Testimonials

The integration of cultural and academic activities were very fitting for the "Open your mind to Russia" course. The elements of Russian language, history, and business culture come alive in the contexts that St. Petersburg and it surroundings provide. My views of Russia and its values have changed as much as could be expected from a three-week program, due to the flexibility of the programme both in and outside the classroom. Exceeding the formalities of the programme, the uniquely internation composition of the student population, spanning east and west, offers a remarkable environment reflecting the international position of Russia.

I followed the summer school "OPEN YOUR MIND TO RUSSIA" in 2013, it was a well organized mix of lectures and social program. The social program shows us the most important and famous historical and cultural heritage like Peterhof and the Hermitage, but also the life in St. Petersburg nowadays. The lectures gave me a good overview about the history and culture of Russia. Moreover I got a good impression of the develop of the Russian economy. The knowledge which I gain during this two week program was very helpful for my further studying, especially for my class in "International Business and Cultural Diversity". I really like to get in contact with people from other countries therefore it was a great opportunity and I could extend my international network.

The whole program exceeded my initial expectations. The courses I followed were well structured and the teachers well prepared. I feel like I gained much knowledge and will certainly help my curriculum and my university studies. Saint Petersburg has amazed me in terms of its greatness: the historical buildings are richly decorated and full of history. I have nothing but dear memories from this experience and I hope I’ll be able to go back to Saint Petersburg soon!

The university is great, the city is great and for me, people here are really great too! Three weeks what I have learnt is not only the knowledge from SAP program but also the real Russia.

I have to admit that the first impression on Russia is just like the American Journalist in the TV series «Как я стал русским». As is known, tanks, bears, of course, and the Водка. Actually all above is not true. The street is clean and sky is blue. There are tanks only for exhibition.

When I started my class, I found my Russian classmates Alexandra had lots of interaction with our teacher Anna. It is open minded. Compared to the classes in my university, students usually listen to teachers without any questions or discussion. Maybe it is our disadvantage. I felt free in the classes and I could ask questions anytime. SPBPU has a long history and there’re many famous professors. Anna showed us how students work with professors to solve the innovated programs and it’s impressive.

Our tutor Nikita, the pretty boy showed us a lot of amazing places which usually tourists may not come. We have been to the amusement park. I guess it’s also Russian style. The projects are crazy. I tried the rollercoaster and it felt amazing. It means some kind of achievement to me. Later we saw the gulf of Finland and the new skyscraper. It will be a new Petersburg. I really expect to come back and witness the changes happening here.

I really love you, SPB and people who lives here!

Summer School of Russian Studies in SPbPU was one of the best decisions I made this summer! Having the opportunity to visit Russia allowed me to learn the Russian language, culture and history.

I came away with a much greater appreciation for a country that doesn’t get much publicity. In particular, SPbPU was a great host university. From arranging to receive us from the airport to ensuring we are settled into our accommodation, SPbPU made us feel very welcome in a very foreign land. The White Nights programme was planned really well, as we had a very experienced language tutor in class, as well as a very knowledgeable guide who accompanied us for all the ‘field trips’.

We were treated to visits to places such as the Hermitage, Peterhof Palace, and they even arranged for us to see the opening of the iconic drawbridges at night! Lastly, for such a complete experience in St Petersburg, SPbPU ensured that it was all kept really affordable, especially so when compared to other summer study programmes elsewhere. Would definitely recommend this programme to others!