Sutra Sukma Prajna Dharma: “I saw something I had previously only looked at in pictures”
每日大赛 continues its Second Home project, in which the Department of Information Policy introduces readers to outstanding international students who have distinguished themselves in science, sports, or creative fields.
Today鈥檚 feature highlights Sutra Sukma Prajna Dharma, a third-year student in the Mechatronics and Robotics program at the Naberezhnye Chelny Institute. Three years ago, she came to Russia from Indonesia to earn a higher education degree, see snow, and immerse herself in the culture of another country. Today, she speaks Russian confidently, studies, works, and makes plans for the future – unable to imagine her life without Russia.
From Indonesia to Russia
For Sutra, the decision to study abroad was a deliberate one. Out of many countries, Russia attracted her the most. A long-held dream was to see snow, which cannot be done in her home country. She was also drawn to the country鈥檚 culture.
鈥淩ussian culture is very rich and diverse. I鈥檝e always been amazed at how deeply people here honor history, literature, and traditions. I鈥檝e always liked Russian music and cuisine, and now I鈥檝e also grown to love the national holidays,鈥� she emphasizes.
Attitudes toward foreigners and choosing a university
鈥淚 was sure that people in Russia are very kind and responsive, and that foreigners are welcomed here. That鈥檚 probably why I adapted fairly quickly, and now I feel comfortable.鈥�
Her choice of university was not accidental either. For Sutra, the Naberezhnye Chelny Institute became a symbol of quality and reliability.
鈥淚 decided to study at the Naberezhnye Chelny Institute because it has a good reputation, a high level of education, a strong academic foundation, and excellent teachers,鈥� she notes.
Today, she studies in one of the institute鈥檚 technical programs and is steadily moving toward completing her bachelor鈥檚 degree.
Studies and the language barrier
Sutra admits that one of the hardest parts of adapting was studying in Russian. Even after several years, the language barrier still makes itself felt – during classes it can be difficult to grasp information right away. Over time, however, she has developed her own learning strategy, 鈥淎t home, I independently read material on the lecture topic in my native language or in English, and then I look up the definitions in Russian. That way I begin to understand the topic in Russian too.鈥�
Work and interests
Sutra鈥檚 life in Russia is not limited to studying. For the past two years, she has been working as an English tutor at a language school and continues to play sports, 鈥淚 go to a badminton club. I played back in Indonesia as well, so I鈥檓 glad I can keep doing it here.鈥�
First impressions and getting to know winter
Sutra arrived in Russia in November, right at the start of the cold season.
鈥淲hen I first arrived in this country, there was already snow. My first impression was simply mesmerizing – I saw something I had previously only looked at in pictures,鈥� she recalls.
At first, the cold was intimidating, but despite her concerns, winter in Russia became not a trial for Sutra, but a source of inspiration. Over time, she even developed her own winter tradition, 鈥淎s soon as the cold weather begins, I start drinking hot chocolate. It creates a warm, magical mood.鈥�
New Year celebrations, Russian-style
New Year is one of Sutra鈥檚 favorite holidays in Russia. Here it feels different than it does back home.
鈥淚n Russia, you feel this holiday in a special way, completely different from Indonesia. There are differences in traditions too: in my country, New Year is celebrated only with family, at home. But in Russia, people celebrate with friends as well,鈥� she says.
Plans for the future
Sutra is already thinking about the next stage of her life.
鈥淚鈥檓 finishing my bachelor鈥檚 degree; next academic year will be my last. My main goal is to successfully complete my studies and enroll in a master鈥檚 program,鈥� she says.
After graduation, she plans to work in Russia.