Testimonials
Saint Petersburg Polytechnic University Summer School gave me one of the best summer holidays I have ever had! From learning Russian, to improving myself on my field; from new friendships, to adventures in a new country and culture, with one word, it was "amazing!" I am still in touch with the people I get to know there and I can assure, for those who are considering to join, even 1 month will not be enough!
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!
I could say that the summer school apart of the academically course is a great personal experience where you could meet many cultures. Live in a country so far of home teach you get out of your comfort zone. About the course, it was a great experience too. I could learn a great topic that in my country do not exist, apart from that was possible for me learn many things that I never knew about this topic.
I would have never imagined how a three-week course could change someone in such a good way. Nowadays, I am definitely not the same person who landed in Saint Petersburg on the 16th of August. Behind me, I left a great university, one of the most beautiful cities I have ever visited and many nice people I am sure I will meet again. But I am taking back home much more. I have discovered a new country and a new culture from inside with the help of local people (such as our tutors, coordinators and teachers) and with the company of a diverse international group that both contributed to make a brilliant and unique experience
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!