Russian Language, Dostoevsky, and Tolstoy: On-Campus Training for Chinese Students in the Dual Degree Program at TSPU

Since 2022, Tomsk State Pedagogical University has partnered with Jilin University of Foreign Languages (JUFL) to run a dual degree program. This program trains bachelor’s students to become teachers of Russian as a foreign language. Our goal is to prepare highly skilled international professionals with strong knowledge of Russian, advanced teaching skills, and the ability to conduct research. Graduates of the program receive two bachelor’s degrees—one from TSPU and one from JUFL. This opens unique opportunities for them to build a career as qualified Russian language teachers.

150 Students Are Currently Enrolled in the Program.

Anna Bogdanova, Director of the Institute of Foreign Languages and International Cooperation at TSPU, shared her thoughts on the program: «The dual degree program is a key part of TSPU's international collaboration. It is very popular among Chinese students, as it provides them with high-quality education and valuable intercultural experience. Initiatives like this strengthen ties between Russia and China while boosting TSPU’s prestige and competitiveness in the global education market»

The dual degree program follows a 3+1 structure. For the first three years, students study at Jilin University of Foreign Languages (in Changchun, China). During this time, TSPU professors teach some courses in person. In the fourth year, students come to Russia to complete their studies at the Institute of Foreign Languages and International Cooperation at TSPU.

In the fall semester of the 2024/25 academic year, TSPU professors G. Asadulina and L. Kruglova continued the in-person training phase in China. The classes covered key subjects for future teachers of Russian as a foreign language, including: Teaching Methods for Russian as a Foreign Language
Cultural Speech Communication Practice, Pedagogy, Specialized Russian language skills through courses in: Reading, Listening, Russian Language Speaking Practice.

«Students learned the basics of pedagogy, methods for teaching Russian as a foreign language, and the unique aspects of Russian culture and education, — said Lyudmila Kruglova, Head of the Department of Romance and Germanic Philology and Foreign Language Teaching Methods. — The most engaging classes were those where we compared school and university education systems in Russia and China. We also discussed Russian and Chinese traditions, such as family relationships, cultural norms, attitudes toward time, and customs like Russian and Chinese feasts».

TSPU professors note that Chinese students face unique challenges in learning Russian. Their experience differs significantly from students whose native languages belong to the Indo-European family, adding another layer of complexity and interest to the teaching process.

 

«Phonetic differences between Russian and Chinese are one of the main challenges for Chinese students learning Russian, — explains Galiya Asadulina, Senior Lecturer at the Institute of Foreign Languages and International Cooperation (IFLIC). — To overcome these difficulties, special teaching methods are needed that focus on developing phonemic awareness and practicing pronunciation».

Additionally, IFLIC staff conducted workshops and masterclasses for teachers of Russian as a foreign language at JUFL. Chinese instructors noted that the skills they gained would be used in teaching first- and second-year students, significantly improving the quality of instruction in the joint educational program.

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In December 2024, 17 JUFL students completed their studies under the academic mobility program. For the first time, the program lasted three semesters, compared to the usual one.

«What I enjoyed most were the classes where we discussed works by great Russian writers like Dostoevsky and Tolstoy, — shared her emotions JUFL student Shi Lu. — Now I feel much more confident in my Russian language skills and understand how important it is for communication and understanding the country’s culture. This experience has been a real breakthrough for me».

The first graduation of Chinese students in the dual degree program will be held in 2026.