• Name: Maria Elvira Lopez ’21
• Hometown: Quito, Ecuador
• Major: Environmental Studies and International Relations
• Study Abroad Location: Moscow State University for the Humanities, Russia
  

Q. How is studying abroad benefiting your Beloit College education?

This is a great experience to get a new perspective on education, politics and culture. It has helped me become much more self sufficient, adaptive and responsible. Experiencing life in a big city like Moscow also has the benefit of being surrounded by infinite number of experts, interest groups, and opportunities in the topics of my interest.

Q. How are you engaging with people and place when you’re not in the classroom?

Outside of the classroom, I am visiting museums, going on trips around the city, trying new food, and going out for walks. People are very friendly here and they are always excited to meet foreigners.

Q. What are the three most important things you packed in your suitcase? Why?

Warm clothes (or clothes appropriate for the weather), comfortable shoes, practical backpack or purse. These items allow me to go anywhere and be prepared

Q. What is your favorite place in your host city/country?

Apothecary botanical gardens and Tsaritsyno park

Q. What is a common food there? What is the best meal you’ve had abroad?

Georgian food!

View of Saint Petersburg from the top of Saint Issac’s Cathedral