Erasmus Experience in Moscow, Russian Fereration by Kennedy

Why did you choose to go to Moscow, Russian Fereration?

This is a lifetime opportunity that I think I shouldn't miss. It feels good to study outside of your home country. It came a year after a successful completion of high school with good grades. I got a scholarship and couldn't let it go because even then, financially, I'm not strong to continue studying in my Country. So it's such a great chance and a wonderful opportunity.

How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

It's a five-year program, including a year for studying Russian language.

About the cost of living, for me right now, it's a difficult thing because as a student on scholarship I'm obligated to receiving money from my government for upkeep but due to political issues, I've already spent 14 months here without anything from my country. The Russian government does well to give stipends of approximately $25 every month, but that's just close to nothing... haha!
My parents do well to send me some money every month so they're taking care of me.
But as a foreigner studying here in Moscow, a monthly allowance of $300 is enough a for good living.

What is the student lifestyle like in Moscow?

In Moscow, it feels good to be a student of probably one of the best universities, but that opportunity to work alongside school is something that is rare. I believe it's easier for those studying in their native languages than for those of us doing it in Russian language, this language to me is hell!!!
Apart from the difficulty the language poses some of us, being a student here feels awesome.

Would you recommend the city and the University of Moscow to other students?

Of course!
Moscow is a nice city with a lot of modern infrastructures and technology. Good transport systems, security and just everything you need to be fine.
I'll recommend the universities here to anyone because they're top universities with quality tuitions.
For those who aren't aware of the chance of learning in English, I think they should do look out for such schools because it's better in English than in Russian. I'm having a tough time with the language currently.

What is the food like?

Their foods are nothing much different from the ones in our countries. They have the coffee, drinks, pizza, rice, sausage rolls, just anything you want. But it's okay for you to cook what you feel like eating, as I always do.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Moscow?

Not at all .
My school has hostel for students, so from the first day I arrived, I went to the registration process and was given accommodation. It's not expensive too! Just a little above 100$ per semester.

How much does it cost to live in Moscow?

As I've already mentioned, on average a student needs about $300 to live here. You can manage your expenditures like I do, and spend less.

Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the University?

The language for me is difficult.
There are language courses available in my school, and many others.

It's not just easy to get along with.

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Moscow from your city?

Cheap flights may sound weird, but they do help, even though the duration increases.

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Moscow?

Moscow has a lot of wonderful places. A lot of parks, with beautiful landscape. To Park Gorkovo, Park Kyltyre, Moscow Central Park, The Red Square, and many more.

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Moscow?

I don't eat at restaurants, but prefer to cook at home. There are a lot of them nearby for anyone who wants to have a good time outside.

Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Moscow in the future?

For those going to study in Russian, they must be very good in learning languages easily because it's not easy. I recommend they look out for such schools with English tutors for an easy time of study.