Chiara (left) studied and worked as an intern at Liden & Denz in Saint Petersburg for five weeks. Let’s find out more about her experience!
Tell us a little more about yourself!
Hi! My name is Chiara and I’m a 22 year old student from Italy. Recently, I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, after having studied English, French and Russian. Staying at at home wasn’t an option, so I decided to spend some time in St. Petersburg to improve my Russian.
Why did you decide to study Russian?
Well, I’ve always had a great passion for literature and foreign languages, particularly Russian literature. Someday, if things go my way, I hope to be able to enjoy the works of Leo Tolstoy in their original language – Russian.
Do you think your Russian has improved in these five weeks?
Yes, without doubt.. I’m able to understand pretty much everything in daily conversations and I feel much more confident when I speak Russian. The courses were great and Yuliana, my teacher, was very helpful and my vocabulary grew immensely thanks to her and her classes.
What did you like the most of your experience?
Apart from the food? No, just kidding.. I was able to visit the theatre on multiple occasions, see the Hermitage, experience the Russian winter and I even bought a book at midnight. How cool is it that you can buy books all around the clock in St. Petersburg? To be honest, I can’t really decide on one thing that I enjoyed more than the others – they were all great in different ways!
If you had to describe your experience in Russia with one word, which one would you use?
Incomplete.
I feel like I’m not done with St. Petersburg yet, and hope to return soon.