Studying at EUSP was a life-altering experience. After completing my undergraduate studies in history I realised that I wanted to learn more about Russia and the former Soviet Union while taking on a new language, and after some research, EUSP struck me as the perfect option. Setting foot in St. Petersburg for the first time and finally laying eyes on the Winter Palace, Cruiser Aurora, Kronstadt (to name just a few), brought the fragments of history I knew to life and helped me draw them out of the semi-fictionalised realm of the past and firmly into reality.
EUSP offered a wealth of courses to expand my knowledge base further. I received a fascinating grounding in Russian cultural and art history (Daniil Kharms remains one of my favourite writers to date), but was also able to take courses outside my primary programme of study, meaning that I concurrently received a strong education in contemporary domestic politics and regional security issues, much of which is still relevant (e.g. as I write this, the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is rearing its head again). Most of all, the Russian language experience I gained was invaluable. We devoted several hours every week to Russian language studies using a wide variety of methods from textbooks and conversations, to songs and animations. The tuition was passionate and dedicated, even explaining linguistic quirks and subtle variations between St. Petersburg and Moscow.
Socially, the programme gave me the opportunity to grow acquainted with like-minded people from all over the world who shared a sincere interest in Russian history, politics, and culture – in the process teaching me about their own cultures too. But I also had the flexibility – aided by my ever-improving Russian language skills – to develop friendships with a wide variety of people from outside the university. I remain in contact with several people from my time at EUSP and I truly value those connections.
While EUSP taught me a lot, it also opened my eyes to how much more there was still to learn! After my year ended, I moved to Moscow to continue my exploration of the country and ultimately stayed in Russia for another three years. It undoubtedly shifted the trajectory of my career, and I'm sure will continue to do so!