PetrSU Student Completed an Internship in China

22 November 2024

Eva Radetskaya, a student of the Institute of Philology, studying in the field of "Russian as a Foreign Language, Chinese Language", spent two weeks on an internship at Tianjin Normal University, one of the best pedagogical universities in northern China, one of the leading and prestigious centers for teaching Chinese to foreign students.

We talked to her after returning to Petrozavodsk.

-Eva, please tell us how you learned about the internship, who is its organizer?

Back in 2023, Tianjin Normal University attracted my attention, and I could not stop thinking about visiting it. For more than a year, I studied information about academic internships in China, but I was especially attentive to the offers from the Association for the Development of Sinology, with which PetrSU successfully cooperates. In the fall of 2024, the association agreed with Tianjin Normal University on a two-week internship for students studying Chinese in Russia and with a Chinese level of at least HSK4.

- Were there any doubts, maybe even fears before the trip, since it was your first time visiting China?

The decision that I should go on this internship was made immediately, without a doubt. Over several years of studying the language, I seem to have understood quite well how life is organized in China, so I did not feel any fear at all. Although it was my first time in China, I did not have any particular difficulties.

-What impressed you most?

Absolute safety, good nature and responsiveness of people, incredible architecture and China's aspirations for the future. The teachers and curators also left a very strong impression. They are all masters of their craft, they love what they do, they also love students, which we have seen more than once. One day, one of the teachers brought breakfast from a cafe to class for our entire group. It was amazing, sweet and pleasant.

-How the internship was organized, what was included in the program?

The internship program included in-depth study of the Chinese language and Chinese culture (calligraphy, painting, wushu, tai chi, etc.). The learning process was unusual for me, because the language classes were conducted exclusively in Chinese using authentic resources (videos, films, books). At first, it was unusual to perceive a huge flow of information exclusively in the original language (without an intermediary language), but I soon managed to adapt. After successfully mastering the training courses, I received a Certificate of Completion, and, by the way, it is very beautiful.

The internship also included excursions. For example, I visited the Great Wall of China, which left an unforgettable impression.

-Did you like the university you visited?

I really liked the university, it fully met my expectations and even more. Imagine, on the incredibly large territory of the university – 680 thousand square meters – there is everything necessary for studying and living: a huge 12-story library, many accessible cafeterias for students and teachers, a hospital, 24-hour stores, delivery points, courts, bicycle rental and much more. Excellent conditions are organized for students from other countries. All classrooms are equipped with the most modern technology, campuses are adapted for comfortable living, the university territory is provided with round-the-clock security. Our group was assigned Chinese curators who were in touch 24/7, consulted us on any issue, solved all our problems, and immediately responded to all our requests. This university won my heart just like my alma mater – Petrozavodsk University, where I study.

-What useful things did you get from this trip?

Firstly, my language barrier disappeared. Thanks to the good nature and support of the Chinese (not only teachers, but also ordinary passers-by!), I completely stopped being afraid of communicating with native speakers, making mistakes. Secondly, I became more open to other cultures. I stopped being afraid of cultural differences between people, I began to accept them and adopt the features of another culture. Thirdly, I made a lot of useful contacts. I made friends with a lot of interesting and promising people from different fields, who are united by the Chinese language and Chinese culture.

-Do you advise other students to take a similar trip?

Yes, of course! Going on an internship in another country is an incredible experience that opens up many opportunities for you. I advise other students not to be afraid of anything and try to do everything that can have a positive impact on your future.