Testimonials

Stan Kesrtjens

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.

Stan Kesrtjens, Maastricht University, Netherlands (Summer School 2016, module “Open Your Mind to Russia 2016”)
Sami Wehbe

The summer school was an excellent experience and I am very grateful that Polytech gave me the opportunity to experience Russia firsthand and make my dream of learning Russian possible on a scholarship. I made so many close friends there and got to visit so many different cultural sites that I would not have visited otherwise. The most amazing thing that I witnessed there was the White nights. A great thank you to everyone who made the summer school possible and for providing me with a perspective of Russia that I would not have gotten otherwise.

Sami Wehbe, Georgetown School of Foreign Service, Qatar (Summer School 2015, module “Exploring the Russian Heritage”)
Elizabeth Millet

I absolutely love Russian language, and it was very important for me to study in SPbPU! The classes about the Russian Art and Culture were great. We learnt about the history, traditions and customs of Russia, as well as about politics and some social aspects. What is more, we had the chance to see Russia as insiders. I think that during this Summer School I could understand Russia in a rather good way. I am interested in International relations and I would really like to work in this country, so I hope to use my Russian language skills in this sphere in future.

Elizabeth Millet, National Institute of Oriental Languages and Civilizations, France (Summer School 2017, modules “Focus on Russia” and “Exploring the Russian Heritage”)
Magnus de Witt

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.

Magnus de Witt, Fontys University of Applied Sciences, the Netherlands (Summer School 2013, module “Open Your Mind to Russia”)
Dennis Yin

I participated in the Polytechnic University 2017 summer school "3D design and digital fabrication" project. I designed and used 3d printer to produce a nautilus-shaped lantern. My life in the school was very exciting. The Chinese people particularly like eating, so my Chinese teammates and I cooked a lot in the kitchen. We also share our Chinese food with students from other countries. All of us spent a very happy time together. During my spare time, I visited the Hermitage, Peter Paul fortress and other attractions. I like history, so I enjoyed the various museums in St. Petersburg. I am very grateful to the Polytechnic University for giving me the opportunity to come to Russia to communicate with people from different countries. I am very grateful to my teachers - Yulianna, Simon and Sergei for teaching me patiently. I am very grateful to Darina, Sasha, Nikita for taking care of my life.

Dennis Yin, Beihang University, China (Summer School 2017, module "3D Design and Digital Fabrication")