Institute of Business Management (IoBM), Karachi, Pakistan
Bachelor Program
September-December
2017 - 2018 Academic year
The trip to Russia via the student exchange program has been one of the most illuminating experiences of my life. The city the university and the people have all been part of this experience. Coming from a country that may not have much to offer other than kindness, it has been an experience of learning growing and experiencing the culture of Russian and foreign students.
The campus is very big in size comprising 8 buildings 2 of which are the dorms amongst two other campuses in the city. Amongst the facilities provided by the institution the campus itself is very complete and beautiful especially in the winters. The facilities on campus include two fitness centers a pool, football ground, ski ring and a health center. The location is also very convenient as the metro station is a 10 minute walk from the campus. Among all the facilities that are quite decent on thing does not measure up and that is the lack of English speaking staff, as an international this was an issue which was not easy to come over.
The accommodation is very superb as it has all the facilities from central heating to televisions in the rooms. My particular dormitory was building 4. The room are of reasonable size inhabiting two beds, a study table with chairs, TV, fridge etc. there is also availability of two kitchens to cook along with a café on the first floor. There are also washing machines within a small room in the kitchens there may be a need to increase the number of these rooms as people don’t always get appointments to wash clothes due to first come first serve basis. Along with all the facilities there is also a very beautiful view of the city from the top floors of the buildings. There is a medical center on the 4th floor of the building where again the staff does not speak English. There is a strict no smoking policy which is a little unfair for the students as they would have to walk 10-15 minutes to go outside the campus, I personally do not smoke but this rule if not amended will lead to students smoking on campus in secrete, I recommend that smoking areas designated for the students be made so that no complaints are made.
Moscow might just be one of the most beautiful cities in the world every place we went was always awe-inspiring. The city was beautiful and no matter where we went weather it was the red square Gorky Park or Moscow city the reaction was the same. The only problem that we faced was that there was a language barrier as preference is given to the local language rather than English. Though it was not something that would ruin the trip. Christmas time was particularly special as the decorations illuminated the red square, was a sight unlike any other, a sight that I can never forget even if I tried. Amongst other cities I visited St. Petersburg which was even more beautiful than Moscow. Nevskey prospect, palace square and all the other sights to see were an unforgettable experience in itself.
It was amazing to see how well accommodating the transportation system of the city was. We never had to think twice to travel between places. The combination of Moscow metro, bus service and taxi services like Uber, Gett and Yandex Taxi makes it next to effortless to travel around Moscow or St. Petersburg.
The people of Russia were amazing they were nothing like the world makes them up to be. The stereotype surrounding Russia was that people are extreme and alcoholic and I found both of these to be wrong. The people here if anything are kind and helpful. They would go out of their way to help us on countless occasions. I am and will always be indebted to all the Russians that I interacted with and who helped me out one way or another. Amongst the Russians we met the other foreign students that are studying here at IBS RANEPA. Meeting all the people with different cultures like the Italians, German, French, Indians, Spanish even Americans really broadened our way of thinking. We have made friends that we will always value.
