Russia made me confident: VVSU student from China told about new habits and knowledge

Zhang Chunyan, a student of Economics and Management, came to VVSU from China. During her three years at the university, she managed to not only make friends among Russian students, but also to become a tutor for first-year students, take part in several creative competitions and even try her hand as an interpreter in a construction company.

The teacher influenced the decision

• Why did you choose Russia and our university?

I always knew I wanted to study in another country, I chose between Russia and America. I never studied Russian before, just English, so I thought America would be the best option. However, when I was in high school in China, my teacher was preparing for her PhD at VVSU. That’s when I first heard about the university. She loved it here, and she invited me to go to Russia.

• Did the teacher influence the choice of specialty too?

Rather, it was the friendship between China and Russia. Trade ties between our countries are becoming stronger; there are many opportunities for future international trade and economic development and for employment in this field.  Moreover, the economic direction at VVSU is very strong. This university has a long history and is a key one in the field of economics.

• Was it difficult at first without knowing the language?

I started learning Russian in China. But it is easier for me to learn the language in Russia, because everyone around me speaks Russian: in the store, on the street, at study. In the dormitory, my roommate is also Chinese, and we usually talk in our native language, but if we go for a walk, we try to speak Russian in the street.

For me, the most difficult thing in Russian is grammar. Your cases... And the fact that words can be changed probably a hundred times. Now I know enough to be able to communicate and understand people around me.

Confidence and engagement

• You are already in the third year. What is the most memorable during the years of study?

At first, I was very scared in Russia, I was shy to talk. But my teachers and groupmates helped me: they were always giving me advice and trying to explain.

Studying in Russia and in China is very different. Here, students are very active; they can enter into a dialogue with the teacher and argue. There is no black and white here, we can talk about all sorts of subjects. In China, students sit quietly in class, speak only when asked and answer only according to the textbook.

It's just that Russian people think differently, they are more active. So, when I started living here, my character changed. I became more self-confident.

• Did your parents notice these changes?

When I came home, they said I’d grown up. I even started to look different. In Russia, Chinese students are becoming more independent. For example, here you always cook your own food. I've learned how to make real borscht.

I know that Russians after 18 years of age start to live separately from their parents. It's not like that in China: there, you only move out when you start your own family.

• What do you like about VVSU?

Everyone here is kind and helpful. There are all kinds of activities going on all the time. I have taken part in several. For example, at the festival «I study in Russia».  I also really like the fact that there are a lot of foreigners from all over the world. I feel this diversity of cultures. We all become friends, help each other.

Friendship of Nations

• Are you used to living in Russia?

I think so. I have even developed new habits. For example, here it is customary to give an odd number of flowers, and now, when I send bouquets to my friends, I make sure that I do so. I have also learned that you cannot say hello or goodbye over the threshold, or sit on the corner. Russian culture is very interesting for me.

I remember one incident very well. Once I got lost in the city, saw the police in the street and asked for help. A very kind and cheerful police officer drove me back to the university. On the way, I told him a little bit about Chinese culture. Then I realized that most Russians are friendly towards the Chinese.

• Do you try to preserve your native traditions and culture in Russia?

We celebrate traditional holidays. For example, this year, together with other students, including Russians, I celebrated the Chinese New Year in the dormitory: we made dumplings and then had dinner together.

We also celebrated Zhongqiu. Families get together and bake moon cakes on a holiday. After dinner, they watch the moon. If you are away from your family, you too can look at the moon and connect with the family you miss.

• In Russia, you not only study but also work?

I have tried my hand as an interpreter. A large museum and theatre complex is being built in Vladivostok, and Chinese builders are working there. When they first come to Russia, they need help with the paperwork, bankcards and SIM cards. I helped them, translated for them, and even went with them to the shop to help buy groceries.

• What do you plan to do after graduation?

I haven't yet decided what I want to do after university. I plan to enroll in a master's program at VVSU and to work for an international company in Russia afterwards. I would like to get involved in strengthening trade relations between the countries. Then I still want to go back to China, because my family and relatives are there.

Back home, I would become a teacher and tell the Chinese about Russian culture. So that they would love Russia as much as I do.