From abroad...

The international experience

As an international student from Russia, Ludmila Zueva has a different college experience than the average student. Zueva grew up in Russia, but spent many summers in the United States with her uncle. When it came time to choose a university, Zueva knew she wanted to attend a university where she could pursue a career in journalism.

She knew it would be tough to be so far away from her family, but was determined to go to MU. Now that she’s enrolled and overseas, she notices the differences between the two different cultures.

“In Russia, 16 is the drinking age, so we start that a lot younger and it’s a lot more social of a culture,” she said.

Although American culture is drastically different than what she’s used to, Zueva remains content with her choice to come across seas.

“It’s been a challenge because you just have to branch out of your comfort zone and meet new people, but it hasn’t been too bad,” she said.

Being approximately 5,612 miles away from home would be overwhelming to most, but Zueva is determined to get her degree here in the United States.

The international community at MU is relatively small, reporting only 1,943 students enrolled. Zueva said she represents her culture by taking Russian literature classes and remembering where she’s really from.

Even though she claims to be having a great experience here so far, she admits that she often gets homesick.

“Missing home is the most difficult part and the hotter climate is hard to adjust to too,” she said.

With modern technology, Zueva is able to communicate with her family every night on Skype and plans to go back to Russia this coming summer.

With a set plan on where she’s heading, Zueva continues to work to adapt to the new culture she’s been thrown in. She claims her degree from MU will help her get a job.

“I plan on moving back to Russia after college and my international experience will help me get a job,” she said.

Photos by Jimmy Hibsch, story by Kelsey Kerwin