A student from Egypt, Giovani Jamil, is studying at South Ural State University. Friends and acquaintances often compare him to Alexander Pushkin: his curly hair and distinctive facial features make the resemblance particularly striking. On the birthday of Russia’s literary icon, we have spoken with the future graduate about Russia, Chelyabinsk, the Russian language, and his unexpected likeness to the classic author.
– Giovanni, let’s start with the most obvious question: do people often tell you that you look like Pushkin?
– Yes, and it surprises me. I suppose it’s because of my curly hair that people see the resemblance. To be honest, it still amazes me a little, but at the same time it makes me happy. If I really do look like him and so many people tell me so, then I definitely need to read his works now.
– What do you know about Alexander Pushkin?
– I am not familiar with his literary works. I only know a few facts: that he was a famous poet and writer, that he was born in Moscow, and that he died at the age of 37. I know that Russians consider him the most important figure in their literature. He wrote poetry, novels, plays, and short stories. His most famous novel is The Captain’s Daughter. That is probably all that I know about him.
– Please, tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from?
– I come from the Egyptian city of Asyut. Russia was the first country I’ve ever visited because studying here has always been my dream. I am interested in Russian culture, and in general I love traveling and trying new things in life. Before moving to Chelyabinsk, I lived in Moscow for two years.
Wherever I go, I continue practicing my favourite hobby, football, and it helps me make new friends. Even in Moscow, when I barely knew any Russian, football was what helped me build friendships.
– Why did you choose Russia for higher education?
– As I mentioned, coming here, to study and live in Russia was one of my goals. I love your country very much. People here are kind and helpful. Whenever I need assistance, someone is always willing to help. That makes me very happy. I like everything here, and adapting was not difficult for me.
– If you had to show Chelyabinsk to your friends, where would you take them?
– I think, the place I know best is Kirovka Street, the city’s most famous pedestrian street. My friends and I often walk there. I do not know many other places in the city very well. What I like the most is the city centre because you can find everything you need for everyday life there.
– What turned out to be completely different in Russia compared to Egypt?
– In fact, Egypt and Russia differ in many ways. The weather, for example, is completely different. Russian winters can be terribly cold, but the weather like we have now is perfect for me. Egypt is usually much hotter. At the same time, there are similarities as well—religion, for example. I come from a Christian family, and in Russia I see that many people are believers too.
– You must have experienced some funny situations during your time in Russia.
– The funniest one happened when I had just arrived and understood almost no Russian. People would come up to me and start talking, and I would reply “I don’t understand”. But they would continue speaking Russian anyway. It was really amusing because I had already told them I did not understand—not because I did not want to communicate. I love meeting people and making friends; I simply did not know the language at the time, yet they kept speaking Russian. Now I often laugh when I remember it.
At the same time, I was pleasantly surprised that many people understood me when I spoke English.
– What has been the most difficult part of studying and living as an international student?
– The main challenge is the language. Another thing that surprises me is when I say, “Russian is difficult for me to learn”, and people reply “It is difficult for us too”. I always ask: “How? It is your native language—it should be easy for you”. But they answer: “No, it is difficult for us as well”. That really surprises me, but I agree: Russian has a lot of rules.
I have always enjoyed learning new languages, so Russian has become one of my favourite subjects.
– What will you remember the most about SUSU years later?
– I will remember everything: the university, the professors, and my friends. I will miss all of it very much if I do not continue my studies after completing my Bachelor’s degree. I will carry many wonderful memories with me.
– Graduation is just around the corner. What are your plans for the future?
– First, I plan to visit Egypt because I miss my country and my family. After spending some time at home, I may apply for a Master’s degree programme in Russia. I am not completely sure yet—perhaps I will stay in Chelyabinsk, or perhaps I will move to another city. What I do know is that I would like to build my future life here.