New students from the USA get acquainted with the city and the university

Each semester VSUES is looking forward to welcome new international students. International Relations Department staff endeavors to make the adaptation period of foreign students interesting and unforgettable. This time students from the USA Ellison Smith and Jan Blair came to Vladivostok to study the Russian language at VSUES. Prior to their lessons the students got acquainted with the university, the city and its showplaces and also spent time with their new Russian friends.

Part of the orientation process is an excursion around the university and the campus. It gives students an idea about departments of the university responsible for education and accommodation of foreigners in the Russian Federation. The students learned about rich history of the university from Nadezhda Sukhareva, director of the Museum and exhibition complex of VSUES. After an interesting excursion around the museum the students were treated to tea and traditional Russian dainty - ring-shaped cracknels.

Ellison Smith shared her impressions:          

-When I first thought about coming to Vladivostok I was nervous because it is very different even from Moscow. But when I arrived I became less nervous because I saw how beautiful the city is and I had a lot of help. I was so glad to go on excursions around the city even though it was cold. I realized Vladivostok has a lot to offer. The city is also very easy to navigate and has many nice stores. It was really amazing to walk on the frozen sea. I enjoyed meeting Russians and talking to them about their city. With the help of our staff I have become more comfortable with living in Vladivostok and have come to admire the beauty of the city even though it is different. I am very thankful that I can study here.

Jan, Ellison and many other international students have a spring semester ahead. They will definitely make good results in learning Russian. Beside lessons of the Russian language the students will have an interesting culture and entertainment program including various master-classes and excursions.