Exploring the Cultural Journey in St. Petersburg: Chinese Students' Study, Internship, and Tourism

Arts and Culture Management unites students from variuos regions and different backgrounds. Today, second-year student Sun Yihan shares her experience with getting to know St. Petersburg, studying at the programme, and taking an internship at a luxury hotel located in the heart of the city.

St. Petersburg stands as a crucial historical capital in Russia, serving as the political, cultural, and economic center of the Russian Empire. Enriched with historical landmarks and architectural marvels, including globally renowned museums, art galleries, and theaters, St. Petersburg emanates a vibrant cultural atmosphere. As the birthplace of Russian literature, music, and dance, the city fosters a rich cultural ambiance, making it an ideal destination for students interested in art or Russian history. 

In 2021, I embarked on a journey to St. Petersburg, exploring various cultural venues such as the Winter Palace, observatories, and galleries. I engaged in learning activities and actively participated in projects and work related to arts and cultural industry management, gaining invaluable insights and experiences.

St. Petersburg left me with a profound first impression of "gorgeous and profundity". Perhaps, it was the blanket of pristine snow covering the city in winter, or the weightiness derived from its rich religious atmosphere and weathered historical traces. Whether it was the solemn sculptures standing tall on the streets of St. Petersburg or the architectural styles strikingly different from those in China, the day I arrived left an indelible mark on me. Embarking on my studies here undoubtedly brought me joy.

The reason I chose to study Arts and Culture Management is largely because I also took courses related to cultural industry management during my previous studies. I was curious about the differences and similarities in teaching methods and learning directions between China and Russia in the same field and the reasons behind these disparities.

Russia and China: Two Different Approaches to Cultural Management

Through coursework and exchanges with other students, I realized there are indeed significant differences between the two. In terms of teaching direction, the Chinese cultural industry management program aims to protect and inherit precious traditional culture. Therefore, the emphasis is placed on new media, management, and traditional culture, with less focus on modern art and brand building. It's worth mentioning that in Chinese cultural industry projects, the definition of "cultural heritage" not only includes artistic creations such as music, dance, drama, painting, and sculpture, but also encompasses historical wisdom inherited through crafts, technologies, or food, such as terraces and papermaking. During my university years, projects I worked on with my teachers included researching the characteristics of traditional cultural districts and organizing exhibitions on intangible cultural heritage.

In St. Petersburg, however, in the study of Arts and Culture Management, I felt a significant increase in the emphasis on art and aesthetics in the curriculum. Russia's world-renowned literature, ballet, drama, sculpture, and architecture have a rich cultural heritage. Therefore, the curriculum focuses more on the creative experiences, artistic value, and exploitable commercial value of these outstanding works of art, with teaching focusing on finance, art history, and branding. China's approach to this course is broader, with a heavier emphasis on theory. In Russia, the definition of art and culture is more precise, with a greater emphasis on practicality. HSE provides students with a broad vision and opportunities, not only inviting internationally renowned luxury brands such as Cartier to collaborate with students, but also offering opportunities to study and visit places rich in artistic and historical atmosphere, such as the Winter Palace and the General Staff Building, with special explanations of the historical backgrounds of the architecture and artworks therein. For any international student, these are excellent opportunities to understand foreign cultures and broaden horizons. Through studying in Russia, I not only learned about Europe's extensive art history, but also gained insights into how artwork exhibitions are maintained, how museums operate, and how a good idea can ultimately become a team or company through practice.

Internship Experience

As my studies near completion, our degree programme arranged internships for us. The internships for Arts and Culture Management students include museums, HSE University departments, luxury hotels, theaters, art galleries, and other workplaces closely related to arts and culture. My internship placement is at a luxury hotel called Domina Hotel, located near the Winter Palace and Saint Isaac's Cathedral. Situated by the river, the hotel offers views of the winding waterway from its windows, providing a relaxing atmosphere in the restaurant. From the higher floors, one can see the golden domes of the cathedral and the majestic silhouette of the Winter Palace not far away. This is not only the advantage of my internship, but also the rich historical and cultural resources of St. Petersburg that give it a unique working environment advantage.

My Russian colleagues and supervisors are very attentive to the interns. They are gentle, patient, and able to clearly express their needs while providing clear instructions for the internship tasks. My supervisor, Ms. Anastasia, expressed expectations for Chinese tourists and is willing to provide more convenience for them. Therefore, my main tasks involve collecting preferences and market information from Chinese tourists. It is evident that HSE's internships are aptly arranged based on each student's interests, hobbies, and cultural differences.

I look forward to future collaborations with Domina Hotel and anticipate personal growth and gains during my internship.

A Comfortable and Relaxing Daily Exploration

St. Petersburg is a tourist city, captivating the attention of visitors worldwide with its historical architecture and coastal scenery. The charm of St. Petersburg cannot be fully appreciated through photos and words alone. One must step into the churches, gaze upon the magnificent domes; tour the Winter Palace, experience the extravagance of the nobility; embrace the chill of the sea breeze with open arms. Only by experiencing these firsthand can one truly grasp the cultural essence of St. Petersburg.

As you admire classic artworks, you can engage in a visual dialogue across time with Van Gogh and Monet; when you attend a concert, you can sit in a cathedral and listen to the organ music echoing through the architecture. When Christmas arrives, you can discover tall, beautiful Christmas trees on every street corner; when summer comes, you can admire the sunset's glow on a random beach, where the sea is as blue as ink. I have enjoyed affordable Russian-style barbecues with friends, and I've had friendly encounters with squirrels in the Summer Palace. These relaxed and comfortable travel experiences are unique gifts that St. Petersburg has given me.

St. Petersburg and HSE have left me with many wonderful memories, allowing me to gain a deeper understanding of foreign cultures, appreciate different cultural differences, and improve my practical work abilities. I now have more ideas and pursuits regarding art and culture. I believe that this experience will also bring me more strength in my future life.