Preparatory Course student Sheusia on going from ‘completely lost’ to B1 in Russian in one semester
Source: https://english.spbu.ru/news-events/student-reviews/preparatory-course-student-sheusia-going-completely-lost-b1-russian-one Parent: https://english.spbu.ru/admission/preparatory-course-international-students
24 February 2026
Student Reviews
Preparatory Course student Sheusia on going from ‘completely lost’ to B1 in Russian in one semester
Sheusia comes from Mozambique. She is an exceptional student who has won a Russian Government scholarship to pursue a year of language studies on the Preparatory Course and a bachelor’s degree in General Medicine at St. Petersburg State University afterwards.
© St. Petersburg State University
From an early age, Sheusia had already decided to become a doctor. Before coming to Russia, she studied Biological Sciences in Mozambique while preparing and searching for opportunities to pursue medical studies abroad. She shared with us her experience of living and studying at St. Petersburg State University.
How did you decide to come to Russia? What was the application like?
I finished high school two years ago. Back in Mozambique, I was already studying at university, but since high school I had wanted to study abroad. I initially considered countries where English is the main language. It was not because studying in English would necessarily be easier, but because I wanted to improve it further.
Then I fell in love with Russian. I first heard the language spoken on television and really liked how it sounded. I think it was in the American TV show NCIS, which featured a Russian actor and sometimes filmed episodes in Russia. Aside from that, I also learned that Russia has a strong education system.
I heard about tuition-free study opportunities and the possibility of attending a preparatory course through my government. They released a notice about a project called Education in Russia, which offers scholarships. Some people I knew had already come to Russia before me, so I asked them about their experiences.
It was difficult to get into the programme because applicants must demonstrate strong academic performance and carefully follow all stages of the process. Many people applied but did not get the opportunity.
The application process involved extensive paperwork and took several months, almost a year. I applied around October or November, received the results of the first selection stage in February, and then waited until summer to complete the final procedures.
Were your parents okay with this decision?
At first, my parents were not very enthusiastic about my decision — they were worried because I was coming here alone. My mother even wanted to come with me, but I reassured her that I would be able to manage independently.
Now they fully support me. We communicate frequently, although it can sometimes be difficult because some applications are blocked. We mostly use Zoom to stay in touch.
Have you already decided on a major and applied for your bachelor’s?
I will be applying in June. Since I already received the scholarship before arriving at the Preparatory Course, I am already within the state-funded quota and only need to submit my documents during the summer.
I plan to study Medicine. After completing the Preparatory Course, I will apply to SPbU, which is my first choice. I will begin with a General Medicine degree, although I may later specialise in Pediatrics — I am still undecided.
Was navigating the paperwork challenging for you?
Paperwork can be challenging, but I was able to handle everything independently. Students who experience difficulties can receive assistance from the department for international students. Most registration procedures are completed within the first few days after arrival, which helps everything move quickly.
What is studying at the Preparatory Course like?
We have classes for five hours per day, five days a week, in addition to homework, which allows us to improve quickly. Our programme includes both conversation-based classes and grammar lessons. Weekends give us time to rest and explore the city.
Our teachers regularly organise cultural activities such as museum visits, and I also explore St. Petersburg with friends. Recently, we visited the Peter and Paul Fortress.\ My classmates come from very diverse backgrounds, including countries in South and North America such as Mexico, Ecuador, Uruguay and Nicaragua, as well as Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates. There are also many Chinese students at the Preparatory Course, although none in my group.
At the beginning, studying was quite challenging because some students already spoke Russian, while I only knew the alphabet and a few words. I was placed in an A2-level group while many of my friends started at A1. Classes were already conducted in Russian and included complex grammar, which felt overwhelming at first. However, I began studying consistently, and now I understand much more and can follow conversations around me.
In the second semester, I began my medical specialisation classes. My specialisation classes are going very well. They are designed to prepare us for the main medical programme by teaching basic medical terminology in Russian and introducing foundational subjects such as Biology and Anatomy. We also learn academic grammar, how to work with scientific texts, and how to give presentations — essential skills for university study. These classes help international students adapt to the medical education system and make the transition to the main programme much smoother.
© St. Petersburg State University
How has your Russian language level progressed over these past months?
Before coming here, I believed that knowing English would allow me to communicate anywhere. However, when I arrived, I realised that very few people speak English, and at first I felt completely lost.
Now, I can go to restaurants alone and manage everyday situations independently. I have also made Russian friends in the dormitories, and we often switch between Russian and English.
People on the internet sometimes describe Russians as cold, but in my experience they are very kind once you start talking to them. They may seem reserved at first, but they quickly become warm and friendly.
At the end of the year, we will take a major exam: bachelor’s applicants must reach B1 level, while master’s students need B2. We recently completed a trial B1 exam, and I performed well, which gives me confidence. Reaching B1 level within one semester has been challenging, but it showed me how consistency and daily practice can lead to rapid progress.
How’s life in the dormitories treating you?
Our dormitories and classes are located in Peterhof. I enjoy the calm atmosphere, the surrounding nature, and the beauty of the area. At weekends, I can take an electric train to the city centre, which allows me to explore freely.
I do not have to pay much for accommodation compared to renting an apartment. While dormitory life is less comfortable than private housing — shared kitchens can sometimes become messy — the buildings are recently renovated. We live in apartment-style dormitories with separate rooms and shared bathrooms, which turned out to be much more comfortable than I initially expected.
Would you consider living here expensive?
Overall, living here is not very expensive compared to my country. Around 25,000 roubles per month is generally sufficient when living in the dormitory. At the moment, I do not yet receive student discounts because Preparatory Course students are not officially classified as degree students.
Do you have any difficulties adjusting to life in Russia?
I am still adapting to the climate. In my country, winter temperatures rarely drop below 13—15°C, whereas here temperatures are much lower.
Another adjustment concerns food variety. In Mozambique, we have a wide selection of fresh vegetables throughout the year, while in Russia availability is more limited during winter and prices can be higher.
What are your long-term plans?
After completing my medical studies, I hope to gain professional experience both in Russia and internationally. My long-term goal is to become a doctor capable of working in multicultural environments and contributing to healthcare development, particularly in underserved communities. Eventually, I would like to apply this experience to support healthcare development in my home country.
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