Wang Yi Duo

China, graduate of the Leo Tolstoy Institute of Philology and Intercultural Communication of Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University

1) How did you hear about KFU? Why did you choose this particular university?

When I was still in high school, a delegation from university, which is the most prestigious in our province, came to us, they told us about Russian universities, in particular, KFU. At that time, I really wanted to study abroad, because, first, I can get the best education that is necessary for employment, and second, I can expand my horizons and get to know people from other countries. So I decided to go to Russia. I chose KFU for the following reasons:

1) University location: This university is located in a safe city where Christians and Muslims live peacefully. The Chinese pay the most attention to this matter when traveling abroad. KFU is located in the European part of Russia, and the city is inexpensive, my family is not so rich as to spend a million rubles annually.

2) the reputation of university: KFU is one of the most prestigious universities in Russia. Famous people around the world studied at this University, such as V.I. Lenin, L.N. Tolstoy, N.I. Lobachevsky and others.

3) a good hostel: the hostel has everything you need for a comfortable life.

2) How did you imagine your life in Russia before coming here?

Before arriving in Kazan, I thought that all in the town would be built around with skyscrapers, wide and long avenues, there would be clean air, that we would go to classes from Monday to Friday, after classes we would walk along the streets with friends, read books in libraries, talk in cafes etc.

3) What particularly surprised you in the real life of Russian people? What unusual problems did you encounter in Russia?

I was especially surprised by the Russian bath. Russian people sit in the vaporarium for some time at a temperature of 70-90 degrees and jump into cold water or snow. There are also so-called “walruses”, people swim in cold water in winter, I think this is fully consistent with what we consider the Russians to be.

The danger of getting lost is the only problem that I encountered while studying in Russia. Soon after arriving in Kazan, my friends and I were lost, at that time we didn’t know the language well, there was no one to ask for help, we did not know that you need to call a taxi by the phone, and not just stand on the street and wave our hands.

4) What did the training at the preparatory school give you? What did you especially like (or you remember) in your studies at preparatory school?

Of course, while studying at preparatory school, I got the knowledge that was needed for entering university and would be needed for further work, but, not only that. I developed the ability for independent studies. I especially remember the attitude of teachers, their concern for the students. Whatever questions we asked during the study, they always explained with pleasure. I especially admired the talent of our teachers, because I received knowledge in a pleasant and joyful atmosphere.

5) What would you advise your compatriots if they decide to study at KFU preparatory school?

Language is the key to the culture of the country. I advise everyone who wants to get a better education, get acquainted with the culture of another country and meet interesting people, make great efforts to learn the language, you can not do without it. The second advice I will give is to overcome the internal barrier, boldly communicate with foreign students, taking into account the culture of the country to which your counterpart belongs to, because any unsuccessful joke can lead to unexpected consequences. Third tip: when faced with problems, be restrained, try to solve it yourself, parents will not always help you.

6) What are your impressions of Kazan? What did you especially like?

I consider Kazan as my second hometown, despite the fact that it does not correspond to my ideas that were before arrival. The kind, responsive and educated people live here. They have changed my destiny. I liked everything that was in Kazan: classes and strolls with friends in the cold.

7) What do you consider your main achievement in studies and work?

I would say with pride that I graduated from university with a Red diploma, but, nevertheless, I think this is less important. My main achievement is developing a habit in myself, thanks to this useful habit I have become independent. Yet, it is difficult for me to answer the question about my main achievement I can boast of in work, because I found my job not long ago.