The further, the more interesting: A student from Taiwan is hard at work learning Russian at VVSU

6 февраля 2023 Students’ life

In Taiwan, Wei Ching-Sung studied at the University of Chinese Culture. There is a Double Degree program with VVSU. It allows to combine studies in Russia and abroad. When Wei Ching-Soon entered the faculty of Russian language, decided to study in Russia. Chose the School of Pedagogy and Linguistics:

– The further I learn, the more interesting it gets. I like the language, but it's hard. There are new words every day. It's probably a never-ending story. Plus pronunciation... I still haven't mastered the «r» sound. Although I studied in Taiwan for two years. There were Russian and Taiwanese teachers who had studied in Russia.

  • Not for nothing Russian is called great and powerful. What is the most difficult?

Theory, of course. Terms are always difficult to remember. After all, you don't use them in normal conversation. The most fun and interesting things are festivals and competitions. Our teacher Galina Kasyanenko often invites us to competitions and contests, we receive awards and certificates. I participated in the international festival «I study in Russia». There were many students from different countries there. And Russians, of course. We got to know each other and became friends.

  • Do you have no problem talking to them?

It didn't work out with my friends at first. It was because I didn't speak Russian very well. Now, after a year, things are getting better. Thanks to the teachers, of course. They always take care of us and are very serious in class. If we don't understand something, they patiently explain phrases, words and proverbs.

  • What do you think of Vladivostok?

I used to think that Vladivostok was like Europe. I hoped it would be like France, but it turned out to be unlike anything else. I really like exactly the atmosphere of the city.

In Taiwan, I'm used to having the underground, buses run frequently, you can get anywhere quickly. It's not like that in Vladivostok. I also visited Moscow and St. Petersburg. I really liked St. Petersburg. When I first went there, I was simply shocked. The atmosphere of that city is similar to that of Vladivostok.

  • You have got it right. Vladivostok, like St. Petersburg, was built up according to the canons of European architectural traditions. This is clearly visible on Svetlanskaya street. And what would you say about the Russians? Are they different?

In Taiwan, as in the rest of the world, there are many stereotypes about Russia. But I saw that people don't ride bears and laugh on the streets too. Back home, I have heard that Russians are very serious and strict. This is not true.

Russian students are still different from Taiwanese students. They are not afraid to say what they think is right. We, if something is wrong, are more often just silent. Russian students are very active in classes.

  • Do you like living in a dormitory or is it better to live alone?

I have been lucky with the dormitory. I live on the VVSU campus, in the city center. There is a shopping center and a grocery shop nearby. You can cook in the kitchen yourself. A fortnight ago, I cooked dinner with Russian students. It was delicious and interesting. It helps to make new friends.

I also had to change my eating habits a bit. At home, we eat noodles and rice. In Russia, I started eating more bread and potatoes.

  • What will study in Russia give you? Are you already making plans?

I want to go to VVSU for a master's degree as well. Definitely improve my language level. This will help me to work in Russia. I really want to stay here.