PSU postgraduate students Dong Ziteng, Li Xinjie, Tan Yunxiao, Jiang Yuying and Yu Ping (China) from the Faculty of Philology took part in the 5th Regional Forum “The Journey Across Perm Lands”, becoming the finalists of the competition.
Supervised by Professor Maria Shirinkina and Associate Professor Natalya Solovieva from the Department of Russian Language and Stylistics, the students have developed an audio guide on Perm city local culture. In 2023, the competition received 235 applications from 35 territories of Perm region. The winners’ projects served a basis for a set of TV documentaries.
Within the Forum framework, the contestants presented the tour “Perm Through Foreign Students’ Eye” in the nomination “Youth Tourist Route”. The contestants described seven cultural attractions of Perm city in Russian: Perm City Planetarium, the “Happiness Is Not Far Off” installation, Perm Museum of Local Lore, Perm State Art Gallery, St. Nicholas the Miracle monument, Perm Opera and Ballet Theater and the Church of St. Mary – each object accompanied by photo and audio guide support.
The Forum participants intended to show Perm in many ways, including science, culture, art and religion.
“Building a story around famous Perm attractions allowed us to deepen and expand the current historical and cultural knowledge, as well as appreciate their location and natural sights in general, allowing us to feel the charm of Perm. This also helped us to develop our Russian language and intercultural communication skills,” says Li Xinjie, 2nd-year postgraduate student.
“The Journey Across Perm Lands” competition has been held since 2017, supported by Chief Federal Inspector for Perm Krai, the Ministry of Education and Science of Perm Krai, the Ministry of Tourism of Perm Krai, the Agency for Youth Affairs of Perm Krai and the Council of Young Teachers at All-Russian Trade Union of Education, Perm Krai branch.
On November 17, Perm State University hosted for the “We Are” Inter-University Festival of International Students – uniting international students from
The Festival program included a recognition of the brightest international students of Perm, the Cultural Fair, the Sport Together barrier line, the World Cuisines culinary battle, the Graffiti Walls art stage, and the final live performance, followed by a friendly tea party. The Festival guests relaxed in a Creativity Space – practicing art therapy, creating a multicolored patchwork of sketches and prints.
On the day of the Festival, a culinary battle took place: having received recipes and products, the participants were challenged to cook dishes of various cuisines of the world — from okroshka to bruschetta — as part of international teams. The winners became a united team of students from China, Turkmenistan and India from three Perm universities – presenting their variation of the Japanese sushi.
According to Diana Kipyatkova, the Festival organizer at PSU, ‘We Are’ appears the brightest and most unusual venue in Perm, second to none, a palletful of colors, national costumes and languages, a virtual trip around the world. Having uniting the universities of the city, the Festival gives an opportunity to see foreign students not only as representatives of cultures, but as personal talents:
“We hope all the participants felt the friendly atmosphere of the Festival, and passed its vibe further on. This is the place to meet real friends and join a wider student community – getting to know oneself, sharing national culture, growing individually and most importantly, enjoying the moment!”
Mohammed Al Lami (Iraq), student of the Faculty of Geography and a graduate of the Faculty of Chemistry, PSU, shares his sparkle:
“This is the most amazing festival! Last time I was an organizer and presenter, it was a wonderful experience. A lot of people and positive emotions are what remained in the memory. This year I expect even more interesting activities, bright colors, people. I’m sure it will be fun!”
Jakkapob Dach-In (Thailand), a student of the Faculty of Modern Foreign Languages and Literatures, recollects:
“In 2018, I went on stage to talk about life in Russia as a foreigner. I remember there were a lot of international students from all over Perm. Some shared their experience of living here, some performed, singing or dancing. This year I am gladly broadening my vision of that.”
According to “We Are” organizers, the goal of the Festival is to help international students adapt to the Russian student community – involving them into student associations, creating positive atmosphere in hostels, initiating new international projects. For the Russian students, it is an opportunity to practice foreign languages with native speakers, with foreigners experiencing less language gaps.
Fernando Castro (Columbia), 1st year student at the Faculty of Geology, PSU, took 3rd place at the Perm City Inter-University Olympiad in Russian as a Foreign Language.
In 2021, students from 9 countries and 6 Perm-based universities, entered the Olympiad. The contest tasks included a test, an written, and oral tasks. The winners of the Olympiad are:
1st place – Umaima Guidir, Morocco
2nd place – Wongai Chimamise, Zimbabwe
3rd place – Fernando Castro Eszibel Eloy, Colombia
To apply for the Olympics, contestants had to introduce themselves, talking about their age, studies and and hobbies, country of origin, future profession and future plans, as well as feedback about Perm.
The founders and organizers of the Olympiad were Perm Agrarian and Technological University; Perm City Youth Parliament; Perm Ethno-Centre Non-Profit Partnership; and Perm City Youth Palace. For the second year, the Olympiad takes place in online format. The has been supported by grant from Perm City Competition of Youth Initiatives Improving Inter-Ethnic Harmony.
Supporting the initiative, the grant competitors offer projects aimed at inter-university interaction of foreign students, improving inter-ethnic relations and international communication in Perm. Some projects regard social and cultural adaptation of foreign students, other aim to develop their creativity and individual progress, preventing inter-ethnic conflicts.
International undergraduates studying in Perm will take part in the IV City Inter-University Olympics Test in Russian as a Foreign Language, to be held on 30 November (10am, local time), in an online format.
Students of preparatory departments and 1st year undergraduates are welcome to participate. Certificates will be given to all the contestants. The winners will receive special prizes.
To participate in the Test, you must record a presentation video, and fill out the form. The video should contain answers to the following questions:
What is your name?
How old are you?
Where did you come to Russia from? (city, country)
What is your future profession?
Why did you choose to study in Russia?
What are your hobbies or interests?
How do you spend your spare time?
What do you like about Perm?
The answers may be video-recorded via phone, photo- or video-camera, and must contain clear image and sound.
Applications are accepted until 17 November, included.
Please, look for a full application link below the post.
The Department of International Relations at Perm State University (PSU) reminds of a Russian-German youth exchange opportunity. Applications are due to 15 October, 2021.
The Ministry of Education and Science of the Perm krai (Perm territory) has announced the annual program for Russian-German youth, schools and professional exchange.
Applications are accepted from those organizations who have partners in the Federal Republic of Germany and have such an exchange project for 2022.
Applications for the Exchange Program ‘2022 may be submitted until 15 October (6pm Moscow time, 3pm UTC). Please, see the link for applications and official info letter below this post.
The exchange program is implemented annually in accordance with the Agreement between the Government of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany in youth cooperation, dated 21 December, 2004.
Let’s find out the reasons why students from abroad choose Russian Universities! Saida Kasumova, 4th year undergraduate, Faculty of Philosophy and Sociology, Perm State University shares her insights and research on that question:
1. Large selection of universities and educational programs. Her in Russia, there are 741 universities and more than 400 training modules. Such choice fairly attracts those foreign applicants looking for a higher education institution abroad. Russian universities offer more than 650 division modules for bachelors’, masters’, specialists’ and postgraduate studies. Also, the universities organize special preparatory courses for foreign students, including programs for studying the Russian language.
2. Value for money. Russian universities, compared to others worldwide, are popular for their low tuition fees, in comparison with universities in the USA, Canada or UK. According to the standards, set by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, the cost of a full-time bachelor’s program starts from RUB 83,000 (about $1,100). The cost of education in capital cities such as Moscow and St. Petersburg will be significantly higher than in other regions, for sure. Overall, the level of education available for foreign citizens is optimal, with no compromise in efficiency of education service and level of teaching staff involved.
3. Studying on budget (scholarship availability) remains an important point for many applicants. In 2020, 15,000 budgetary places were allocated for foreign students. Russia is one of the few countries where budget places are provided for foreigners. There are also opportunities to enter the budget or get any other benefits for prize winners in university contests of various kind.
4. Provision of courses of Russian language, that is, a deep study of the language of the host country. On arrival, a foreign citizen, has the opportunity to learn Russian from scratch, and then start studying at local universities. The latter provide preparatory courses allowing to master the basic level of the Russian language, its grammar and rules, as well as expand the knowledge of other related subjects. Preparatory courses help future students to quickly adapt and successfully start their studies since entering the university.
5. The opportunity to get a double degree. In the early 2000s, Russia signed the Bologna Declaration, making a number of commitments to the common educational space of the participating countries. That is, for instance, while studying in Russia, not only a student may get a diploma by a Russian university, but also, by a European one. The Russian diploma is recognized in most countries of the world.
6. Campuses and dormitories. As already noted, there are a considerable number of Russian universities with their own campuses, including dormitories. This attracts many applicants, since it is fairly convenient for a student to reach the class without a delay. At the same time, the appearance of the university also acts as a priority, while making a choice.
7. Easy adaptation for international students. On average, it takes 1 year for a foreign student to adapt, according to those international students studying in Perm (according to PSU research).
Russia is known as a multinational country, with over 180 nationalities speaking more than 200 languages and dialects, with different religions and confessions – the fact that appeals many coming foreigners. Arriving in a country with such a diversity, a foreign student can easily find a friend from his/her own country – not to mention whole ethnic diasporas which are quite active here in Russia.
8. Climate and territory. Russia covers the largest area, globally, which affects its diversity. The advantage is that a young person can choose not only an educational program, but also a comfortable climate and area, upon his/her taste. For example, those who don’t mind rain may choose St. Petersburg, lovers of snow go to Siberia, and those who prefer sun and warmth – go down South. Still, Perm serves all tastes. An opportunity to travel across Russia at favorable prices is also a bonus. Each region has its own beauty and culture, with a support by local universities.
9. Simple interest which should not be denied. Russia remains a popular place of destination, much talked about and covered by media, globally. Based on feedbacks by many international students of Perm universities, some chose Russia as their future country of residence, upon their liking and taste.
Russian universities are fairly in demand among many foreigners, globally. How many international students come here to study – Russia, and Perm, in particular?
In 2019/2020 academic year, 315,000 students arrived in Russia from abroad, which is about 8% of the total number of students, nationally. According to the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, the total number of students in Russia in 2020/2021, both Russian and international, gained up to 4 million.
According to https://studyinrussia.ru/, among foreign students studying at Russian universities, the largest number of citizens is from Kazakhstan (more than 60,000 people) and from Uzbekistan (more than 40,000 people). Other major countries include Turkmenistan, China, Tajikistan, India, Ukraine, Belarus, Egypt, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova.
Here in Perm there are 15 universities, only 2 of them are private, other all are state-governed and funded. Perm-based higher institutions offer:
more than 350 areas of training;
more than 200 specialties;
2,000 professions upon graduation.
To mention, Perm State University offers its graduates 549 professions, which speaks for itself.
The number of foreign students is increasing every year. In 2019-2020, according to the Ministry of Education and Science of the Perm krai, 3757 foreign students from 55 countries studied here, locally. The largest number of students came from India – 1,676 students. Perm is also popular among students from Kazakhstan, Egypt, Turkmenistan, Iraq, Morocco, China and Azerbaijan.
Next time we will speak, about the reasons that students from abroad choose Russian universities.
