Foreign students from RTU MIREA got to know Moscow during walking tours of the capital

December in Moscow is a magical time when snowy streets sparkle with lights and history seems to come alive everywhere. These days, the Institute of International Education of the Russian Technical University MIREA organized two unusual walking tours of Moscow for foreign students from Vietnam, Kyrgyzstan, Cote d'Ivoire, Nigeria, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Chad.

History and Legends of the Capital

The first walk began at Pushkin Square. The students heard amazing stories from the life of the world-famous poet Alexander Sergeevich Pushkin. "I had heard about Pushkin before, but now, having learned so much about this man, I felt the spirit of his poems," says Nguyen Thi Lan from Vietnam.

Here, on Pushkin Square, the students saw the Moscow Musical Theater and learned the history of its creation.

The next stop on the tour was Naryshkinsky Square, where the students saw monuments to Tvardovsky, Rachmaninov and Vysotsky. The route continued along Petrovka Street, one of the oldest streets in Moscow. The students were told about the Vysoko-Petrovsky Monastery and the family legends of the Depres and Annenkovs. "The ancient buildings here seem to tell stories in themselves," says Samir from Tajikistan.

The final point of the route was Red Square, the heart of Moscow. The guests admired St. Basil's Cathedral, GUM and the Kremlin. "It's like a picture from a postcard, only in real life it is much more majestic!" exclaimed Aisha from Nigeria.

Lomonosov's Discoveries: Science, Culture, and Inspiration

The second excursion was dedicated to Mikhail Vasilyevich Lomonosov. The students were shown the building of the university named in his honor — one of the famous Stalinist skyscrapers — and told about amazing facts from the scientist's life, his unusually versatile and extensive interests in the exact, natural, and humanitarian sciences, as well as his poetry. The observation deck on Vorobyovy (Sparrow) Hills offered a stunning view of winter Moscow. "I saw the city from such a height for the first time. It's incredible!" Adrian from Chad shared his impressions.

Hospitable Moscow

During the excursion, the students talked about their impressions of the first months of their life in Moscow. They noted that they felt comfortable here, and even in the evening on the streets of the capital they felt confident. The city is big, beautiful, brightly lit by many lights. What amazed our students was that life here does not stop for a minute. Even at night, the streets are crowded and the public transport is very good. Russians are always ready to help, give directions or just exchange a kind smile. "I feel at home here. People are so friendly and open!" said Omar from Chad.

These walks around Moscow left the students with vivid impressions, gave them new knowledge and inspired them. The streets of the city greeted them with a snowy fairy tale, warm stories and an amazing atmosphere that is impossible to forget.

Such walks are a tradition of RTU MIREA. Each student can participate in excursions together with their classmates and teachers. It is important that admission to many museums is free with a student card. Foreign students of RTU MIREA are introduced to the history and culture of Russia, which helps them adapt to the new living conditions.