Over 250 International Students Study the Russian Language at International Polytechnic Summer School

The Russian language traditionally remains one of the most popular courses of the International Polytechnic Summer School. This year, over 250 young people from Italy, Germany, Norway, France, Mexico, the USA, the Netherlands, China, South Korea and other countries came to study Russian as a foreign language. During several weeks they acquire and improve their communication skills, perform diverse practical exercises, get acquainted with Russian history, art, literature, and discuss news from the world of business and politics.

“Today we are implementing various educational programs on teaching Russian as a foreign language, and the modules of the International Polytechnic Summer School have a special place among them. During the summer months, our students learn the basics of Russian culture, literature, and history, attend speaking clubs, get acquainted with the special features of Russian grammar and vocabulary, study economic and business terminology. It is important to specify that we take into consideration the initial level of knowledge of each student and we choose educational programs in accordance with their individual characteristics,” commented V.V. KRASNOSHCHEKOV, Director of the Higher School of International Educational Programs.

In 2018, within the frame of the International Polytechnic Summer School, there worked more than 20 Russian language study groups of all levels of complexity: from the very basic to advanced ones.  Under direction of qualified teachers, the students gain knowledge of alphabet, learn to read and write, compose dialogues, participate in the discussions on various actual topics. On a regular basis, classes are taking place in language labs, where students improve their skills of understanding spoken foreign language, and can hear themselves. There also are particular groups in which the students learn Russian for business and professional communication. A great advantage is that upon graduation from the Summer School its participants can additionally undertake state testing in Russian as a foreign language. It is an easy thing to do because SPbPU has its own authorized Testing Center.

“I’ve already been studying Russian earlier, and because of this was looking on the Internet for a program or courses where I could improve my knowledge. The most important thing for me was to study in Russia. I liked a lot the description of the Russian language modules at the International Polytechnic Summer School, and here I am. I am delighted with the combination of the practical and cultural components of the module: we have classes during the day time, and in the evening, we go on excursions or walks around St. Petersburg. To say that your city is magnificent is to say nothing. In the two weeks of studying here, I have significantly improved many grammatical moments which I had problems with before, and now I can speak Russian a lot more freely thanks to the everyday practice,” says Filippa BRAARUD (Paris Institute of Political Studies; France).

Mertijn GROENIER (Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences; the Netherlands) admits that he came to Russia in search of adventures: “I’ve never been to Russia before, and all my knowledge of the Russian language was limited to the alphabet and a couple of colloquial expressions. At the International Polytechnic Summer School I am studying at the basic language level and, of course, I cannot yet freely communicate in Russian. However, I can read street names, tell an address or do the shopping, and this helps a lot to get around the city. Besides this, I met a lot of new friends here and I very much love when we get together and go somewhere. I want to specially thank the organizers for the intensive cultural program: everything was just perfect!”

Emma TRENTO (Ca' Foscari University of Venice; Italy) came to Russia to improve her conversational skills. “I’ve been studying Russian for quite some time, and I needed practicing with native speakers. Besides this, I wanted to know more about society, politics, culture, and arts of Russia. I very much liked the practical and theoretical classes in the Russian language; I also enjoyed the lectures on the history of art and politics. Classes were taking part in a pleasant and friendly atmosphere. Our teachers are true professionals. We had lots of practicing, lots of exercises, and all this has helped me to significantly improve my language skills. In addition, I’ve got many new friends here, and the tutors helped us to know more about the city, and I am extremely thankful to them for that,” Emma told.

Other international students of the International Polytechnic Summer School also spoke warmly about the Tutor Team. Ruben NOTTEBOOM (Ghent University; Belgium) admitted that he loves a lot to explore new cities, and that for that reason, his trinps to Peterhof and Pushkin and the tour of the Hermitage had produced an enormous impression on him.

Tommaso BRIGNOLI (The University of Milan; Italy) noted, “Effect of the course learned is already quite noticeable, even though I had very briefly studied Russian prior to coming to Russia. I understand what people around me are talking about and more or less can find my way around the city. Walking tours, trips and excursions which we had within the frame of the educational module helped me to get better acquainted with Russian culture and architecture; I’ve learned a lot of new things.”

Foreign students had different reasons to come to Russia to study the Russian language, but they agree on that they would love to return to St. Petersburg and other Russian cities again. “Here, in Russia, I have many friends, but up until now, we have been communicating in English. At some point I understood that this was not enough for me: I wanted to study the language, culture, literature, and know how people live in Russia, visit your cities. As many other students, I’ve got invaluable experience and I am pleased to recommend the International Polytechnic Summer School to everyone who wants to improve his/her knowledge of the Russian language and spend some unforgettable time in the company of new friends. Come to Polytech!” student from South Korea Bui Thi Hong Ngoc (Transnational Law and Business University) offered her advice.