The Joy of Communication

Meetings of Russian and foreign students are held at the Institute of Pedagogy and Linguistics.

Vladislav Skripnikov, a 2nd-year student in the majoring in Pedagogical Education, interviewed exchange students from the Republic of Korea, Jung Hyunah and Han Yujin. The girls came from the University of Suwon where they took “Russian Studies” as the major.

Jung Hyunah and Han Yujin said that they have been studying Russian at VVSU for six months already, and decided to study Russian because they think it is quite interesting language. In the future, of course, they want to connect their professional life with Russia, and in their free time they listen to songs by the singer Maxim.

At Vladislav's request, the students talked about the education system in the Republic of Korea:

- We study at school for 9 years, then we can continue our education in high school or in college. Universities are mostly fee-paying, but if you pass the final exam well, you can count on free education. On the day of the exams, even planes stop flying for a while. All exams are held on the same day. They start at about 9 AM and end at about 6 PM. Compulsory subjects: English and Korean, mathematics, history and several other optional exams. The exams are very difficult, so schoolchildren spend hours and even days sitting with books and notes, making efforts to enter the best universities.

- I am glad that I had the opportunity to communicate with students from the Republic of Korea. During the interview, we spoke Russian and Korean, so the interest was mutual. I believe that successful communication helps to get rid of the language barrier and improve language skills.The knowledge of the culture of the world contributes to the establishment of intercultural contacts. I advise everyone to study foreign languages in order to communicate more, because if you know languages, you will be at home everywhere. It sounds the same in English - With languages, you are at home anywhere, and in Korean there are words with the same meaning.

Another event within the class of "Intercultural Communication" was held on March 19. It was a joint lesson of a group of Russian 3rd-year students and students from the People''''s Republic of China studying Russian at the Institute for the Training of Foreign Citizens.

The teacher of the Russian group, Associate Professor of the Russian Language Department of the Institute of Philology Natalia Piliugina said:

- Our students of any major are always happy to communicate with foreign students. This is a necessary experience for the general development of their personality. They have the opportunity to test in practice their abilities and skills in communicating with foreigners.

Student Kira Tyutyunik shared her impressions:

- Of course, we already have experience in communication with foreigners, but this is the first time when we do it in class. Our guests from China have only been studying Russian for six months, so it was important to support them, help them understand or say something.

Student Denis Gabaraev added:

- I really liked the part of the meeting when foreigners taught us to say phrases in Chinese, and other Chinese students had to understand what we were saying and translate into Russian. It was fun. But I realized how difficult it is to speak another language, what feelings a person experiences when they are not understood. It was powerful!

Inna Ishmurzina, a teacher in Preparatory Department for Foreign Citizens, summed it up:

- At first glance easy and simply fun tasks in a joint lesson have specific and important goals. During free communication, all the students understand that people of different nationalities are not only in the movies and they did not come from another planet, but here they are, nearby. They are the same as us, interesting and friendly. Such meetings are a chance to get to know each other better, learn patience and mutual assistance.