Testimonials

Hello everyone, I am Yibing Zhao from Tsinghua University, Beijing. I was in the program 'Doing Business in Russia' of International Polytechnic Winter School in 2019. This two-week experience in Saint-Petersburg left me an extraordinary memory and many take-aways. In classes, we learned the Russian history, economic and social development, as well as the Russian business environment and entrepreneurship. The well-arranged schedule enriched this short program by guiding us to Pushkin and Hermitage and the field trips to factories. Saint Petersburg fascinated me with its beautiful scenery and abundant cultural heritages, and left me no reason for not coming and visiting again.

I had such a great time at Polytech summer school! The combination of university courses and summer vacation made the experience both meaningful and fun. The safe environment of the tutors, program coordinators and other summer students eliminated a lot of the struggles of travelling alone in an unfamiliar culture. I made a lot of new friends from all around the world, and the schedule had room for a lot of sightseeing around the city. The museums, Palaces and restaurants in the city centre were easy to reach by metro after school and in the weekends. The city of Sankt Petersburg is so colorful, and crammed with beautiful things to see and exciting things to do. Don’t think twice about it, just go!

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.

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

I followed the summer school "OPEN YOUR MIND TO RUSSIA" in 2013, it was a well organized mix of lectures and social program. The social program shows us the most important and famous historical and cultural heritage like Peterhof and the Hermitage, but also the life in St. Petersburg nowadays. The lectures gave me a good overview about the history and culture of Russia. Moreover I got a good impression of the develop of the Russian economy. The knowledge which I gain during this two week program was very helpful for my further studying, especially for my class in "International Business and Cultural Diversity". I really like to get in contact with people from other countries therefore it was a great opportunity and I could extend my international network.