“I learned Turkish from TV series and films” — Gidayat Aliyev, student of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Why did you decide to study in Russia?

I graduated from a private school in Baku and I studied in Russian. After I moved to Riga with my family for business. I studied in many places in the European Union. In Latvia — a branch of the Royal University of Sweden, in the Czech Republic — Charles and the Czech Agrarian University. But I realized that it was not my cup of tea. Russian education is more fundamental and provides broad knowledge rather than narrowly focused training. My girlfriend and friends studied in Moscow. I came to Moscow and entered RUDN University. It is easy to adapt in Russia, because it is a multinational and hospitable country. Representatives of different confessions live here peacefully: Christians, Muslims, Buddhists to name a few.

What was the decisive factor in favor of RUDN University?

I wanted to meet people of different nationalities and their cultures in order to cooperate in the future. It is great that there can be friendly relations between Azerbaijan and African states. Even before real work, future politicians should be able to make their countries friends. RUDN University is a good platform for this.

How did the love for International Relations come about?

My family is fond of politics, so the interest was inherited. Since childhood, I have been surrounded by diplomats and civil servants. For example, grandfather is a famous politician. If I could go back in time, I would never change my major. I would only like to change my difficult character. I love every part of every area of ​​international relations. I remember myself as a child who, instead of catching up with peers, loved to communicate with politicians, and I am convinced that I am doing everything right.

You love meeting politicians. Share your networking life hacks.

Look for the right place and the right people, travel more and take mistakes as experience. For example, famous EU politicians taught me in Riga, such as Jean Asselborn, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Luxembourg, Vaira Vike Freiborga, ex-President of Latvia. And also there are many politicians among relatives and acquaintances in Azerbaijan.

They say that the first year is the most difficult, but I don’t think so. No year will be difficult if you learn to be friends.

What languages ​​do you know?

My native language is Azerbaijani. My instruction language at school was Russian. I know Latvian because I lived in Latvia. I know Italian not to hire a translator on frequent trips to Italy. And for a diplomat, knowledge of languages ​​is a solid plus. I learnt French at the university, and Turkish through watching TV series and movies.

How do you win a debate?

The secret to winning is honesty. You need to believe, first of all, yourself. Debates are about the truth, not about fairy tales. The first time was in Riga. An 18-year-old young man argued with the mayor of Daugavpils (a town in Latvia) and an American teacher on the topic of abortion. The topic is challenging, it can be discussed for years. And there are many such topics raised in debates, so every time there is something new and memorable.

What was the most memorable during 4 years of study?

Friendly professors. The moment with Marina Shpakovskaya was especially memorable. She asked why I was sad. A tragedy struck — my grandmother died. And Marina Anatolyevna reassured me with one phrase: “People have no one since birth. But from the beginning of your life, it is you, you always have. People do not belong to anyone but themselves”. She always knew how to find the right words, gave advice and support.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I believe I will become the Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan. There is a lot that can be improved, but I’ll start with a program that will reduce unemployment and raise salaries for teachers, doctors and military personnel. They do important work — teach, heal, rescue and protect.

Tell us about your favorite trip

Since 2015, I have been speaking in public as an entrepreneur, philanthropist, presenting Romanian and Italian furniture in Azerbaijan. Therefore, I have already visited more than 40 countries and 95 cities. Any trip will be pleasant if there is architecture of the XII-XIX centuries. These are Azerbaijan, other CIS countries and Europe. I want to visit Nagorno-Karabakh in 2022. This is the kind of place that I know only from the words of my parents. I want to break the veil of secrecy and see the beauty and greatness.

Say something to applicants from Azerbaijan and Latvia

Choose RUDN University — you can’t go wrong. Students always help each other. And do not forget about love for your major, people and the world. I love everyone and everything that surrounds me. Even people who envy you are not indifferent to you. They make you stronger and more successful. I wish you a sea of ​​love! Love is you!