федеральное государственное автономное образовательное учреждение высшего образования
«Самарский национальный исследовательский университет имени академика С.П. Королева»
A Colombian Heart in Samara: How Russia Changed My Life

A Colombian Heart in Samara: How Russia Changed My Life

Самарский университет

Oscar shares his personal journey of adaptation, breaking stereotypes, and growing love for Russian culture, people — and Colombian coffee

14.05.2025 1970-01-01

Hello, friends! My name is Oscar Julian Castro, and I am from Colombia. Since I was a child, I dreamed of studying abroad, discovering new cultures, expanding my horizons, and meeting people from different corners of the world. Russia has always seemed to me a mysterious and special country, but even in my wildest dreams, I could not imagine how strong my fascination with it would become.

Before arriving in Russia, I had completely different expectations. I had heard that Russian people might seem serious and reserved, but as soon as I got here, all stereotypes began to crumble. In reality, behind the apparent sternness lies incredible warmth, kindness, and sincerity. Of course, every culture has its peculiarities, but the main thing is to look at people without bias. The more I communicated with the locals, the better I understood how open and responsive people here are.

Life in Samara has become a true adventure for me. This city immediately captured my heart with its atmosphere, beautiful embankments, cozy parks, and interesting history. Studying in Samara University opened up a wealth of opportunities for me. I not only deepened my knowledge in my field but also significantly improved my Russian language skills. Every new word and every conversation with teachers and classmates gave me confidence in my abilities.

Another interesting point is coffee. Colombia is one of the largest exporters of this beverage in the world, and it warms my heart to realize that the very coffee people drink here may have been grown in my country. Sometimes, I manage to treat my friends to authentic Colombian coffee, and it is a wonderful feeling to share a part of my culture.

Today, I can confidently say that studying in Russia has changed my life. This experience has given me not only an education but also a new perspective on the world, friends from different countries, and priceless memories. I am happy that my journey has led me here, and I hope that even more amazing discoveries await me in the future.