Tatiana Shlychkova on Her One-Year Exchange Studies at Fudan University
Annually, HSE University provides students of Asian and African Studies with opportunities to participate in mobility programmes in the countries of studied languages. Long-term academic mobility helps not only upgrade language proficiency but also dive into a completely different culture and understand it from the inside. Tatiana Shlychkova, student of the Department of Chinese, Southeast and South Asian Research, spent her fourth year of studies in Shanghai, having passed the selection to one of the most high-ranking universities in China—the Fudan University. The scholarship covered tuition and accommodation. In addition, Tatiana received a monthly allowance for personal expenses.
— What are your impressions of the trip? Was it difficult to adapt?
— Actually, it wasn't my first time in China. I started learning Chinese back at school, and in the framework of school programmes, I participated in language internships. But even with all that, it was hard to adapt at first. However much you know, the reality will be different from your expectations anyway. It was not easy to find new friends, to perceive live Chinese speech every day and to be without my family and friends.
— There is an opinion that China has a very bad ecology, no fresh air, and cities are endless concrete boxes. Is it true?
— Having visited 11 cities in Tianxia, I can say that China is a great place to travel, with diverse architecture and beautiful natural landscapes. I was most impressed by the sights in small towns located around Shanghai. Wenzhou Waterfalls and Water Forest in Yangzhou are unique natural monuments which will not leave anyone indifferent.
At the moment, the Chinese government is concerned with ecological issues and is taking active measures to improve the quality of life in cities. Factories are being relocated from metropolises; there are quiet electro cars on the roads; each city district has lots of parks where one can have a picnic or fly a kite.
— What did you do in your free time? Who did you communicate with?
— Shanghai has a well-developed student community. Russian students from different universities gather to hold interesting events and exchange experiences. On the occasion of the New Year's celebration, one of the representatives of the Association of Russian Students invited me to participate in the reception organised by the Consulate General. The first part was solemn, during it, the representatives of the Consulate told us about their work, and then, we had a buffet reception. The meeting gave me a lot of new interesting acquaintances.
— How did your communication with HSE University go during the mobility programme?
— One of the advantages of our educational programme is an opportunity not to take an exceptional leave of absence during the exchange studies. A five-year programme allows one to combine studies at two universities at the same time. We could transfer credits for some courses and attend others online. All professors and the study office were very understanding and gave me feedback. They made a great effort to organise the educational process effectively and allow me to attend the classes.
— What would you wish to the junior students?
— Be brave and consistent! A life far from home in another culture is a big challenge. But remember: all difficulties could be overcome. The experience you will get within a year abroad is incredibly valuable, do not put this opportunity on a shelf.
