Russia is a great place; the people are friendly and always ready to offer assistance, Spencer Kwao, a Ghanaian who became a doctor in Belgorod and plays the organ there, told Sputnik Africa.
"They always want to know how you feel about their country. Maybe they can improve in some way or that they are willing to go," he added.
Spencer grew up in the town of Koforidua in southeastern Ghana and always wanted to become a doctor for two reasons: to save lives and to secure his future, as the medical profession is one of the most reliable in Ghana, according to him.
However, there is a lot of competition in Ghana, and high school graduates often look for opportunities to study abroad. His sister's classmate studied in Russia and introduced him to a scholarship program. Spencer received a scholarship and thus arrived in Russia in 2017.
But how did a medical student end up taking part in an organ festival? Spencer said that he grew up in a church where they played various instruments, including drums, trumpet, bass guitar, and lead guitar. This early exposure to music, as his church had a strong emphasis on singing, significantly influenced his musical background.
"When I came to Russia, I decided to improve further by adding the pedal techniques," he explained.
Spencer discovered there was an organ in Belgorod and endeavored to find its player, driven by a keen desire to master the intricate pedal techniques of this grand instrument. Finally, he reached out to the chief organist and began the learning process.
Spencer Kwao with Timur Khaliullin, soloist of the Belgorod State Philharmonic.
© Sputnik
Although the festival bears the name "Slavic," its essence is truly international. Spencer stands as the sole African participant, but his involvement may well inspire other African students to join in.
On the topic of internationality and cultural exchange, Spencer noted that Russians show an eagerness to learn new things. They are particularly inquisitive about Africa, asking many questions to understand what life is like on the other side of the globe.
"I think we've gotten to a point in this world where people want to integrate more," he reckoned.
Wrapping up the interview, Sputnik Africa inquired about what Spencer would take away from his experience of studying and living in Russia. He shared that he had discovered "many positive things" and had learned a great deal in the country. He noted that, in conversations with family and friends back in Ghana, they often remarked that he was no longer the same person who had left.
Furthermore, mastering the Russian language opened up new horizons for him, not to mention his studies at the medical university.
"If nothing is preventing you to come to Russia, come, Russia is safe. [...] I would advise anyone to come. If you want to study medicine, Russia is one of the best countries when it comes to the medical field," he concluded.