My first spell in Russia

My first spell in Russia

My name is Joshua Tumwine from Uganda. My journey to Russia started while I was at Makerere University (MUK) at faculty of Technology in 2012, under the Memorandum of Understanding between Makerere University and Belgorod State Technological University to pursue a double degree program.

This encompassed undertaking Russian language lessons and disciplines about Russian culture and history at Makerere University besides other disciplines for one whole academic year to prepare for my soon to be program in Russia. I must say it was a very new experience for me and I really enjoyed studying about the Russian History and culture.

In November 2013, I was on my maiden flight courtesy of Egyptair heading to Russia. As usual by that time of the year it’s quite already cold as winter is setting in. Good enough a Russian language professor at Makerere University who was taking us through Russian language classes had given us enough guidance about the Russian culture and weather, so to a certain extent I had done some bit of preparations for the cold Russian weather though I had never imagined it could get so cold like that.

On my arrival to Moscow at Domodedovo International airport my soon to be Russian university had already organized for me an airport pickup taxi service to pick me from the airport to take me to Kruskaya train station heading to Belgorod City in south western Russia where my University was located. I enjoyed the train ride for around 9 hours since it had beds to sleep; this was also new to me at that moment. In the train compartment I was in, there were very friendly and hospitable Russians who even offered me some refreshments as we held some bit of conversation in Russian language (putting to use the Russian language I had learnt while in Uganda). From Belgorod train station another university pickup service was already waiting for me and helped to check-in at my place of residence. The unique and interesting bit was it being a morning around 7 or 8am, but the place still being covered with the night darkness and those beautiful city lights of the winter effect. I couldn’t stop getting mesmerized by this beauty.

In the next days, the university international office was of great support for the visa registration, extension and doing my medical checkups. From there I started my classes organized in small manageable groups where the professors can have maximum interaction with the students. It was really much fun learning in such format as it was easier to carry out practicals and also consult the instructors adequately for better understanding.

It is from Russia that I got an opportunity to deeply know and interact with diverse beautiful African cultures and people from almost every corner of Africa at very personal level; this is because almost every African nation was represented in my university and the Belgorod city I was living in. This is on top of the international rich cultural events that were frequently organized by my Russian University. I am really forever grateful for this opportunity.

In the same manner, l got the tremendous opportunity while in Russia to experience other diverse cultures outside Africa, such as Latin American cultures, Middle East, the Far East, and European cultures. I really had such a rich exposure and wide experience in Russia.

I also enjoyed the opportunities of traveling, visiting and participating in conferences in other Russian cities like Kursk and Moscow during my stay in Belgorod from where I met new people and made more friends both Russian and foreigners.

Winter in Belgorod Russia. Early 2017

I really admired the discipline and safety in the city of Belgorod. In some cases if you accidentally lost or misplaced your stuff like smartphone, the locals would be helpful enough to keep it safe so that you could find it again. Similarly the place was safe whether at night or day time. Generally Belgorod city was such a calm and beautiful city with very friendly people.

On top of Russia being such a clean and organized country with an advanced transport system, the locals in Belgorod City (my new home away from home) boasted being the cleanest city in the whole of Russia.

I had the opportunity of being a coordinator of Ugandan students in Belgorod during my 4 years stay in Belgorod Russia representing them in the University student council and coordinating with the Uganda embassy in Moscow Russia. It was such wonderful opportunity seating with other student leaders from other parts of the world and University leadership. It enhanced my leadership experience and skills.

Four years in Belgorod seemed very short because of such wonderful experiences and the friends I had made there. Soon my graduation time arrived in June 2017 as I obtained a first class with honours degree in Industrial and Civil Engineering. I really did not want to leave Belgorod. It had become my home and my lovely city. But nevertheless I bid farewell to my beautiful Belgorod city my home away from home.

Graduation Bachelor’s degree first class honours Industrial and civil Engineering. Belgorod 2017.

My second spell in Russia

I could not resist my love and passion for Russia, in 2018 I applied for master’s degree, and luckily enough I was among the selected candidates through a competitive selection for Russian government scholarship. Thanks to the Russian embassy in Uganda that coordinates the whole process and provides guidance and very helpful support through the whole process.

In September 2018, I was on the flight Egypt air heading back to Russia again, this time round to another beautiful Russian city St Petersburg. Actually it’s often referred to as the cultural Capital of Russia. A city with many beautiful bridges, museums including the famous State Hermitage museum, tallest skyscraper (Lakhta Cener) in the whole of Europe, white nights in the summer. Indeed it’s a leading tourist destination every year.

While participating in international Symposium “World Cities World Class University Network” that brings together leading universities in the world to discuss solutions for challenges faced by modern cities. 2019

I got the opportunity to study at one of the best and prestigious Russian universities called St Petersburg Polytechnic University named after Peter the Great. There were quite many opportunities in this university, ranging from exchange semesters to various parts of the world, international scientific conferences, various kinds of sports and games and music concerts. I participated in some international scientific conferences and symposium where I got opportunity to network and interact with researchers from different parts of the globe. Through my University I even managed to win a “Finland First Plus” grant to do an exchange semester in LUT University Finland.

In Russian education system, students are organized in smaller groups which makes it easy for the professors to train students. But of course this is possible because of adequate resources and funding from the Russian government. The professors are very friendly, they are always open to help students to understand education concepts. They are very approachable, you do not feel that huge vertical gap or hierarchy between professors and students. I was really impressed by this culture since it makes the whole learning process easier and supportive.

Brainstorming during the International Scientific Symposium. “World Cities World Class University Network-WC2” 2019 3 continents represented; left to right. Joshua (Uganda- Africa), Rafeal (Brazil –South America), Zhang (China- Asia), Valentina (Russia- Europe).

I am really excitedly looking forward to going back to Russia to pursue my PhD studies since my career dreams and interests are inclined to advanced scientific research given the fact that the Russian Universities are quite adequately funded by the Russian government to carry out scientific research at an advanced level.

Graduation, Masters in civil engineering. St Petersburg 2020

Graduation Master’s degree civil engineering St Petersburg