Notes from China: Qingdao University. Internship for PetrSU Students
The goal of the semester-long academic internship was to immerse themselves in a live language environment, acquire necessary conversational skills, and become familiar with the country of the target language.
The PetrSU students were hosted by Qingdao University, Qingdao City University, Xi'an International University, and Bohai University. More than a month has passed since the beginning of their academic internship, and the adaptation period has come to an end (for some, it was their first visit to China).
We are beginning a series of publications in which the students share their impressions and observations about the specifics of the education system at Chinese universities and their daily lives. The first is a review by third-year students Daria Ershova and Svyatoslav Zapasny.
Daria Ershova:
“At PetrSU, in the Institute of Philology, we, like other linguistics students, study Russian, English, and Chinese, as well as methods for teaching Russian as a foreign language. So, the trip to Qingdao was a logical step in our professional development.
The curriculum at Qingdao University is characterized by its intensity and total immersion. We not only study the intricacies of vocabulary and grammar, but also practice speaking and listening. Native-speaking teachers help us understand idioms, dialectal peculiarities, and slang—things that aren't always easy to grasp from a textbook alone.
The most challenging thing for us is overcoming the language barrier. When you're not just doing exercises in the classroom, you have to use the language to solve everyday problems: asking for directions, ordering food, or simply communicating with Chinese students. This is an incredible opportunity to improve your language skills through practice! I hope our experience will inspire other students to pursue academic mobility programs and not be afraid to explore new horizons! The world of China is vast and beautiful, and it awaits us. The Institute of Philology at PetrSU is our launching pad into the future!
Svyatoslav Zapasny:
“I think the hardest thing for us right now is the complete transition to a different language. The teachers here speak only Chinese, and the students have a poor understanding of English. Whether you like it or not, you have to speak! It's everyday interaction that helps you understand the mentality and habits of the locals. We've seen how diverse and dynamic China is. When the time comes to return to Petrozavodsk, we'll definitely have a wealth of unique knowledge and vivid memories!
The Department of Russian as a Foreign Language and Applied Linguistics wishes Daria and Svyatoslav successful studies, new experiences, and amazing discoveries.
