Exchange Experience in Russia: A Journey Beyond My Comfort Zone
When my university announced an exchange program to Saint Petersburg, Russia, I was really excited but also nervous. I had always wanted to visit Russia, but I was worried about many things and this was my first time studying abroad, and I didn’t know if I could adapt to a new place and meet new people. But then I thought, “If I don’t take this chance now, will I regret it later?” That question gave me the courage to step out of my comfort zone, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
At first, I thought living in Saint Petersburg, Russia would be very difficult. The people, the culture, and even the weather were so different from Thailand. But when I arrived, I realized it wasn’t as hard as I had imagined. The people were actually friendlier than I expected. My
teachers were kind, and I made friends from different countries. Meeting people from different backgrounds helped me see the world in a new way.
Studying in Russia was very different from what I was used to. The classes were not too stressful, but I still had to finish all my assignments on time. One of the biggest challenges was walking to class every day! It was far, but I saw it as daily exercise. However, in winter, walking through the snow made it much harder!
Simple things like ordering food or taking public transportation were also challenges. Many international brands had left Russia, so I had to figure out new places to eat. I remember searching for KFC, only to find out it had been renamed “Rostic’s”! The language barrier was another challenge, so I started learning basic Russian to help me communicate.
One day, my friend and I got lost. Even with Google Maps, we couldn’t find our way. Then, an old Russian woman came up to us. She didn’t speak English, but she pointed at a sign and tried to explain the directions. Even though I didn’t understand her words, her kindness helped me find my way back. That day, I learned that language isn’t always a barrier sometimes, a simple smile and patience are enough to connect with others. By the way, the metro stations are so beautiful!
One of the best parts of my exchange was seeing Russia’s beautiful architecture. I love modern and classic European-style buildings, and Russia’s cityscapes were amazing.
I also got to experience Russian weather. I arrived in September, which was their summer, but it felt like the whole country had air conditioning! It was so different from Thailand’s heat. And the best part? I finally saw snow for the first time! I tried ice skating, skiing, and even built a snowman (though I also slipped and fell a lot).
