IKBFU students have recently completed a four-month Chinese course at four partner organisations — Qiqihar University, Northwest Normal University, Shandong University of Technology and Huaihua University.
Alexey Chernyshov, Tourism Student: |
We covered the basics of Chinese—listening, speaking, and reading—while also studying Chinese idioms, literature, and culture. At first, the language barrier was really tough, not just in class but in everyday life too. The first month and a half were the hardest for me, especially since the province I was in had strong northern dialects. But as time went on, I got used to it, gained confidence, and started chatting more with the locals. |
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During their course, the students also had the chance to visit Beijing.
Yana Komarnitskaya, Education Student: |
Beijing left me in awe! The scale of the city, its rich history, and the mix of modern and traditional architecture were amazing. We got to see some of the most famous spots—the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven. Each place left a lasting impression on me. I’m really grateful to the university for this opportunity! This trip wasn’t just an academic experience; it was a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. |
Valeria Ulanova, Education Student: |
We worked with local students and joined cultural activities, which really helped improve our Chinese skills and gave us a deeper understanding of local traditions. My time in Huaihua was exciting — not only did I improve academically, but I also gained a new perspective on the world. It was a chance to truly experience Chinese culture and even become more adaptable. |
Elizaveta Almanova, Education Student: It wasn’t all about studying — we also joined a sports festival, played traditional games, and tried authentic Chinese food. I really hope more and more IKBFU students get to experience this exchange programme in the future.
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The students’ trips were made possible by the IKBFU International Long-term Academic Mobility Programme, which is overseen by the Centre for Cross-cultural Communication with the Asia-Pacific Countries.
Maria Litvinuk, Head of the Centre for Cross-cultural Communication with the Asia-Pacific Countries: |
Chinese is becoming more and more popular, and every year we see a growing number of students eager to study abroad. Since 2023, semester-long language internships to partner universities of the People’s Republic of China have become a regular feature of the Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University. More than 40 students have participated in the academic mobility programme so far. At the end of February a new group of 11 students will go to study at Chinese universities under the exchange programme. Among them will be our new partner — Yantai University. At present there are over three hundred students studying Chinese at IKBFU. These exchange programs are among the most significant initiatives we undertake, as they provide students with the opportunity to refine their linguistic skills in an immersive environment from the very beginning of their stay in China. |
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