A Young Haitian Woman’s Journey Through the Challenges of Studying in Russia

Esperanta Toussaint, 24, has just completed her bachelor's degree in International Relations at Belgorod State University in Russia. Having left Haiti in 2021 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the young Haitian is now closing a five-year chapter marked by learning a challenging language, adapting to a harsh climate, and building a network of international friendships far from any established Haitian community.

Esperanta Toussaint's interest in history and international relations first took root during her childhood at