Kadir Rende from Turkey: “SPbPU is a springboard for future professionals”

Kadir Rende, an undergraduate student from Turkey, spoke about his experience at Polytechnic University. He entered the Institute of Machinery, Materials and Transport of SPbPU on a contract, but passed the quota selection by Rossotrudnichestvo and continued his studies on a budgetary basis.

— Why did you choose to study mechanical engineering at SPbPU?

— From early childhood I was interested in how the toys I played with were organized. I was constantly taking them apart to understand how they worked. As I grew older, this curiosity turned into a desire to find out why machines move and how it happens. I didn’t even doubt that I would become an engineer.

When I decided to study in Russia, I started looking for the ideal university and chose Peter the Great Polytechnic University. It is one of the best universities in the country with a rich history, where many famous engineers and scientists studied.

Mechanical engineering is a promising field. Such highly qualified specialists as me will be in demand at various enterprises. I am sure that the acquired knowledge and skills will help me to make a significant contribution to this industry and realize my ambitions.

— How difficult is it to communicate in Russian in everyday life?

— I studied Russian at the preparatory faculty in Kazan before continuing my studies in St. Petersburg. Although it may seem that I am a good speaker, my level is still limited to conversational. I encounter more complex material in lectures, which sometimes causes difficulties. Fortunately, I have a great relationship with my professors who understand our problems and are always willing to help. My Russian classmates and other students are also very friendly and willing to explain if something is unclear. I am a sociable person. I enjoy speaking Russian, which seems to me a very rich and beautiful language.

Thanks to constant practice, I feel that my language level is getting better and better. This year I even took second place in the Olympiad in Russian as a foreign language, which I am very proud of!

— What other Russian cities have you seen?

— I’ve been to Moscow, Kazan and small towns near it, but to be honest, St. Petersburg is my favorite. You feel like you are in a fairy tale here, so I really love walking around the cultural capital. Last year my relatives flew in from Istanbul to visit me. They were delighted with the city.

— Did you manage to make friends with the locals?

— I’ve been told that Russians can seem «cold». However, almost all my friends here are Russian. We communicate very well. In the beginning it was difficult to get to know them because of the language barrier, but as I got to know them better, I realized that they are actually kind and helpful people.

— Are you studying for a fee or under some kind of scholarship program?

— At first I studied on a contract and didn’t even think about participating in the competition for free tuition. I thought I would have to start my studies all over again. But after studying the question in detail, I made up my mind. In the second year I managed to transfer to the budget. So I am very happy.

— What do you do in your free time?

— I try to find interesting and beautiful places in the city. Then I visit them with friends. Polytechnic has excellent conditions for sports. I am fond of boxing and go to free training in the evenings, I made new friends there. There is a gym in our dormitory, sometimes I work out there.

— What advice would you give to other international students who are already studying or just entering Polytechnic University?

— The university has many organizations for students, including international students, and I highly recommend visiting them. They offer a variety of activities and events, allowing everyone to find something different. I go to Russian conversation clubs in the PolyUnion space, and in the Interclub I like to get together with friends to play games. There are really a lot of opportunities for activities here. It’s a great way to meet new people and pump up your language skills.

— What are your plans for the future?

— After completing my bachelor’s degree, I would like to continue my studies at Polytechnic University’s master’s degree program. I realize that it will be very useful for building my future career.