FESS News

An interview with a FESS student Javier Royo Trallero

18   June   2020
A Spaniard Javier Royo Trallero unexpectedly arrived at Moscow a year and a half ago: his father was transferred to work here and, therefore, the whole family relocated together.

Before that, Javier had already studied in Zaragoza, where he began to study business management and administration, in the Canary Islands and in the United States – wherever he and his family had to follow his father.

«When I found out that we were moving to Moscow, I was happy," says Javier," although I didn't know much about Russia and the Russian higher education system. However, I regarded the change as a great opportunity to learn Russian, which I will definitely need in the future, and to get acquainted with the culture and history of such a huge and rich country as Russia. Coming to Moscow was a challenge for me: I struggled with many problems and I had to solve them, adapt to a new life in a new environment. I appreciate these challenges, they taught me a lot and showed me what I am capable of».

Javier and his younger brother had a hard time at first. They didn't know anyone in Moscow except parents, and that was unusual. The children enrolled in the Russian language courses at RUDN, gradually began to discover a new city and made friends… Since then life slowly began to improve.

The turning point was the meeting with the Dean of the Faculty of Economic and Social Sciences (FESS) Presidential Academy – Alexander Vasilievich Chichin. RANEPA, being one of the best higher education institutions in Russia, was recommended to Javier Royo Trallero by the Spanish Embassy in Moscow. The young man was looking for the Institute to continue studying business management and administration, which he started at home in Spain.

«After completing the Russian language course, I got B1 level,» says Javier. «Not so great, but enough for communication. The interview with the Dean Alexander Vasilievich Chichin was conducted in Russian. After this meeting I was completely convinced that RANEPA is the best option for me».

The Spaniard decided to study in Russian. For Javier Royo Trallero it was a conscious choice and, despite the difficulties, he never regretted it. Today, he is a freshman at FESS.

«We have already taken courses in history, personal and professional development, business planning, economic history, and others,» says Javier. «Now we are studying mathematics, information technology in management, philosophy, and microeconomics…»

«I can't single out any subject – all my classes are interesting and useful. I really like to solve problems and exercise, as well as come up with projects in groups for self-study. This is a real opportunity to manage information and see the results of your mental work. Self-study is an excellent way to learn discipline, to be able to meet deadlines».

The Spaniard notes the kindness and friendliness of professors and fellow students. But the comfort in study and communication did not appear immediately. Javier was shy about starting a conversation in Russian, afraid that another person would not understand him.

«I thought that Russian students were reserved and did not want to reveal their soul to a foreigner," says Javier, "but gradually everything changed. Many people started talking to me in English at first, so that I didn't feel the  language barrier. I expanded my circle of communication with the guys who chose Spanish as a second foreign language. For me, this was a good opportunity to help them in their classes when they were not sure how to say something in Spanish correctly, and to talk about Spanish traditions».

Javier says that he feels like he is gradually becoming more integrated into the student community and that he is grateful to his fellow students for their help. By the way, the football game, which Javier is fond of, like many other FESS students, also helps to reduce language and other cultural barriers. The guys try to play regularly – this is a great discharge after 6-7 hours of daily lectures.

It was comfortable enough for Javier to switch to distance learning. He likes the exercises and tasks that professors upload to an online platform, which they then thoroughly work out during online lectures. Essays, projects, and online oral exams are all new experiences for most. In Spain, Javier's exams were all written. Javier especially emphasizes the benefits of interactive classes – in his opinion, during the discussion it is easier to express the new knowledge learned in this subject.

The young man says that he often thinks that in the future, it is likely that distance learning will be prevalent, and people will have to accept these technological and social changes. Javier himself is ready for this development. Still, he is looking forward to the return of student life to offline: he expects that the Academy's student events in the next academic year will be held in the same «live» format.

Javier Royo Trallero says that both in his studies and in life, he is guided by the statement of the canadian author of many works about self-determination, decision-making and choice, Catherine Pulsifer: «To see an opportunity, we must be open to all thoughts.» And the young man is inspired by the life story of Spanish businessman Amancio Ortega, who at once could not finish high school, because he had to go to work, but managed to come up with the Zara brand and build a huge international trading Empire.

«I am sure that the knowledge that I have already received and that I have yet to master will be useful and relevant in the new economic conditions that we are currently facing. My education and all my experience at the Academy will help me think outside the box, see available alternatives when making decisions, and apply my knowledge effectively. If I manage to realize my professional knowledge and ambitions in Russia, I will be happy to stay and work here as long as I am in demand,» the young man says.

Javier notes that the change of permanent residence from Spain to Russia does not frighten him at all, and even shares that he is ready to marry a Russian girl if he meets his love here.

Contacts:

119571, 82/1 Prospekt Vernadskogo, Moscow,
(RANEPA building 5), floor 3, room 305.

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