Joao Pedro Cordeiro Silva, KIU student and native of Brazil, in a matter of a couple of months learned Russian language good enough to communicate with teachers and students only once in a while switching to English. In his interview he told us why he decided to study at KIU, why he loves our city and revealed his plans to save the world.
- You have literally come to Kazan because of love. Can you tell us this incredibly romantic story?
- My girlfriend Thais is a ballet dancer. She graduated from Bolshoi Theatre School in Joinville, my hometown, and this year she was invited to work at Musa Jalil State Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet in Kazan. Of course I followed her.
- Why did you choose Kazan Innovative University?
- At the very beginning I googled “Kazan university” and KIU was among the first. I sent my application and was lucky to become a student. Now I learn Russian language and plan to continue my education in “Technosphere safety”, also at KIU. All my fears concerning moving to the other country haven’t panned out: cold Russia received me with open arms, thanks to the university. So I’d rest here for a while if you don’t mind.
- How hard it was to adapt to Russia?
- I was feeling sleepy all my first week in Kazan – time difference between Joinville and Kazan is about 6 hours. Thanks to my teachers who were sympathetic. And the climate, of course. You certainly won’t need that thing in Brazil. (points to a radiator – editor’s note)
- Do you often walk around Kazan? Maybe you already have some favorite sights?
- Kazan is a very beautiful city and I enjoy walking around it. As a person that bears loneliness hard, I’m endlessly thankful to my teachers and friends in Kazan for a warm welcome. There's never a dull moment! We have walked along the mains streets of Kazan, Kremlin embankment, visited historical sites in the city and around. My girlfriend comes back from the tour around Europe soon, and I’m going to show her the beauty of the city seen with my own eyes.
- Russians and Brazilians are said to have a lot in common, despite the lifestyle differences. Did you notice something?
- Our nations are both very hospitable, can work hard and play hard (by the way, there is even more holidays and festivals in Brazil than in Russia). I think Russians have one very important and respectworthy streak: Russians are very reliable and always stick to their words. “Man does as he says” – is it a popular Russian saying, right?
- University graduate in “Technosphere safety” can work in the fields of environmental and industrial protection, work safety, fire safety, emergency safety etc. What would you choose out of those noble activities?
- I want to save the world, to be honest. Now more specifically: in Brazil deforestation rate and scale reached the maximum level. This adversely affects the environment, harvest, provokes global climate change. I’m sure that this major will help me find a remedy.
- Tell us about Brazil. What do you feel nostalgic about?
- I think about home all the time: I want to see my family and friends, go back to my hometown just for a day. By the way, have you ever heard about Brazilian carnival? It’s worth seeing at least once. During carnival days fun and dancing are everywhere as a part of the great feast of life. Rich citizens are having fun with favela inhabitants, forgetting about disagreements and misunderstandings, the society unites. By the way, all rumors about favela poorness and horrors are largely exaggerated by the movie makers. In real life there are no murderous wars (there is criminality, of course, like everywhere), and rich people don’t build walls to protect themselves from the poor. In Brazilian cities all people live elbow to elbow and many of them are friends despite social gaps.
I love my country but I’d like to mention that Kazan has become a home away from home. The university is one big family and I constantly feel its support. I want to thank once more my teachers, international department staff, students. I promise to come back even after graduation because once you’ve loved this city you won’t be able to forget it.