To Get in Touch with My Northern Heritage

Taisiya Shapkova, a prospective student of PetrSU, discusses her choice of Petrozavodsk University.

“I live in Saint Petersburg, pursue creative endeavors, and sing in many languages. I am of Veps heritage. I work on my solo folk interactive program with Scandinavian songs and study my roots.

I looked for an interesting program related to Scandinavian languages. Having explored all possibilities, I’ve settled on Petrozavodsk University, as the university is located in the Republic of Karelia, which is the nearest to me. It is a chance to get in touch with my northern heritage, experience the lifestyle. My roots are in the Russian North. I live in two cities: Vologda and Saint Petersburg.

My grandfather and grandmother have done duty in Petrozavodsk; my mother has studied here. It is yet another reason why I’ve chosen PetrSU. I’ve applied to the Foreign Philology program. This will help me develop in the area in which I wish to pursue a career.

The courses are promising: Kalevala Epos, Culture of Scandinavia, Mythology. Several foreign languages! The university has international exchange programs for students. It is my childhood dream, as well as an amazing opportunity to broaden my horizon and practice foreign languages.”