TSPU Students Complete Study Programs in Chinese Universities

Tomsk State Pedagogical University (TSPU) continues to expand its academic programs in collaboration with universities in China. During the winter semester of the 2024–2025 academic years, students from TSPU’s Institute of Foreign Languages and International Cooperation studied at Mudanjiang Normal University (MNU), Jilin University of Foreign Studies (JUFS), and Hubei University (HU), with a new agreement signed in June 2024.

Six students from the institute successfully passed a tough selection process (based on academic performance and language proficiency) and were given the opportunity to spend a semester enhancing their knowledge at these Chinese universities.

Our students Varvara Kushnareva and Anastasia Bekreneva studied Chinese (elementary level) at the School of International Education at Mudanjiang Normal University. Valeria Budova took a Chinese language course (intermediate level) at Jilin University of Foreign Languages. Maria Arysheva, Maria Nikulenkova, Daria Klementieva studied at the School of Translation (English language) at Hubei University.

The study programs at Mudanjiang Normal University (MNU) and Jilin University of Foreign Studies (JUFS) included practical Chinese language training (vocabulary, grammar, speaking, listening, and preparation for the HSK Chinese proficiency exam) as well as traditional Chinese disciplines (Chinese breathing exercises, traditional dance, and the culture of the People's Republic of China).

At Hubei University, TSPU students studied both the Chinese language and subjects such as English literature, linguistics, written English, and others. Significant emphasis was also placed on immersion in Chinese culture.

The study programs at MNU and JUFS included practical Chinese language training (vocabulary, grammar, speaking, listening, and preparation for the HSK Chinese proficiency exam) as well as traditional Chinese disciplines (Chinese breathing exercises, dance, and the culture of the People's Republic of China).

«The course on Chinese culture included three blocks: chanting in Beijing opera tradition, making aromatic herbal sachets and fan decorating with ink and calligraphy brushes, as well as doing complex exercises — qigong. We even made traditional Chinese jiaozi dumpling, which was a fascinating experience», — said Daria.

The students also gained teaching experience: Maria Nikulenkova was given the opportunity by Hubei University to work as a teaching mentor for Chinese students learning English. This allowed for a mutual exchange of knowledge and provided her with practical experience in her future professional field.

Looking back at the semester in China, our students noted the friendly atmosphere, the openness of teachers and students, their readiness to help in every situation, good living and study conditions, and the opportunity to travel in their spare time.

This summer, six more TSPU students will once again head to Chinese universities for study programs. Meanwhile, Chinese students are also on the move: 18 students from Jilin University of Foreign Studies have won Chinese government scholarships to study abroad and have chosen TSPU as their host university.