Testimonials
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.
First of all, I like Russian language, it is very melodic for me, that is why I came here. Secondly, I am studying Power Engineering, and a huge part of the Polish energy industry is connected with Russia. So I am sure that in future I’ll use my Russian language skills effectively. For me the most interesting part of the program was the Speaking club, because there we were talking only in Russian. Since my level is not very high yet, it was quite challenging for me not to switch to English and to speak Russian as much as possible. We discussed different topics and it was indeed very practical, I enjoyed my time in St.Petersburg a lot!
The reasons that underpinned my decision to take part in the summer school were the international outlook of the program, the involvement of leading professors in the educational process, the visit to industrial facilities and the chance to be exposed to the Russian culture in a vibrant city as Saint-Petersburg. I am delighted that all professors, as I expected, were very knowledgeable, open-minded and positively-oriented, and also very eager to transfer their knowledge in a non-traditional (more interactive) way. Furthermore, the visit of some large electricity generation (Rosenergoatom, the branch of Leningradskaya NPP) and turbine manufacturing (REP Holding) sites was undoubtedly a cornerstone in terms of providing additional added value to the program. In addition, for the positive outcome of the school contributed the big variety of cultural activities organized during the stay. For instance, the excursions to the world-renowned The State Hermitage Museum and Peterhof Palace, and the boat trip along the Neva river were absolutely marvelous. Last but not least, all program coordinators were extremely supportive and always ready to help throughout the entire program, which has made the stay even more delightful. So this is my impression of the summer school in a nutshell. Hopefully, it will suit your needs. Please let me know if there is anything else that I have forgotten. Also, I believe that this type of international programmes are not only about acquiring new knowledge, experiencing the life in a new country with a different culture, but also about establishing new professional contacts. Hence, I am hoping that we will manage to keep our contacts successfully in the future as well. Since I don't have all the contacts of your university colleagues who have been involved in the summer school (and I don't want to miss anyone), please say hello to them from me. Lastly, I wish you a great success to all your current and future endeavours.
Performing an academic exchange in Russia was not in my closest plans, however, when this opportunity came up I did not think twice. It was an amazing experience, since from the environment, experience in the university, the lectures, staff, until the cultural activities that the university gave us and also the friends we made during this period. I recommend it to everyone, the academic and cultural knowledge are highly rewarding, and St. Petersburg is a sensational and amazing city, full of histories that delight our eyes.
I can describe my summer school at Polytechnic University as the most amazing cultural experience in my life. I learned so many things inside and outside the classroom. I loved St. Petersburg, and the people I met over there, and i plan to visit Russia again someday!