RU 
EN 
CN 
ES 
On July 16, at Samara University’s Museum of Aviation and Cosmonautics, the ceremony of awarding certificates to graduates of the Russian Language Promotion Centre took place. This document confirms the proficiency in Russian at the level sufficient for admission to Russian universities. Besides, the certificate becomes a competitive advantage in the graduate’s homeland: Russian still retains a leading position in many fields and is the language of professional communication.
Foreign students were congratulated by teachers and representatives of the administration. Among the guests, there was Sergey Titz, Head of the International Office, who, together with Vice-Rector Victoria Bolgova, opened the ceremony and noted the importance of integrating international students into the university community.
Vice-Rector Victoria Bolgova addressed the students, “Thank you for spending this year with us, for starting your acquaintance with Russia from Samara University. We really appreciate your choice and hope for you to stay with us. For those who have already applied for admission, there is a new important stage ahead, and we sincerely wish you good luck: may everything work out! You have already become a part of our University’s community, and no matter what happens, you will always belong here”.
Anna Berezina, Head of the Russian Language Promotion Centre, joined the congratulations, “I would like to believe that this year has become for you not only the time of hard work, but also the time of discovery, personal growth and new friendship. May your future steps - in the University, science and profession - be equally confident and successful”.
This year, 30 foreign students from China, Senegal, Burundi, Venezuela, Ecuador and Turkmenistan completed the Russian language course. Many of them have already decided to continue their studies at Samara University in Engineering, Humanities, Economics, and Biology. Technical specialties are particularly in demand, which reflects foreign applicants’ general interest in engineering and technical professions.
The graduates shared their impressions of life and studies in Samara, told what difficulties they faced and what they especially remembered during their studies. For many, this year has become a real test of strength: the language barrier, a new country, and their independent life, but at the same time it was a period of new friends, professional guidance and important discoveries.
Dansoho Siriman from Senegal shared his impressions, “I have long dreamed of studying in Russia: there are excellent universities and affordable tuition fees. For foreigners, the biggest challenge is the language barrier: it’s not always possible to find common ground right away. But now I have friends, and Russian people have turned out to be very kind and open. I’m going to be an economist and will continue studying at Samara University!”
Sanchez Perez Jean Carlos from Venezuela told why he had chosen Samara University, “I came to study in Russia because Russian education is highly respected in our country. I’ve chosen the area “Automation of Technological Processes and Production”, since I like technology and mechatronics. It’s not easy, it takes a lot of motivation, but I try to do my best. Samara University has excellent teachers, kind people, and they are always ready to help. Samara is a very beautiful, green city. I like it here”.
Kang Zhohao, an applicant from China, shared his plans, “I came to study on the advice of my teacher from China, and I am going to be an engineer. Samara University is very beautiful, and it is interesting for me to study here. The Russian language is not easy, especially new words and grammar. But the university is good, and I want to enter the The Institute of Aerospace Engineering”.
Ainur Begendzhova from Turkmenistan noted, “I’ve really liked Samara University: it’s quiet and comfortable here. I’ve chosen biology because I like operating a microscope and other equipment. It was difficult at first: the course lasted several months, and I had to quickly immerse myself in the language, but it became a great experience. I want to continue my studies at the University. There are excellent teachers here, they explain the material well and take care of the students. My favorite teacher is Anna Makarova”.
On this day, the graduates were congratulated by the teachers of the Russian Language Promotion Centre: throughout the year they helped students master complex topics, understand the nuances of the language and supported them at difficult moments. Many of the students thanked their mentors - Anna Makarova, Natalia Dormidontova, Tatiana Kuznetsova and Aleksandra Ruda - for their attention, support and benevolence.
The preparatory course lasts 10 months, from September till June. Submitting applications is possible all year round, but the active phase of paperwork for arrival begins in spring. In the near future, the possibility of launching a new one-and-a-half-year program for those who want to learn the language more and get more practice is being considered.
For nonresident and international students, the University provides the student hostel, though some students prefer to rent housing. It is important to remember that, in the rent case, the registration obligation falls on the landlord.
Graduates have a new page ahead of them: admission, acquaintance with their future profession, and adult student life. And for many, the year spent in Samara has become a truly important and memorable stage on the way to new opportunities.
Photo by: Roman Antonov
