when I got to know Russian culture and traditions. At home, I could not have imagined that Russia is such a wonderful country. My impressions of it have completely changed, and I am very glad to live here.

What advice would you give to other international students applying to NSU?

— The first piece of advice is to attend all lectures and classes. When a foreign student moves to Russia, they, like me, first ask themselves: "Why should I attend lectures if I don't understand what is being said?" This is a mistake. Even if you don't understand anything, going to lectures is very important — it helps you adapt and better learn the language. The second piece of advice — to live comfortably in Russia, you need to speak the language and respect the local culture, because it is amazing! Kind and sympathetic people live here. When I first arrived, I went out for a walk and immediately met some Russian guys who supported me and helped me learn the language.