Meet our student, Paolo
Paolo Gomiero, 23, has been studying at Liden and Denz Moscow for 3 weeks. I had the chance to interview him about his experiences here.
What is your current occupation?
I’m a student studying foreign Languages at Literatures at Universita’ degli Studi di Bergamo in Italy.
Why did you decide to study Russian in Moscow?
I wanted to study a language which I thought would be useful for future jobs. I also wanted a challenging languages, but thought Chinese or Japanese would be too difficult, so I decided on Russian instead.
A lot of people consider learning Russian as a challenge. Regarding your personal experience can you agree with this statement? What do you find easy or difficult about Russian language?
Yes, I was right about choosing a difficult language. However, you can get great satisfaction with Russian. Many people feel the hardest part is the alphabet, but they’ve obviously not seen the grammar, particularly the verbs of motion. Remembering all the vocabulary is a challenge too!
What do you like from your stay with Liden & Denz? Could you share with us some interesting moments, experiences or events?
The teachers have been great – I really enjoy the way the lessons are taught. In just three weeks I feel I’ve seen a good improvement in my Russian skills. Among the students I’ve met many great people here who I hope to keep in touch with after I go home.
Can you compare your stay in Russia with some other experiences or travels of yours?
This is the first time I’ve ever studied outside of Italy, so the experience has been completely different to any other that I’ve had in another country.
Which experiences or impressions made in Russia you will never forget? Why?
I was surprised at how friendly Russians are. The stereotype in Europe is that Russians are very serious and never smile. However, when you arrive, you realise that the people in Russia are very polite and always helpful. Russians are always happy to give you directions if you’re lost, although I don’t always understand the answer to my question.
Going back home, what will you miss about Russia?
Of course I will miss the friends I’ve made here, and the unique atmosphere that exists in Moscow.
Lawrence Toye, currently studying at Liden & Denz Moscow
