The Polytechnic University Holds a Meeting of Chinese Students Studying in St. Petersburg Universities

In the middle of December, the Institute of International Educational Programs of Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University held a meeting of the Chinese student community. The event was organized under the request of the Consul General of China, Ms. Guo Ming.

In SPbPU they welcome and support any initiatives aimed at forming tolerance, patience and mutual understanding with other people and nations. For these purposes they organize various theme events, dedicated to specifics of national cultures, arrange evenings and educational excursions, where students from different countries participate.

“Quite recently the Polytechnic University saw an anniversary international festival of students’ creative activities called “Golden Autumn”. The Chinese students, many of which study at our university, also took part in it. The young people did not only demonstrate their acting abilities and gifts but also their great wish to be always together with their compatriots, support them in a foreign country. No doubts, this is something that deserves respect,” – said the Vice Rector for International Affairs of SPbPU, D.G. Arseniev.

The Chinese student community of the Northern Capital accounts for more than 1,500 people. To make the relationships between Chinese and Russian people close, they set up a Chinese community association in St. Petersburg, which contributes to preservation of the national traditions, culture and mother tongue. The Polytechnic University was not a random choice for the celebration: we actively cooperate with the leading universities of China and there are more than 800 Chinese students in our institution. According to them, each student is grateful to the administration of SPbPU for support and assistance in their studies.

“I can say for sure that my compatriots are very happy to have an opportunity and get educated in Russia, - says a student from China studying in the Institute of International Educational Programs of SPbPU. – It is not easy to study Russian, but it is interesting and your teachers are very thoughtful to us. Time at university flies fast and is always fun. I am sure that many of us will want to come back to St. Petersburg in future, to feel the connection with the Russian people and sing the best songs in your mother tongue.”

But so far, at the meeting of the Chinese Community Association in the Polytechnic University, which was attended by over 400 people, they sang songs in their own language. The Chinese students had prepared not just vocal items, but also surprised the audience with their colorful national dances. In the opinion of the Russian students, who also came to this celebration, such events help to understand that the world has got no boundaries and how important is solidarity, responsibility and respect towards each other. It is especially significant today, then the political situation is unstable and many people do not understand each other.

The Chinese students, dressed in bright colors, confessed how much they love their motherland and thanked Russia for the warm welcome and kind attitude towards them. Many of them will go back home, but their memories about the Polytechnic University and the wonderful city on the Neva river will always stay in their hearts and minds – just like this December evening, full of creativity and positive emotions!

International Relations Office