Embracing the World: Between Challenges and Enjoyment
Going on an exchange program is an adventure into the unknown, filled with both challenges and countless wonderful experiences. Life is not just about striving for success but also about knowing how to enjoy it. My time in Saint Petersburg, Russia, deepened my understanding of this belief—I had to adapt to a new environment, bravely take on various challenges, and at the same time, fully embrace the beauty of everyday life.
Adaptation and Growth: From Unease to Enjoyment
When I first arrived in Saint Petersburg, everything felt unfamiliar—the language barrier, different teaching methods, the cold weather, and even the variations in daylight hours made it hard to adjust. However, over time, I adapted, attempting to communicate with teachers and classmates in Russian, actively participating in class discussions, and gradually getting used to the academic pace here. Teachers in here were incredibly dedicated, not only teaching us vocabulary and grammar but also bringing physical objects to aid our learning and even taking us outside the classroom to study in real-life settings. For example, we visited Mariinsky Palace, where we discussed its historical background in Russian, making knowledge come to life. Additionally, our teacher took us on a visit to a factory, where we witnessed the production process firsthand and gained insights into the local industrial sector. This experience allowed me to appreciate learning beyond textbooks and gave me a more concrete understanding of Russia’s economy and manufacturing industry.
Life Beyond the Classroom: Enjoying Every Moment
Beyond academics, I fully embraced the charm of this city. The sunset over the Gulf of Finland was breathtaking; standing by the sea, watching the golden light reflecting on the water, I felt all my worries and stress fade away. After class, I often took walks along the small streets near my dormitory, where the winter air carried a quiet warmth, and friendly locals would sometimes greet me with a smile.
One day, I happened to see a Yandex Go delivery worker and his friend riding scooters through the city, their movements light and effortless, as if they were in perfect sync with the rhythm of Saint Petersburg. Their relaxed and carefree attitude made me realize that life is not just about being busy and rushing around; it can also be full of fun and freedom
During Christmas, we decorated our dormitory with a Christmas tree and were delighted to discover a little cat hiding inside. These small yet heartwarming moments made the foreign winter feel less cold.
Besides that, we also visited many churches and enjoyed a variety of local delicacies.
Challenging Myself: Exciting New Experiences
Life was not just about relaxation; it also had its challenges. My friends and I took on the 20-minute pizza challenge, shooting practice, and ice skating—each experience was thrilling and full of fun. While ice skating, I was not afraid of falling; in fact, I "embraced" falling, laughing with my friends as we tumbled on the ice, making the experience even more enjoyable. At the shooting range, even with ear protection, the loud echoes of gunshots were overwhelming, yet I fearlessly continued and even achieved a good score (attached score photo), which could be described as discovering a whole new world for me. As for the pizza challenge, I knew the chances of success were low, but I was still willing to try, enjoying the process and the fun of taking on a challenge.
