The main value of studying in Russia is the people: an international student at VVSU shared his impressions of studies and move

26 января 2023 Students’ life

Today, over 500 international students from 19 countries, including the Republic of Korea, Vietnam, China, Mexico, Egypt, Libya and Nigeria study at VVSU. Every year the number of foreigners coming to VVSU is growing: they are attracted to the university by the quality of education and the friendly atmosphere created by the faculty, staff and students.

Collectively with the  International and Cultural Affairs Department we are launching a series of materials that will allow us to get to know better those students who were not afraid to change their lives drastically, who left to study in another country and, most importantly, who have no regrets about their choice. Yin Xuehao, a fourth-year linguistics student, will be the first to speak about himself, who is usually introduced to everyone as Lyonya.

About admission and education

  • Why did you decide to come to Russia and choose VVSU?

In China, I played the cello and wanted to go to Korea. But I was told that students from Korea were coming to Russia to study music here. I followed their example too. I didn't do well with music in Russia, so I decided to study Russian and enrolled at VVSU.

  • Did you know any Russian when you moved?

No, I started to teach it only in the university. At first it was very difficult, when the Russians spoke quickly, I didn’t understand anything, knew little words. It’s a complicated language, but it’s very interesting. Now it’s like a hobby for me: I like doing tasks, learning rules.

  • How did you choose your future profession?

I thought I could be a tutor or an interpreter. I have many friends from China who do not know Russian, but it is necessary for work or study. I could help them, be a teacher if I could.

  • What did you find most challenging during your training?

Studying the scientific style of speech. There was a lot of theory, and I think that even for Russian-speaking students it is difficult. But for foreigners it was doubly difficult. You had to translate a lot with the help of a dictionary.

  • What was your favorite or most memorable?

My friends and teachers. I have made both Chinese and Russian friends at VVSU. We communicate, go out, play board games. I think that the most important value for me in studying in Russia is the people. 

The teachers at the university are very good. If I don't understand something, they will definitely try to explain it differently. All the teachers have registered WeChat (Chinese messenger), so that it was more convenient for us to communicate with them and ask questions.

  • Have you had a chance to participate in student events, competitions or festivals?

Our teachers often suggest that we take part in some events. For example, I was a presenter at literary readings in Vladivostok. Although I didn't understand much, it was very interesting for me to listen to people talk and reflect.

I took part in the Mandelstam Readings at VVSU, where I got to know other international students and made friends.

About life in Russia, habits and beauty around

  • How did you feel when you first arrived? Were you scared?

Yes, it was very scary. When I was at the border with a cello, the border guard looked me over, asking what kind of instrument it was. He looked at me with «big eyes». I thought Russians were scary people, I didn't understand what they were saying.

Now I know that Russians are kind. I can see it in my friends; they all communicate with me with an open mind.

  • Was it hard to get used to living in another country?

It's not very difficult. There is a Chinese market in Vladivostok, many Chinese shops and restaurants. We go there both with Chinese friends and with Russian ones. They are interested to learn about our culture, to communicate.

This year it will be six years since I lived and studied in Russia. I really liked living in the dormitory: everyone helps each other there, cook together. I like Russian cuisine, such as borscht and pelmeni. My friends also taught me how to fry barbecue, and now we do it often.

  • What surprised you the most about Russians?

If it rains in China, all the people open umbrellas. But here I've noticed that often people walk around without them and get wet. I once asked my friend why. And she told me, «Well, we're not sugary!».

  • Do you like Vladivostok?

Yes. I love the sea a lot, but there isn't one in my town. Now, if I'm stressed or sad, I always go to the seafront to look at the sea.  I like the sea most of all on Russky Island, it has a wonderful colour – turquoise. And it's also where my friends and I used to catch seafood.

I also often go to Tokarev Lighthouse, to the Mariinsky Theatre. My friends and I listen to opera and watch ballet. In China, we rarely went to the theatre, but here it is big and beautiful.

  • Have you been to other cities in Russia?

In Moscow, St. Petersburg, Irkutsk, only Baikal we didn't get to see. I went to Khabarovsk and Izhevsk.

I liked St Petersburg best of all. It is very beautiful. It's an art city. And Moscow too. The metro there is very deep, and each station has its own style.

In Primorsky Krai, I've been to Nakhodka, to Spassk Dalny. A friend took me there, it's her homeland.

On Future Plans

  • Are you used to life in Russia?

Yes. I don't want to go to China now. My friends are here, my business. I also work as a part-time tutor here: I teach Chinese to Russians.

I started tutoring back in 2018. At the time, I didn't speak Russian very well, but a few lessons with my students were enough for me to understand how to work and explain.

Now it doesn't matter to me whether my pupil's language level is beginner or advanced, I can teach everyone. It's very interesting.

  • What do you plan to do after you graduate?

My dad said that I should stay and work in Russia. Because if I go to China, it will be very difficult to maintain the level of Russian. In the future, I dream of being an interpreter. 

  • What would you like to wish to students and teachers?

I wish every day to be happy. If you are thinking of learning Russian, the main thing is desire and interest. Without them, nothing will work.

I wish you step by step to move to your goal and achieve high results!