Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –
Atonfak Donfak Etienne Gaetan graduated from the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Transport of SPbPU. As a student, he wanted to “just finish his studies.” Now Etienne works as an engineer and services one of the most complex subways in the world. In an interview, he talked about how perseverance and respect for other cultures break stereotypes.
— Etienne, tell us how your studies at the Polytechnic went?
— I entered the IMMiT bachelor’s program in 2015, majoring in Mechanical Engineering Technology, and before that I studied for a year at the preparatory faculty to learn Russian. This is my first higher education. Before going to Russia, I studied economics at a university in Gabon for two years, but because of constant teacher strikes, my studies were going poorly. Then I decided to try to enroll abroad.
— Why did you choose Russia?
— At school I was interested in history, and I was surprised by how often Western media criticized Russia. I wanted to understand for myself what it was really like. Although my family was shocked — all my relatives studied in Europe or the USA. But I insisted: I said that I wanted to see Russia with my own eyes.
— Was it difficult to adapt?
— Very much! When I arrived, I saw almost no foreigners. I was surprised that students are not allowed to work part-time here — in Gabon, it’s the norm. The first few months, I even wanted to go home, but I decided not to give up.
— Share your impressions of what Polytechnic has become for you?
— The university is strong, but demanding. If you don’t pass the exams, you can be expelled, even if you are a fee-paying student. The teachers were understanding: if something was unclear because of the language, we stayed after classes to have it explained to us in English. My most vivid memories are defending my diploma. There were only three of us in the department, but the committee highly appreciated the work we had done.
— Was it difficult to master the Russian language?
– Yes, I studied poetry at the preparatory department to pass the exams. But now I speak fluently, albeit with an accent.
— What cities did you manage to visit in Russia?
— Only in St. Petersburg. This is my comfort zone: my son was born here, my friends live here, I got a job in this city. I consider St. Petersburg my second home. My family still doesn’t believe that I stayed in Russia. But I love this country: everything is honest here. If you work, you are respected.
— What advice would you give to foreign students?
— Prepare yourself for serious study. Polytechnic is not an easy option. But if you endure, all doors will open for you. And don’t be afraid to dream. I, a guy from Gabon, became an engineer in the metro. So, everything is possible!
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