New intern Anna – Learning Russian from the UK!
Всем привет! My name is Anna and I’m a third year student at the University of Bristol in the UK. I’m studying for a degree in French and Russian, and as part of my studies I have the chance to do a year abroad. I have spent the past five months in Paris working in a technology firm, but for the second half of the year, I’ll be in Russia, studying and interning at Liden & Denz St Petersburg!
Myself on a trip to Moscow in 2017
For now, I am beginning my internship and studies remotely due to coronavirus restrictions; I’ll be writing this blog from the UK alongside taking Liden & Denz’s online course. Whilst I am disappointed that I have not yet managed to travel to St Petersburg, it is great that I can at least continue my Russian-learning journey from the UK. I also have the unexpected advantage that by the time I get to Russia, my language skills will (hopefully) already have improved quite a bit!
I’ve been learning Russian since I was about 15, and have always been completely enchanted by Russian life and culture. In 2017, I was lucky enough to do a school exchange in Moscow, and spent ten days living with my exchange partner and her family. We went everywhere in and around Moscow, from the world-famous monastery in Sergiev Posad to GUM. The trip was an incredible experience and I vowed to return to Russia as soon as possible.
GUM lit up at night, taken on my trip in 2017
When I finally arrive in St Petersburg, one of the things I’m most excited to do is simply walk around and get to know the city – travel is one of my favourite things and I love exploring new places. Although it has been quite stressful to organise travel in the current context (the wait to hear when restrictions will be lifted has been the most tricky!) I know that it will all be worth it when I get there.
