Students of PetrSU Participate in International Exchange Programs
4th year student of the Institute of Foreign Languages (Teacher education, program English language and French language) Elizaveta Shaltaeva studies in the University of Turku (Finland). Participation in program became possible through grant support of North2North program.
Elizaveta shared her impressions:
"Until I crossed the border in January, I was not sure that I could get to Finland due to the present-day situation. Fortunately, I am here and share invaluable experience of living and studying in another country over the past 5 months.
Almost all classes are provided online, but this does not hinder productivity. Most of the exchange students spend their study time at EduCity, a huge modern academic building owned by a university in Turku. Everything can be found there: study rooms of all sizes, two kitchens, a student canteen, Wi-Fi. Sometimes we spend weeks there, going home just to sleep, it was so comfortable there.
Taking exams differs from what I am used to. Most of the subjects are completed with final papers such as essay or learning journal, rather than an oral or written exam. However, some exams have been taken at the university, where it was necessary to book a room with a computer in advance. Another interesting point: I had the opportunity to choose not only bachelor's level courses, but also master's.
Despite the restrictive measures, teaching practice at the international Finnish school was mostly offline. Each student was attached to a certain form (I had a 6th form). We had 3 modes of work: observation, assistance and teaching. I attended classes in various subjects: from English to Handicrafts; I worked as an assistant in teaching Maths in English.
Sometimes I managed to attend classes offline, we had an educational building that let us divide working place and home. Facing the challenges, we got closer to the neighbours in the hostel, but at the same time we have become good friends with the students from the university. Numerous trips have not created any problems, the best sight in Finland is nature.
I recommend Turku to students engaged in education: there are many courses in this area in English to choose from. Absence of Finnish is not a problem for communication, since absolutely everywhere (in a cafe, bank, bus, etc.) English is spoken, if any.
I am very grateful to the EU Centre in the Barents Region of Russia for providing assistance and this opportunity!"
The Department of English Language is grateful to Elizaveta Shaltayeva for sharing her impressions and wishes her success in completion of the academic semester and safe homecoming!
