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Student from Japan told how Siberia and people in Krasnoyarsk surprised him

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Student from Japan told how Siberia and people in Krasnoyarsk surprised him


19.02.2019

Photo: gazeta.sfu-kras.ru

Many foreign students study at the Siberian Federal University, including students from Japan. A year ago, a Japanese student told how Russian winter fun surprised her. The New University Life newspaper interviewed a student Masaki Murakami. Here are the excerpts from it.

I did not know anything about Russia and did not know Russian language. It was difficult and embarrassing. Therefore, I had to study and try very hard.

The teachers are very kind to me. There is the Japanese Center of the Siberian Federal University, where I can ask for help if I do not understand the task. They help me with my studies and talk to me in Russian.

I arrived in the summer and was surprised that it was so hot here. It is believed that Siberia is cold; therefore, I did not expect the temperature of +35C. I was surprised that young people here respect the elders so much. In Japan, they are also respectful, but Russians are more.

Products are much cheaper here than in Japan. People can skate on the street, for example, in the park. In my hometown of Yokohama, there is no snow at all. I skated for the first time in Krasnoyarsk.

Russians are gloomier, but not always. My friends often smile, they just do not smile to strangers, it is a custom here. On the other hand, Russians are more closed than I thought. For example, when I studied at Russian language courses to prepare for admission, I met many Russian people who were interested in me. Then I entered the Humanitarian Institute, and for some reason people are embarrassed to communicate with me here.

I read Anna Karenina in an adapted version in Russian, as well as the Garnet Bracelet. I liked Anna Karenina and even watched the series based on the book. Tolstoy knows the essence of man.

I want to choose a job related to languages ​​or politics in the future. The most interesting tissue for me now is the peace treaty between Japan and Russia. I would like the relations between our countries to become better over time. I will study here at the university for 4 years, and for me it is a very important time. I have to get to know Russia better and meet many people. I have not decided yet what to do next. Maybe I will return to Japan, or maybe I will continue my studies in another country.”

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