From Spain to St. Petersburg: A Student’s Journey
.jpeg "From Spain to St. Petersburg: A Student’s Journey")
My name is Massimiliano Avesani Brunton. I was born in Italy, but I have Spanish citizenship through my mother, and I spent most of my life growing up in Spain. Because of this background, I’ve always been exposed to different cultures and perspectives, which later influenced my decision to study abroad. Initially, I came to Saint Petersburg with the intention of learning Russian, as I was interested in the language and the region. However, during my time here, I became more familiar with the academic opportunities available and eventually decided to stay and pursue my degree. What started as a short-term plan gradually turned into a long-term academic journey.
I chose Political Science and World Politics because I’ve always been deeply interested in how political systems function and how they influence different aspects of life, including the media, the economy, and international relations. I’ve always enjoyed reading about political developments, global conflicts, and diplomatic relations, and I wanted to better understand the mechanisms behind them. For me, studying politics is not just about theory but about understanding the real forces that shape the world we live in. This curiosity made the field feel like a natural fit for my academic path.
When choosing a university, I considered a couple of options, including Far Eastern Federal University. However, I ultimately decided on HSE University in Saint Petersburg. One of the main reasons was its geographic location, as it is much closer to Europe and to my home in Spain, which made it more convenient in terms of travel and staying connected with my family. Additionally, I found that HSE had a stronger academic reputation and higher rankings in my field of study. These factors, combined with the opportunity to study in a culturally rich city like Saint Petersburg, made it the best choice for me.
My first impression of Saint Petersburg was honestly not very positive, mainly because I arrived during the winter. The weather was quite harsh, with heavy snow and very little sunlight, which made the city feel somewhat gloomy at first. However, over time my perception changed significantly. I realized that Saint Petersburg is a very seasonal city, and its atmosphere can vary greatly depending on the time of year. In late spring, summer, and early autumn, the city becomes incredibly beautiful, lively, and enjoyable. Even winter can be charming when it’s sunny, although it can still be challenging when it’s long and dark. Overall, I’ve grown to really appreciate the city and its unique character.
My overall experience at HSE has been quite mixed, with both positive and negative aspects. On the negative side, I’ve faced some administrative challenges, particularly regarding visa issues and communication with certain university offices. At times, it felt like there was a lack of support for international students, especially in stressful situations where timely responses were needed but not always provided.
On the positive side, however, my experience has been very enriching. I’ve met many interesting and supportive people, and I’ve really enjoyed being part of the university community. One of the highlights has been participating in extracurricular activities. For example, I took part in the university ball for two years, which was a very unique and memorable experience. I also joined several clubs, including the chess club, Russian-speaking club, and Armenian-speaking club. Additionally, I worked as a buddy, helping other students adapt, which was very rewarding. These experiences have played a big role in making my time at HSE enjoyable and meaningful.
One of the main reasons I chose not to study in Spain initially was the teaching format there. In many Spanish universities, classes tend to be very lecture-based, with large groups of students and limited interaction. Typically, students just listen to the professor and then take a final exam, with little continuous assessment.
In contrast, HSE offers a much more interactive approach to learning. Seminars play an important role, and students are expected to actively participate in discussions. A significant portion of the final grade often comes from participation, presentations, and ongoing assignments rather than just exams. I really appreciate this system because it encourages critical thinking, engagement, and the practical application of knowledge rather than simple memorization. Personally, I feel that this method has helped me learn more effectively and stay more involved in my studies.
Living in Saint Petersburg has influenced my daily life in many ways, both positively and negatively. On the positive side, I’ve made many friends and had the opportunity to explore a completely different culture. I’ve also developed new habits and hobbies. For instance, because of the long winters and limited outdoor activities, I started indoor climbing. What began as a way to stay active turned into a serious passion. I’ve now been climbing for about three years, participated in competitions, and even traveled to different cities in Russia for climbing events. This has been one of the most unexpected but rewarding parts of my experience here.
At the same time, the climate and distance from home can sometimes be challenging, especially during the winter months, but overall it has contributed to my personal growth.
Overall, I would say that adapting socially has been relatively manageable for me, mainly because my Russian is quite strong. Being able to communicate effectively has made a big difference in building relationships and integrating into the local environment. It allowed me to connect not only with international students but also with local students.
That said, it can still be more difficult to form close friendships compared to being in your home country. Cultural differences play a role, and people often tend to stay within their existing social circles or with others from similar backgrounds. This is something I expected, so I wasn’t too surprised by it. Still, I’ve managed to build meaningful connections over time.
Studying Political Science hasn’t completely changed my core views, but it has definitely deepened and refined them. I’ve gained a broader understanding of global issues and learned to analyze them from different perspectives. At the same time, I’m aware that there’s always a risk of reinforcing one’s existing beliefs, especially if you tend to focus on sources that align with your views.
However, overall, I feel that my studies have given me better analytical tools and a more structured way of thinking about international relations and political developments.
The most meaningful part of my experience has been discovering a new culture and learning the Russian language. Russian is a complex and challenging language, and reaching a strong level is something I’m very proud of. It has not only helped me academically but also socially and culturally.
While I’m not currently planning to stay in Russia for my master’s degree due to the complexity of visa processes and administrative challenges, I would have seriously considered it otherwise. Despite some difficulties, my experience here has been both challenging and rewarding, and it has contributed significantly to my personal and academic development. It’s something I will definitely carry with me in the future.
Interviewed by
Feona Kolesnikova
