Published on: 2026-08-04
Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering –
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Student of the architectural faculty of SPbGASU Anik Maritel Chavarria Garache She came to Russia from Nicaragua to fulfill her dream — to receive an architectural education at one of the country’s oldest specialized universities. Today she is studying successfully, representing her home country at university events, winning international competitions, and recently completed an internship at the Leningrad Region Capital Repair Fund. We talked with Anik about why she chose SPbGASU, how her adaptation to life in Russia went, and what plans she associates with her profession.
Anik was born and raised in Managua, the capital of Nicaragua. According to her, her interest in architecture appeared in childhood thanks to her parents: her mother works as an architect, and her father is a construction engineer.
“I literally grew up alongside architectural projects. My mother was drawing plans, my father was calculating structures, and I was watching future buildings come to life on paper. It was then that I realized I wanted to dedicate my life to architecture,” the student says.
The choice of country for studying was also influenced by family history. Anik’s grandfather visited Moscow in 1985 during the development of relations between Nicaragua and the Soviet Union, and the matryoshka dolls that he brought back are still kept at home. Later, the girl began studying the Russian language at the “Russian World” center at the National Autonomous University of Nicaragua (UNAN-Managua), participated in cultural events, and ultimately decided to continue her education in Russia.
Enrollment at SPbGASU became the fulfillment of a long-held dream for her.
“SPbGASU was my first and only choice. It is one of the oldest architectural and construction universities in Russia, and St. Petersburg is a real open-air architecture textbook. When I found out that I passed the competitive selection, I cried with happiness,” Anik recalls.
She notes that she became the first student from Nicaragua to enroll at SPbGASU in the field of architecture.
The first months away from family were difficult. Anik admits that the hardest part was getting used to being apart from loved ones, the climate, and the new way of life. The teachers of the preparatory faculty, classmates, and dormitory neighbors played a significant role in the adaptation.
“Russia has become a second home for me. Here I met people who supported me from the very first days. Thanks to this, I was able to adapt to the new country more quickly and feel like part of the university community,” she says.
According to the student, what particularly attracts her to SPbGASU is the combination of a solid foundational education and a creative approach to the profession.
Participation in international competitions occupies a special place in her student life. Under the guidance of an associate professor of the architectural design department Fyodor Vladimirovich Perov she became the winner of the international competition “Saint Petersburg — Managua,” organized by the Stieglitz Academy together with UNAN-Managua. Anik took first place in the category “Subject-Spatial Complex (project)” and third place in the category “Residential Architecture (completed project).”
In addition to studying, the girl actively participates in university life, representing Nicaragua at foreign student fairs and festivals.
An important stage in Anik’s professional development was the internship at the Capital Repair Fund of the Leningrad Region, which she completed in the design and survey work department.
During the internship, the student studied technical documentation, participated in discussions of project solutions, and became familiar with modern technologies for major repairs of apartment buildings.
“The most interesting thing is to see how a solution is developed for a building that needs help, one that can extend its life by decades. I was especially impressed by the energy efficiency technologies. This is still a less familiar topic for Nicaragua, so I will definitely try to apply the experience gained in the future,” she notes.
According to Anik, it was her education at SPbGASU that allowed her to feel confident in the professional environment.
“At university, we are taught not just to read drawings, but to understand them. During my internship, knowledge of structures, engineering systems, regulations, and teamwork experience helped me. Thanks to this, I was able to fully participate in the discussion of professional tasks,” says the student.
Life in Saint Petersburg, Anik admits, has long ceased to be something unusual for her.
“I love Petersburg very much. I especially love walking along the Neva embankments during the white nights. This city inspires every day and itself becomes a teacher for a future architect,” she says.
After graduating from university, Anik would like to develop her professional career in two countries simultaneously.
“I want to build a bridge between Russia and Nicaragua. I want to apply Russian experience in architecture, restoration, and energy efficiency in my homeland, as well as participate in projects here in Russia. For me, architecture is an opportunity to unite people, cultures, and countries,” emphasizes the student.
For those who are still choosing a university, Anik advises not to be afraid of difficulties.
“If architecture is your calling, SPbGASU will provide not only knowledge but will also teach you to think broadly, respect history, and understand space. Yes, the Russian language is not simple, yes, studying requires effort. But the result is worth it,” she is confident.
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