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“CONVERSATIONALIST OF WORTH” COLUMN

“During my studies, I found love, care and help that people give me here in Dalrybvtuz”: Arthur Nwabufo, a student of Dalrybvtuz from Nigeria about studies, friendship and the dream of the sea.

 As part of the “Conversationalist of worth” column, we hold monthly meetings and talk with the most interesting people and guests of our university, reflect on the life path and share interesting stories. Today our guest is a student from Nigeria, Arthur Nwabufo, who has traveled more than 17,000 kilometers in an effort to gain knowledge for the conquest of the sea.

 Arthur, hello! You came to study in Vladivostok from faraway Nigeria. In the words of numbers, it is more than 17,000 kilometers from Vladivostok. Tell me, please, what inspired you on such an impressive journey.

 “First of all, one of the reasons I chose the Russian Federation was the advice of one of my mentors, Captain Frederick Francis from the Singapore Maritime Academy. He said that Russia was a good country where you could get a marine education. After that, I began to look for information on the Internet, tried to explore the country in terms of education, and saw that it ranks 14th among the best educational systems in the world. As for shipping and navigation, here you can get a good experience, since there are all the necessary technologies for studying. All this influenced the choice to study here. The Russian educational system is good compared to Africa, Asia and Europe. But it's funny that the Russians themselves do not appreciate it. For example, in Dalrybvtuz, you can practice navigation. To do this, there are modern simulators and equipment.

 It’s a very interesting notice. How do you evaluate the practical side of your training?

- Most universities in the Philippines do not have their own training ships, so students receive only theoretical knowledge. And here, from the first year of study, cadets get practical training onboard the Sail Training Ship “Pallada”. There are only few universities that have a training vessel in the world. This is a major problem in global maritime training, because people do not have enough experience to work.

 Does it mean that your expectations from the university were satisfied? How was your acquaintance with our university?

 - My first impression was very good. When I arrived we were invited onboard STS “Pallada” with other guys from Singapore. During my studies, I found love, care and help that people give me here in Dalrybvtuz, this is amazing.

 And what about various obstacles or barriers for studying and living for foreigners in Vladivostok? Was it difficult, for example, to overcome the language barrier?

- It is difficult or not difficult it depends on the mental perception of how you see it. You know the reason why you need to study in Russia, and therefore you make every effort. The only problem you encounter is language. You need to be interested in learning the language. One of the best ways to improve the language is to communicate with Russian friends, with local residents. The university also allows foreign students to study Russian.

 How do you spend your leisure time?

 - I communicate with friends, I try to visit many places in the city, the names of which I do not know yet, I go for a walk, go to the cinema etc.

 I know that in addition to studying, you also find time for social activities. Tell us, please, about your current projects and creativity?

- I operate my own YouTube channel where I dispel existing myths about Russia. I also compose songs. Now I am finishing work on a song called “Russia, let's celebrate!” I’ve specially made a suit with a Russian flag, nobody has done anything like that before, I’ve checked on the Internet (laughs).

 It’s very interesting to know about your plans for the future. Who do you want to become and do you plan to continue life or work in Russia?

 - I have several job offers in Singapore and after graduation from the university, I plan to start working there. In the near future, I think I will become a captain. I want to do something more than just master the profession. Being a captain is great, you earn good money, you have the opportunity to see the world, but I want to do something else. Therefore, I want to develop my music career as well.

 And finally, Arthur, what would you wish or tell other students, including foreigners who would like to study in Dalrybvtuz?

- I would like to say that I have never regretted my step one day in coming to Dalrybvtuz. You know, above all, human relationships are important: people who care, people who can help you they embrace you like one big family and you start feeling belonged to this place. This is what you need to succeed in life, to succeed in your education. I think this is exactly what every student will definitely find in Dalrybvtuz!

 Thank you very much!