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.
Now that I have just finished my studies in Russia I can say with no doubts that I have a deeper comprehension about this unique country. What I most liked about my experience in the Summer Program was the opportunity to study and live together with many people from all over the world, Bulgaria, Finland, Italy, Mexico, Switzerland, Romania, the United States, including also other places from Russia! For sure this is not a mere opportunity, but an exercise for peace and fraternity. It is also incredible when you have a group of professionals who are ready to welcome you and offer the foreign students a valuable assistance in so many ways. The trips organized by the coordinators are the highest point of a mature project which learnt that a complete educational experience must go beyond the ordinary classroom. Furthermore, Saint Petersburg is one of the places with greater cultural potential in the world! I strongly recommend this international experience!
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.
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!
IM was a course that I was looking long time to learn, and I did it in Russia. I really enjoyed the classes, not only the one that I focused at the beginning... I enjoyed all of them, particularly the class of Russian Civilization and its Architecture, where after a few trips to Saint Petersburg, I could understand the meaning and have more information about some buildings that I saw daily before.