Jamaican students benefit from studying in Russia

Over the years, Jamaican students have been accorded opportunities to pursue their studies in different countries of the world. Though at this time in history Russia may be in the news for other reasons, there are learning opportunities for Jamaicans, and some of them are all expenses- paid programmes. Some of the students recount their experiences.

Claudja Brown

Brown studied at Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (PFUR) in Moscow from 2001 to 2007.

“I originally matriculated to study veterinary medicine, but after a few months, I realised that that was not where I wanted to put my focus, and thankfully, I was allowed to switch courses to study dentistry. This was an adventure I will not soon forget. From the early morning subway rides to get to a class on the other side of the city, the weekend city explorations or forest BBQs with dorm friends from different countries or my classmates (being the only foreigner in class also helped) to the discovery of an interesting pre-exam ritual that some swear by! PFUR is a melting pot of cultures that I am immensely grateful to have been able to experience.

I believe that to become a more rounded person, one should live in a foreign country at some point in your life, and studying abroad is one way to have this experience. So take the opportunity if you can. And culture shock is real. Recognise it for what it is and keep your focus!”

Shamir Lloyd Walters

Walters, who is from Kingston, will go to Russia this year:

“I chose Russia to get an education for many reasons such as the experience of living and studying in a society that is rich in culture and history. The people are amazing and are really great people who, if you get know them, are some of the best most honest people in the world. Also the language has always fascinated me. It’s beautiful. The alphabet is also unique and ancient, and I just wanted to be a part of that. Thirdly, Russian people are very philosophical and intelligent, and that is testament to their education system, I want that for myself, so I greatly look forward to having that experience.

Luckily for me, I already fell in love with learning the language a long time ago. I can speak and write in Russian. Being educated in Russia should further reinforce my abilities and speaking skills. In fact, I started learning the language when I heard a speech made by Mikhail Gorbachev, former leader of the Soviet Union, on the radio. The beauty of the language prompted me to begin learning right away, so I am sure the language will probably be the easiest part of adjusting for me.

During my stay in Russia, I want to have a very Russian experience - the art, the music, the culture - to understand fully what it means to be Russian, but fundamentally, to receive a higher level of education which so many have benefited from and made something better of themselves, including many in Jamaica and around the world, and more will continue to do so.

I would recommend to those who aspire to learn about other countries and cultures to which they are rarely exposed to see and view Russia as an amazing melting pot that will showcase not only Russian culture, but European and Asian as well. They will also encounter students from South America, Africa, Asia, and other European countries.

I think it will be a truly exciting prospect and they should and will fall in love with Russia as a country. Vast forests, mountainous areas, seas, rivers, lakes, and all the other amazing things Russia has to offer, it will be a lifelong experience for them and one that will enrich their lives.

The universities are very metropolitan, and I’m sure they’ll encounter Jamaicans wherever they go but will also get to meet other nationalities and form friendships.

I would totally recommend prospective students to not miss out on the possibility to go to Russia to study, which the Russian Government greatly subsidises.”

SCHOLARSHIP

In 2021, WINDALCO awarded scholarships to 20 Jamaican students, who passed through the admission campaign, to study engineering at the Siberian Federal University in Krasnoyarsk (Russia). The students left Jamaica on September 10. The scholarships are valid for five years. The scholars are from communities within WINDALCO’s operational areas in St Ann, St Catherine, and Manchester. Upon their return, they are supposed to work in the mining industry.

ABOUT RUSSIA

Russia has a deep-rooted history, traditions, and a rich and diverse culture. The country has a high literacy rate, and education and training are considered one of the best in the world.

Every year, thousands of foreign applicants from all over the world enter universities across the country.

SCIENCE EDUCATION

Russia is a recognised leader in the training of mathematicians, physicists, chemists, engineers, programmers, medical doctors, as well as representatives of creative professions. Russian classical education is considered one of the strongest in the world. Russian universities annually occupy leading positions in world rankings.

Russian universities offer more than 4,000 basic educational programmes of a huge thematic spectrum from medical, technical, and natural sciences to linguistics. The strength of Russian education is also the training of specialists in creative professions. Conservatories, theatre and choreographic, art educational organszations, architectural universities offer applicants a variety of programmes.

RANGE OF PROGRAMMES

Russian universities conduct bachelor’s and specialist degree programmes, master’s, postgraduate (residency, adjunct) and internship programmes.

Russia offers the optimal ratio of price and quality of education. In 2020, the cost of studying at universities in the country on full-time bachelor’s degree programmes started from 1,000 – 1,500 USD per year. We advise you to find out the exact information about prices directly from the representatives of the university. It depends on many factors, such as the duration, format and level of training.

FULL SCHOLARSHIPS

In Russia, there is a great opportunity for foreigners to get an education for free. Every year, the Government of the Russian Federation allocates several thousand seats at universities throughout the country.

Russia is a multinational state spreading over Europe and Asia. More than 200 peoples form the diversity of all spheres of life: culture, everyday life and religion. That allows foreign students to find a suitable place to live and study in Russia. Additionally, Russian universities provide assistance for the adaptation of students from around the world and support systems for first-year students.

SPORTS

Sports is very popular among Russians. Recently, many sport venues, outdoor workout areas, and swimming pools have been opened. Multifunctional complexes with modern equipment are being built. Almost every Russian university has its own sports infrastructure. Students actively gather in teams and take prizes at prestigious competitions. Studying in Russia is an opportunity to attend world-class sporting events.

And more!

To apply for Russian scholarships, choose a programme on the website russia-edu.minobrnauki.gov.ru and fill out the application form on education-in-russia.com. For further queries and clarifications call The Russian Embassy at (876) 476-8722 or send an email to rusconsjamaica@gmail.com.