Russia is known to be the largest country in the world in terms of land area and is the 6th most populous country in the world. The country is home to some of the most magnificent palaces, expansive plateaus, tallest mountains, coldest towns, renowned ballet companies, Matryoshka dolls, and mysterious caves located inside its broad bounds. Apart from its geographical wonders, the country is a popular choice for students across the world for their higher education.

Russia is popular among medical aspirants across the globe, specifically for its medical education. Among Indian students, MBBS in Russia is the go-to choice due to its affordability and quality of education. MBBS study in Russia does not require the student to pass any entrance exam or pay donations. The direct admissions and the cutting-edge techno advanced learning facilities at the Russian medical universities constitute the several advantages of MBBS in Russia. 

With over 3000 students joining the Russian medical universities every year for a budget-friendly and recognised MBBS education program, MBBS in Russia is, without a doubt- a great choice. However, there are some challenges that Indian students face when they choose to join the medical universities of Russia for their MBBS.       

Here are some of the disadvantages of studying MBBS in Russia that the students must consider before making a choice:

1. Language & Medium of Teaching

Most of Indian students are familiar and comfortable with the English language when it comes to the formal setup such as education. Therefore, when it comes to studying MBBS in Russia, one of the major concerns that the students have to face is language.

The predominant language among the locals and officials is Russian. Apart from the secondary or co-official languages of the country are Ossetic, Ukrainian, Buryat, Kalmyk, Chechen, Ingush, Abaza, Adyghe, Cherkess, Kabardian, Nogai, Tatar, Tuvan, Yakut, Erzya, Komi, etc. Only about 11% of the Russian population speaks foreign languages such as English, French, Turkish etc. However, English is one of the most popular languages in the category of foreign languages. 

In Russia, there are several universities that offer complete medical courses in the Russian language. Similarly, some universities offer the MBBS course in bilingual format with the first few years in English and the latter years in the Russian language. There are also some universities in Russia that are known to provide complete course study in the English language.

Rus Education helps you to identify the medical universities of Russia that provide complete medical education in the English medium. However, the universities that offer the complete MBBS course in English medium generally require the students to study the basics of the Russian language as a part of their MBBS curriculum. It is due to the fact that the students have to interact with the locals during the practical parts of their study. Learning the foundations of the Russian language also helps the students in getting comfortable with the new environment and culture.

Having been the 8th most spoken language in the world, Russian is one of the most prominent languages in Europe. Provided the students get a stronghold in the language and pursue it with interest, can open a lot of opportunities. This has helped the students in not only following the traditional fields but also creating several unconventional fields- such as medical tourism, etc.

2. Food & Accommodations

Eating and living habits are always a concern when Indian students choose to study MBBS abroad.  It is very difficult for the students to get comfortable with the new taste and culture. This also could be a very common struggle among the students who join Russian medical universities. Though living in Russia is very affordable as compared to its other European and American counterparts, getting a place to stay can be a bit of a challenge with no proper guidance. 

The cost of student accommodation in Russia can range from RUB 1500 to RUB 35,000 (USD 26 – USD 612) per month, depending on the place, the amenities, and the type of lodging. Moscow and St. PetersbergPetersburg are well known for being the most expensive cities in Russia to live in.

However, provided the students choose the right universities, food and accommodation are not much of a concern. Rus Education, not only helps the students in identifying the university with excellent accommodation in terms of amenities and safety but also arranges Indian mess facilities for the Indian students. 

There is also an arrangement of Indian cooks in the mess by Rus Education so that all the students get to enjoy the comforting, hygienic and healthy Indian food in the universities.

3. Cultural Hindrance

It is understandable that the students may find it difficult to adjust and adapt to a new country and culture, especially during their initial years. No doubt, India and Russia have very different cultures and traditions. But despite this, both countries have decades of close historical and political associations with each other. It is due to this, that both the countries have found to be respecting and celebrating the cultures and traditions of each other. 

Several top medical universities in Russia make arrangements to not only help students participate in their cultural activities but also celebrate their festivals and occasions with much enthusiasm. Indian students at various Russian universities are often found to be celebrating their national festivals with quite a fervour similar to that in India.

4. Climate Conditions in Russia

Russia is a vast country, known in the world for its exquisite, scenic and harsh winters. A wider part of the country remains inhabitable due to unfavourable weather conditions. However, most of the prominent cities in Russia are in favourable weather conditions. The summer period is usually dry and arid with temperatures ranging from approximately 23°C (73°F) to 30°C (86°F) to snowy winters with temperatures ranging from approximately -7.7 °C (18° F) to -67.7 °C (-90° F).

Similar to the cultural adaptations required in the initial years, the Indian students, well adapted to the sub-tropical climate of India, may find it hard to get comfortable in the new environment, however, soon get accustomed to the new climate.

For the international students, the hostel facility provided generally includes all the precautions such as a centralised heating/cooling system, continuous hot water supply, etc to counter the weather outside.

5. Lack of Information

Russia, is close to a faraway land for many Indian households. Therefore, knowing about the ground reality of the foreign land is one of the major concerns, when it comes to pursuing education.

Due to the lack of clarity, several students aspiring to study MBBS in Russia often find themselves in a complicated situation between what was promised to them and what they receive. 

Rus Education has been a pioneer in assisting students in top medical universities of Russia for the past 30 years. The organisation clarifies the doubts of the students via direct interaction with the university, university representatives and even at times, university students. With this, the students and parents get complete, comprehensive and authentic information about the university, course, facilities, etc, and make the right choice for their MBBS study in Russia.

Conclusion:

Over the years, despite all the minuscule challenges and limitations, MBBS in Russia has gained massive popularity among Indian students due to its affordability, r

Over the years, despite all the minuscule challenges and limitations, MBBS in Russia has gained massive popularity among Indian students due to its affordability, recognition and global reputation. With support from the universities and Rus Education, thousands of students have already overcome these challenges and achieved their dream of becoming a doctor. These students can be found working as respectable professionals in not only some of the top hospitals in India but also abroad.

Rus Education, in its service of 3 decades has made this dream of becoming a successful doctor meet with reality for over 50,000 students. The team takes care of all the needs and requirements of the students starting from providing the necessary guidance while choosing the right university, aiding at each and every step of the admission process-filling up the admission form, getting education loan (if required), student visa, foreign currency, pre-departure documentation, etc, along with various on-arrival benefits such as pickup from the airport, arrangement of accommodations, Indian mess facility, Certificate of Equivalence from the Ministry of Education of the Destination Country, on-campus coaching for the medical licensing exam, etc.

If you are also seeking MBBS admissions to top medical universities in Russia, get in touch with us today. Dial the student helpline number 1800-833-3338 or simply visit the nearest Rus Education office.

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