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Опубликовано 30.07.2015 06:54

Elena Nahar, MSPU graduate and Master’s Degree student, got a lucky chance to study in the People’s Republic of China. Elena told us about customs and traditions, character of local citizens, excellent sights and some specific features of the Chinese education. 

As we know, Mozyr State Pedagogical University named after I.P.Shamyakin is a leading, scientific, educational and cultural center of the Belarusian Polesye. It exercises its’ potential which is based on the best domestic and international experience in order to comply with intellectual, cultural and social demands and interests of the individual, society and state.

International cooperation shall be considered as the leading MSPU focal area. MSPU named after I.P.Shamyakin works together with more than 60 establishments of education and organizations (Russia, China, Kazakstan, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Moldova, Latvia, Germany, etc.). Members of academic staff are regularly invited on work experience in foreign countries.

Under the auspices of Valentin V. Valetov, Rector of MSPU named after I.P.Shamyakin, the spectrum of academic and scientific opportunities in the field of student exchange projects has been developed at Mozyr University.

To become an appropriate candidate for education in a foreign university/ college a student should be active, highly-motivated, initiative; has high learning achievements; speaks English fluently.

After careful considerations the candidacy of Elena Nahar was affirmed. She was invited to the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Belarus, granted a visa and started her voyage around mysterious and majestic China.

About motives

I was always interested in investigation of foreign countries, meeting new people, acquaintance with new cultures. That’s why a possibility to study in China was the first step to make my dreams come true. Moreover, studying of the Chinese language was included into the programme I participated in. I’ve got fundamental knowledge that would help to continue my career. I think, it was a great advantage.

About transfer to China

Firstly, I had to come to Minsk. Then I transferred from Minsk to Dubai (UAE); after that from Dubai to Bejing; then from Bejing to Changchun. Representatives of the university I was going to study at were responsible for the transfer from the airport to the university.

About the university and living conditions in Changchun

Those students who participated in the exchange programme were allowed to choose between 3 universities. My choice preference was Northeast Normal University (NENU). This establishment of education is included in China Top 100 Best Universities. Moreover, it is located in Changchun, a city with a population of about 8 mln people. The industrial area of the city is highly developed. Unfortunately, it has a bad impact on the environment and air. As a result, local residents prefer putting on safety face masks in order to prevent breathing polluted air. But through it all I was extremely satisfied with the university and the quality of education I was getting.

As for living conditions, such points as amenities and affordable price should be pointed out. Rent payment is 1500 – 2000 yuans (it amounts 3,8 – 5 bel.rub. / $240-320). There is a single-room system in the hostel where foreign students live. The room is well-equipped; I have everything I need: a table, a wardrobe, a bed, a TV-set, a bathroom. The size of the room is quite satisfactory for 1 person to live in. There is a common kitchen, an electric stove and a fridge on each floor. As a rule, hostels and educational building are situated within a campus and it takes several minutes to get to the university.

About the Chinese Language

When I applied for study permit in China, I was a 5^th year student at Mozyr State Pedagogical University named after I.P.Shamyakin, Philology Department. After the graduation I started Master’s Degree course in “Language Studies” at MSPU.

At NENU all subjects are taught in Chinese. There are 2 classes a day from Monday till Friday. The programme includes the following academic disciplines: the Chinese Language, Listening Comprehension, Speech Practice and Academic Writing. Group Completeness is 20 students. My group contains students from all over the world (Pakistan, Kazakstan, Tadjikistan, Russian Federation, Syria, France, India, Palestine, Mongolia, Korea, Laos).

About China and its metropolises

Northeast Normal University provided an outstanding opportunity to visit some other places of interest in China. One of the main advantages of my journey was that the educational institution I studied at paid 70% of the cost. Such tours and excursions gave a lucky chance to get better acquaintance with the country. I visited several magnificent cities such as Bejing, Dalian, Harbin and Shanghai.\About National cuisine

Without a shred of a doubt there is a great difference between the Chinese and Belarusian cuisine. Chinese food is spicy, salty and fat. People eat much rice, fish, chicken, meat, vegetables. Here you can try a large variety of exotic food, such as a sea hedgehog.

About a Chinese wedding

When I came to China, I couldn’t speak Chinese fluently. To enrich my vocabulary I took classes in the Chinese language. My teacher, a young girl, got married. She had invited me to participate in the wedding ceremony.

It is interesting to note that the Chinese wedding consists of three stages. Stage 1 is an official marriage registration in the municipal authority building. Stage 2 is a wedding photo shoot. Stage 3 is a church wedding. It is telling that a newly wedded couple in China oath the way in many European countries: “ I take you to be my lawfully wedded wife. Before these witnesses I vow to love you and care for you as long as we both shall live. I take you with all your faults and your strengths as I offer myself to you with my faults and strengths. I will help you when you need help, and I will turn to you when I need help. I choose you as the person with whom I will spend my life.” After that a bride and a groom and their guests come to the restaurant to celebrate; waiters serve the dishes, guests congratulate the couple. The atmosphere of the wedding is festive, but at the same serene and repletes with harmony and love.

About Chinese hospitality

The Chinese is a friendly and hospitable nation. If you are a holder of typical Slavonic appearance, you’ll feel special hospitality. The Chinese are not “shy at first”. They can say “Hello!” and take a picture with you even if they don’t know you.

About my expectations

I honestly claim that my expectations have been exceeded! Because of a busy way of life I had no time to understand that 11 months of studies came to its end. I’m going to use my knowledge and experience, when I start my career in Belarus.

Finally, I really want to enclose gratitude to MSPU Administration,  Members of International Affairs Department, Administration of Philology Department and My Parents, who supported me.