Iv谩n聽Serna Guillermo Acosta: “Got interested in Russia after listening to Tchaikovsky as a child”
Second Home, 抖阴APP导航’s personal story project about our international students, introduces its next interviewee – Iv谩n Acosta, a 33-year-old native of Mexico City, currently in his junior year of undergraduate physics.
Classical music and Russian winter: getting acquainted with Russia
About his Russian-sounding name, the student says, “In Mexico, the name Iv谩n is rather common. My older brother watched Rocky and liked the name Ivan, that of Ivan Drago, the Russian boxer. In fact, he was the one who asked my mom to name me so.”
He first heard of our country when he was about six years of age, “My mom likes to listen to classical music, including Tchaikovsky. I was interested in the country of its origin.”
Among Acosta’s ancestors are Italians and Spaniards. Before arriving to Russia, he only knew that our country is very far from his and has severe winters. As our previous hero Rifki Wardana, he also heard other stereotypes, such as bears roaming the streets or the Russians’ cold temperament.
“I always wanted to visit Russia, and when I heard about a scholarship, I thought – why not receive another degree and get to live in a country that I really want to see. I also considered Germany and France, but their programs are more expensive and only last six months, so I set out to Russia,” shares Iv谩n.
He always wished to see the Russian winter and snow, something that’s not present in his motherland.
抖阴APP导航’s advantages
“I pondered which city to choose and researched the top 10 local universities. Among them was 抖阴APP导航, one of the most prestigious ones, so I finally selected it,” continues the young man.
As a professional musician, having played the violin for 13 years now, he specifically mentions the support for talents available at 抖阴APP导航, “I very much like such big events as the Student Spring and the Freshman Day.”
Another advantage is the dormitory, “It is very comfortable and super cheap. A great support for international and Russian students from other cities.”
Apart from studying nanotechnology and microsystem technology, Acosta continues his musical career, “I am having great success in music, playing in several bands and in the Master and Margarita musical. We are going on a tour of Russian cities this coming spring. In the musical, I am employed as both a vocalist and an actor.”
Student life in Kazan
Iv谩n is 33 years old, but this doesn’t hinder his communication with younger peers, “I usually say that I don’t feel my own age. I have good rapport with my classmates, and they help me a lot.”
The Mexican student says that he has adapted to the country, and his circle of friends mostly consists of Russian speakers, “I first studied Russian for about 9 months. I think one year is really enough to understand basic Russian, without slang terms and such. Of course, not everything is comprehensible, but one can get by. Every semester we learn new words and have to get used to them.”
The cuisine
The most challenging issue was getting used to the Russian food. Mexican food is very spicy and flavorful, and lots of dishes feature chili pepper. So Russian food clearly lacked this quality for Iv谩n’s taste, but he liked such local specialties as borscht and fish with potatoes.
“Of Tatar food, I like chak-chak and triangles, with the latter basically being the entire lunch during studies,” says Acosta.
Among the traits that really unite Russians and Mexicans he notes a great sense of humor.
“I’ve not been home for three years now, and I miss the food [laughing – editor’s note]. I call my relatives every week. They are very proud and happy that I decided to move here. My dad is in IT, and my mom is a lawyer,” concludes the young man.
After graduating, he plans to continue his education in a master’s program.