Trevor Sakameya: “In Zambia, Russia is associated with quality education”
Our Second Home project, telling about international students at KFU, continues with the story of Trevor Sakameya, a third-year student of medicine from Zambia.
Russia and Zambia
Having first arrived to Russia in October 2022, Trevor was a bit worried and excited. He was very impressed with local architecture, cool weather, and hospitality.
“In Zambia, Russia is often associated with quality education, cold climate, and the historical role of this nation in world politics. My friends and family were excited by my choice, but also a bit worried, mostly because of such stereotypes about Russia as its unforgiving cold. But when I shared my positive feedback, they started asking me more questions,” says the young man.
For Trevor, the multi-ethnicity of Tatarstan and equal respect for all religions became revelations.
“There is something common between Tatarstan and Zambia – both places cherish hospitality and family. As in my native country, people here share stories sitting at a holiday table. The main difference is the climate. Zambia is a tropical country, while Tatarstan is a winter fairy tale. There is also more ethnic and religious diversity here,” he adds.
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Adaptation
Trevor confesses that music, phone calls, studies, and time with friends all help him battle homesickness. He has got to know Tatar literature, cuisine, and sightseeing places, as well a few basic words and phrases in Tatar language. His favorite writers are Anton Chekhov and Gabdulla Tukay.
As for pleasures of the ear, classical music is his favorite, although he knows both Russian and Tatar music as well.
Tatar cuisine seems more palatable to him than Russian, including such local staples as triangles and chak-chak.
KFU as the second home
Apart from his studies of medicine, Trevor is active in the Association of African Students in Kazan, where he organizes cultural events for international students. He is also a volunteer in a language club, helping others practice English and improving his Russian at the same time. Among other events that the interviewee has joined are Summer University, Student Day concerts, and many more.
“My favorite subjects are anatomy and biochemistry because I like to learn how the body and organism are structured. As for extracurriculars, I like math because it develops thinking abilities and is fun,” continues Trevor.
Further plans
Trevor plans to return to Zambia for a year after graduation and then move to another country for professional growth. He will definitely take some souvenirs with him, like chak-chak, traditional caps, tea, and other memorabilia.