Russia is not only about matryoshka and Moscow. it is also the music of Shostakovich, the works of Ilyin, the novels of Tolstoy. It is Murmansk, Krasnodar, Ulyanovsk and the village of Chakola. For foreigners of RUDN Russia is a home

Mirko Kaludjerovic, “Tourism”, 4th year, Montenegro

For me, Russia is the second Motherland. Here I feel at home. I am inspired by the philosophical, literary and journalistic works of Ivan Ilyin and by Fyodor Dostoevsky, whose work is a unique historical and cultural phenomenon of world significance.

I will never forget the trip to the Russian North, during which I restored the church of St. Catherine the Great Martyr in the village of Chakola. When we finished installing the cross on the dome of the church, everything inside me lit up. It’s the warmest feeling I’ve ever experienced in my life.

What strikes me most about Russian culture is its openness to all other peoples and cultures. It is no coincidence that Dostoevsky wrote that the main feature of the Russian people is global empathy. It often happens that representatives of other cultures become relatives to a Russian person.

Abdoulaye Djeru Diko, “Journalism”, 3rd year, Chad

I don’t know how I used to live without the films “Brother” with Sergei Bodrov, the Soviet song “Moscow Evenings” and the song by Stas Mikhailov “If there is sun tomorrow”. Russian literature amazes me. “War and Peace” by Leo Tolstoy is a book that should become a part of every person’s life. When I started reading, I didn’t expect to be hooked.

I ‘ve been to Pushkin and Ulyanovsk. This summer I will go to St. Petersburg, Krasnodar, Tambov and Maykop. But the warmest memories are connected with Moscow. Parks, museums, city tours — everything here leaves no one indifferent.

Russia is one big and friendly family that unites everyone who lives here. I am not a citizen of Russia, but I feel that this is my second Motherland.

Du Senao, «Journalism», 3rd year, China

Before coming to Russia, I thought that it is cold here all year round, and snow does not stop falling for a day.

I am deeply impressed by the diverse cultural and historical heritage of Russia. I like the hospitality and sincerity of people. I love national cuisine, especially borscht and pancakes. I admire ballet: a very complex, but detailed and beautiful choreography.

My dream is to get to Kamchatka and see the volcanoes. And I would go to Murmansk for the polar lights. I would also return to St. Petersburg. This city is imbued with the spirit of Europe.

Hector Alejandro Navarro, “International Relations”, 4th year, Chile

Russia is not only cold winters. It is a country with rich traditions, history and culture. Here live people who are ready to help, even if they do not know a foreign language. Maybe at first the Russians seem harsh, but if they trust you, they open their souls.

I like Maslenitsa celebrations the most. They celebrate the whole week, and there are certain traditions for every day. After Maslenitsa, Great Lent begins, which ends with Easter. There are no such holidays in Chile, and to plunge into the atmosphere of a holiday here in Russia is a real miracle.

Eleftherios Hatzitheodoridis, “History”, Master’s degree 2nd year, Greece

Russia is a huge country with a long history, in which every city is like a separate country, and nature is like from a fairy tale. Of the unusual — winter cold, but you just need to get used to it. I am inspired by the work of Shostakovich and Rachmaninoff. These are geniuses of musical art!

I would like to travel all over the country, but so far I have only been to Volgograd, Arkhangelsk, Rostov and St. Petersburg. The Hermitage is a separate part of the history of Russian culture. This museum is amazing.