Ellen Powell (IMARES, 2016)

International programs

I went to Russia because I wanted to understand. Having spent a year studying in the IMARES program at the European University at St Petersburg, I can confirm that I know immeasurably more about Russian and Eurasian politics and society than I did before I went.

I had been fascinated by Russia for years: reading Russian literature, studying the history, watching Russian ballets, and making friends from Russia. While working on my undergraduate thesis about Russian regime transitions, I came to the realisation that what my thesis really needed was the deeper understanding that only comes from first-‐hand experience.

For me, EUSP was the perfect place to develop that experience. The entire International Programs staff was so good at helping us get oriented: I knew barely a word of Russian when I arrived, but they helped bridge any linguistic divides. Of course, I quickly started learning the language, with the help of an incredible Russian teacher who had stories about everything – and knew how to explain even the most challenging concepts. I lived with a Russian landlady in the suburbs of St. Petersburg, giving me daily opportunities to practice!

The classes themselves were fascinating. They provided the perfect balance between learning about topics and regions you haven’t studied before – whether it’s Central Asia, Soviet Jewish history or terrorism – and diving deeper on those you already know about. I was able to pursue my love of religion in the Russian context, writing papers about Orthodoxy in the Soviet era and Islam during the Russian Empire. The professors are smart, articulate and very clearly passionate about their subjects.

There were so many ways to learn and grow outside the classroom, too. We had group excursions to places like Vyborg, on the Finnish border, and Veliky Novgorod, which is filled with history. Closer to home, I spent many a happy hour exploring the museums around St. Petersburg, taking in theatre performances and developing a minor obsession with the local ice hockey team, CKA. Along the way, I made a group of crazy, hilarious, wonderful friends I hope I’ll be in touch with for a long time.

The year I spent at EUSP was, without a doubt, the best year of my life. I’m so grateful I decided to go and I would recommend the university – and the city – without reservation. In fact, I hope it won’t be too long before I return to Russia!