Testimonials

Emma Trento

I’ve been studying Russian for several years, and I needed practicing it with native speakers. Besides, I wanted to know more about society, politics, culture, and arts of Russia. I very much liked the practical and theoretical Russian Language classes; I also enjoyed the lectures on the history of art and politics, as well as the exciting trips we had during the program. It was wonderful to study in such a pleasant and friendly atmosphere, and our teachers are true professionals. We had lots of useful exercises and speaking clubs, and all this has helped me to significantly improve my language skills. In addition, I’ve got many new friends here, and the tutors helped us to know more about the city, I am extremely thankful for this experience!

Emma Trento, Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Italy (Summer School 2018 “Russian Language, Politics and Art")
Sandhya Pavalavannan

Hi, it's been a great time after the winter school. Now I am pursuing my postgraduate course. So far I have attended few interviews in my undergraduate level and the international exposure that I gained from the winter school has made me stand out of the crowd. Attending the winter school is definitely one of the mile stone in my career. We actually got international industrial knowledge about our sector. Interacting with other international students provided us with various knowledge aspects. We are immensely thankful for the warm hospitality and service provided by the program organizers. Fun filled learning, industrial trips, training by real industrial faculty, interactive sessions were the key point of the program. St. Petersburg weather is one which we couldn't resist talking about. On the whole the winter school program has carved unforgettable memories and knowledge in us.

Sandhya Pavalavannan, Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute, India (Winter School 2019 “Civil Engineering”)
Esteban Jurado Gomez

I could say that the summer school apart of the academically course is a great personal experience where you could meet many cultures. Live in a country so far of home teach you get out of your comfort zone. About the course, it was a great experience too. I could learn a great topic that in my country do not exist, apart from that was possible for me learn many things that I never knew about this topic.

Esteban Jurado Gomez, University of Los Andes, Colombia (Summer School 2017, module “Plasma Physics and Controlled Nuclear Fusion”)
Diana Mistreanu

In late February, Saint Petersburg’s magnificent streets, colourful facades, and its cultural as well as its (particularly lively, I must say) nightlife are shrouded in wintry magic, and the Nordic vibes of the city are so cosy that they give you the feeling you’ve just stepped into a different dimension of the existence. That alone is so overwhelmingly beautiful that you’d think that this city just can’t offer much more than that.

Well, you’d be wrong, as I discovered while attending the Winter School in Russian language and Culture organised by Peter the Great St.Petersburg Polytechnic University – one of the city’s oldest and most prestigious academic centres.

I enrolled out of curiosity. I wanted to brush up on my Russian and didn’t really expect much of the program, but, turns out, I was surprised right from the start. One of the best things about this experience was the highly professional staff – the teachers are well-trained, widely read, energetic and ready to answer any question you might come up with, whether it is about the Russian Dative, Dostoyevsky or the history of the city. For someone interested in art and history, the afternoon sessions will be delightful. The teachers are knowledgeable and eloquent, and the program coordinator makes sure you have everything you need to enjoy the time you’re spending there. It was, overall, an unforgettable experience, which successfully combined studying, sightseeing, and having fun!

Thank you all for working so hard and making it possible!

Diana Mistreanu, University of Luxembourg, Luxembourg (Winter School 2019 “Russian Language and Culture”)
Mario Nogales Pastrana

I would have never imagined how a three-week course could change someone in such a good way. Nowadays, I am definitely not the same person who landed in Saint Petersburg on the 16th of August. Behind me, I left a great university, one of the most beautiful cities I have ever visited and many nice people I am sure I will meet again. But I am taking back home much more. I have discovered a new country and a new culture from inside with the help of local people (such as our tutors, coordinators and teachers) and with the company of a diverse international group that both contributed to make a brilliant and unique experience

 

Mario Nogales Pastrana, Polytechnical University of Madrid, Spain (Summer School 2014, module “Civil Engineering and Design”)