Unique Culture, Arab Hospitality, and Six Exam Periods Per Year: HSE University–St Petersburg Student on Her Studies in Oman
Daria Semenova, fourth-year student of the Bachelor's programme 'Asian and African Studies,' spent a semester at the University of Nizwa in Oman. There, she immersed herself in the language environment and came to know the culture of the modern Arab world. Read on to find out about why Daria chose Oman, the specifics of her studies there, and the value of international experience.
— Why did you choose Oman for the academic mobility, and what other options did you consider?
— I knew little about Oman—this was the determining factor. Students of 'Asian and African Studies' have three main destinations for academic mobility: the University of Nizwa, Ajman University in the UAE, and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in Israel. Oman seemed the most attractive to me because it was a mysterious country almost nobody knows about.
I was drawn to the nature and culture: endless deserts, mountain lakes, hiking routes, beautiful mosques, and the absence of apartment blocks. That is why I chose Oman as the first priority. Besides, our department cooperates with the University of Nizwa, and their representatives have attended our events before.
— How are studies at the University of Nizwa different from those at HSE in format, exams, or organisation?
— The studies turned out to be intense. I was in a group with Omani students. At first, it was unusual, but I adapted quickly. All classes were held in Arabic and lasted from 50 minutes to an hour and a half.
There wasn't just one group: in each course, I had new coursemates and new chats. One course could be delivered by different professors. In almost every course, I had a buddy—a student who helped me to adapt. I had two very nice girls whom I still keep in touch with and congratulate on holidays.
The University of Nizwa doesn't have any seminars, just lectures. There are six exam periods per year, three in each semester. During these periods, classes continue. Exams are held in large classrooms which can fit about one hundred people. Everything is very strict: you can't even look sideways, otherwise you might be disqualified from the exam.
— How did HSE University–St Petersburg help in organising the trip, and what knowledge gained at the university came in the handiest in Oman?
— The International Student Mobility Office supported us during the whole internship—from the document submission to arriving back home. Arabic proficiency was useful, as was my basic knowledge of ethnopsychology and Arab culture.
— How difficult was it to study in Arabic and integrate into the new environment?
— I expected it to be harder. But the Omanis turned out to be very open and friendly. Professors always supported me, the university administration helped with the documents, and coursemates never laughed at my Arabic—quite the opposite, they admired it. As a result, adaptation took about two weeks—we quickly got used to a new rhythm.
— What was your ordinary day in Oman like?
— My day started with an online lecture at 8 am. Then, at 10:30 am, we went to the university. The trip took 15–20 minutes and on the way, we had a view of the mountains. After that were classes in Arabic grammar, then lunch. After that came one more double class and a lecture on Omani literature. During the breaks, we had some coffee or karak, local tea with milk and spices, and sat in the shade of the palm.
By 3 pm, the classes ended, and we went home. In the afternoon, I relaxed and did household chores; we didn't have any home assignments. In the evenings, we gathered with other Russian students and played board games, and together prepared for the exams. I also liked going to nearby coffee shops to study or work there. I did it so often that by the end of my internship, the barista learned the phrase 'Hi! How are you?' in Russian.
— What was your life like beyond the classroom: accommodation, expenses, and daily comfort?
— I found life in Oman very comfortable. It is one of the safest countries, the streets are clean, and prices are even lower than in St Petersburg. We lived in a big house with a convenient kitchen, and we had a car, which allowed us to travel. Over this time, I got used to a calmer life rhythm and stopped rushing everywhere.
— What did you manage to see and what places did you visit during your time in Oman?
— At the weekend, we went to wadis, unique mountain oases that you sometimes have to get to by swimming or over rocks. We also went to the neighbouring cities and visited ancient fortresses and small villages.
During the vacation, we went to the UAE. The trip took 3–4 hours. We visited Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the small frontier town Al Ain, where a book exhibition took place. In addition, we went surfing. There was a place with suitable waves four hours away from us, so we took tents and stayed overnight near the sea. It is an unforgettable feeling to fall asleep and wake up to the sound of the sea, and go swimming in the morning.
— What surprised you the most in Oman?
— First of all, the hospitality. If you go to Oman, you must make friends with the locals. They happily invite you to their homes, and you will see what true Arab hospitality is—they will treat you to a meal and some drinks, and even draw mehendi on your hands as a gift.
I was also struck by the nature: deserts coexist with green oases, the sea is very clean, and there is no trace of mass tourism. That is why you definitely should rent a car and go on a road trip; otherwise, you won't see even half of the beauty which this country hides. Moreover, Oman is one of the few countries where you don't feel an alien influence: when you arrive there, you realise that it is an independent state.
— What did this experience give you, and how did it influence your plans?
— I realised that I wanted to connect my life with the Middle East, and perhaps I will consider a master's programme there. The internship gave me an invaluable experience of independent life in another culture. I know for sure that I will come back to Oman as a tourist.
