Testimonials

James Chong Khi Tse

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!

James Chong Khi Tse, Singapore, student of Nanyang Technological University (module “The Challenge of the White Nights”)
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”)
Giulia Roncalli

My teacher told us about the Summer School of Russian Studies at SPbPU describing it as an outstanding experience. Frankly, I decided to take part in it out of curiosity. And then I really liked it! Russian language classes were very important for me to improve my speaking skills, also they helped me feel your language better. Apart from the Russian language course I have taken an elective Russian Business Culture course which I truly enjoyed too! I think, the module is very well organized, we had many lessons and field trips, we learnt a lot, but we also had the time to walk around the city, explore it and see lots of beautiful spots. Architecture of St. Petersburg is so inspiring! I would like to work with Russian language, probably to connect my future career with some international company, or to work in a Consulate, that is why I plan not to stop on what I achieved but to move further.

Giulia Roncalli, Ca’Foscari University of Venice, Italy (Summer School 2017, module “Focus on Russia”)
Francisco Carmona

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.

Francisco Carmona, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile (Summer School 2017, module “Architecture and Civil Engineering”)
Sandhya Pavalavannan

Hi, it's been a great time after the winter school. Now I am pursuing my postgraduate course. So far I have attended few interviews in my undergraduate level and the international exposure that I gained from the winter school has made me stand out of the crowd. Attending the winter school is definitely one of the mile stone in my career. We actually got international industrial knowledge about our sector. Interacting with other international students provided us with various knowledge aspects. We are immensely thankful for the warm hospitality and service provided by the program organizers. Fun filled learning, industrial trips, training by real industrial faculty, interactive sessions were the key point of the program. St. Petersburg weather is one which we couldn't resist talking about. On the whole the winter school program has carved unforgettable memories and knowledge in us.

Sandhya Pavalavannan, Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute, India (Winter School 2019 “Civil Engineering”)