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.

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.

It was a wonderful experience, which I would do again, surely. Landscapes and city that, covered by snow, had a magical side. I appreciated the various activities offered by the university and the volunteers, always available and friendly.

I had the opportunity to make summer school first where I discovered SPB as well as the university. It was amazing experience of 3 weeks which make me follow the IBS program then. During IBS semester I could notice the high work experience from teachers and I was really happy with the fact that any help could be provided by administrative offices or by the teachers themselves! To conclude, following my studies in SPB was a great and an amazing experience that still keep helping me in my work or studies in my native country and I'm now able to understand better this wonderful Eastern culture!

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!