A PetrSU Student in China: an Interview about Intercultural Dialogue between Russia and China
Damir Kalinin, a second-year student at the Institute of History, Political, and Social Sciences at PetrSU, is currently studying on an academic mobility program at Xi'an International University (China). Immersing himself not only in the linguistic but also the cultural environment, Damir interviewed a Chinese student named Song Wei.
The conversation was open and rich. Song Wei explained that he is originally from Shandong Province (on the east coast of China), is 22 years old, and studies at Xi'an International University.
Language was a key topic. Addressing the stereotype about English proficiency, Song explained that English is a compulsory subject in China from ages 10 to 18 and is part of the core school curriculum. However, the most interesting thing was that, according to him, the second most popular foreign language in China is Russian.
“At our school, about 100 students study Russian. I think China and Russia have good relations,"
- the interviewee shared, confirming that a strategic partnership begins with linguistic communication.
During the interview, the students discussed China's higher education system. Song spoke in detail about the "C9 League"—an association of nine of the country's top universities, often referred to as "China's Ivy League." Two of them are located in Beijing, two in Shanghai, and one in Harbin, located near the Russian border. Admission to these universities is the dream of many Chinese applicants.
Particular attention was paid to the famous Gaokao exam—the Chinese equivalent of the American test. Song admitted that preparing for it is "very, very difficult": students wake up early and study for over 10 hours daily amid fierce competition for university spots.
“Many give up because it's a competition between the best students,
- he noted. Those who fail the exam go to work or enroll in colleges at a different level, and also have the opportunity to retake the exam a year later.
Concluding the conversation, Damir asked about the Chinese people's attitudes toward Russia. Song noted that young Chinese consider Russia a vast country and the Russian language difficult to learn. He also emphasized that the Chinese are very friendly toward Russians and enjoy Russian cuisine. Regarding culture, Chinese people are primarily interested in contemporary Russian films and songs.
“Language is a bridge for understanding each other's cultures. This is very important,
- the guest concluded.
Concluding the interview, Damir Kalinin thanked Song Wei for the sincere conversation and wished him success in his studies and friendship with Russian students.
Отдел сопровождения академической мобильности
