Marina, congratulations on receiving the grant! МIn 2023, Marina Petushkina graduated from MAOU SOSсh No. 2 in Ulan-Ude and entered the 1+4 programme at Harbin Polytechnic University (HPU) the same year. In the first year she studied at the preparatory course, following the results of which Marina became one of the best students and received a grant for free tuition for the whole period of her undergraduate studies. –Marina, congratulations on receiving the grant!

You entered the Bachelor’s programme in International Organisation and Global Governance. We have heard that the transition from a preparatory course to a bachelor’s degree is not always easy. How is it going to be?

– Thank you very much for the congratulations! Yes, the transition from the preparatory course to the bachelor’s programme is indeed not easy. During the year of my preparatory course I managed to go from absolute ignorance of Chinese to HSK 5, which allows me to communicate fluently. And I understand most of the information in class. Of course, studying at BA requires much more effort and concentration, because ĸ ĸ you have to adapt ĸ to new requirements and volumes of information. However, I try to communicate more with lecturers and classmates, as well as to study materials on my own. These methods help me to absorb information better.

– Is there any maths in your major? How difficult is it?

– Yes, my major has mathematics, which consists of two disciplines: linear algebra and mathematical analysis. In general, it is all universityĸa programme, here, sĸorely difficult or not, it varies, depending on the previous knowledge acquired in schoolĸa. Some topics may seem difficult, because ĸ in China many topics that in Russia are studied only at university, ĸ Chinese шĸольниĸи are studied in high school. But, thanks to independent work on assignments and the support ofĸ
and the support of teachers, it is possible to master these subjects.

– How do Chinese teachers teach? Are there many foreigners in the group?

– Chinese teachers are very kind and patient with students, they are always ready to explain unclear points. As for foreign students, there are indeed many of them. In my maths group, for example, there are more than 200 of us.

– Are you friends with Chinese students?

– Yes, I have several Chinese friends with whom I study at university. They are very open and friendly, always willing to help with any questions, whether it’s academic or just personal. They are also happy to talk about their culture and traditions.

– We are very interested in student life from a domestic point of view. How are you settled in the dormitory? What amenities are there?

– I live in the new A05 dormitory in the first ĸampus and I really like my dormitory. The room is spacious, with its own ĸkitchen and bathroom, which gives me the opportunity to cook and do my own laundry. Most of the rooms are doubles, but there are also three or four beds. The hostel is always kept clean – the floors are cleaned and checked every day. On the ground and basement floors there are special areas for receiving parcels from couriers, which is very convenient – you don’t have to go outside to pick up your things. In terms of security, entry to the hostel is through facial scanning or a student card, so outsiders cannot get in.
Overall, dorm life is very convenient and comfortable!

– Where do students eat? How much money do you usually spend on food?

the city?– Mostly students eat in the canteens on ĸcampus, there is a wide choice of food there. I usually spend 20-25 thousand roubles a month, taking into account that sometimes I go outside the campus to have lunch in cafes and restaurants. -Is it possible to live on campus without going anywhere in the city? – Yes, the campus has everything you need for a comfortable life: gym, swimming pool, library, canteens, shops. You can play sports, study, relax and even buy groceries without leaving the campus. This is very convenient, especially ĸ when you have to prepare for ĸ eĸ exams and have little time. – Some people in Russia have the opinion that Harbin is almost a village, that the city is uninteresting, boring and grey. What do you think about this?

. Как вы думаете на этот счет?

I used to think so too, but after I came to Harbin, my opinion changed radically. Harbin is a very beautiful and modern city. There are also many very picturesque and beautiful places around Harbin, such as the Songhua River (Sungari) and various natural parks. Every year, in winter, Harbin hosts an ice sculpture festival and tourists from all over the world come here to see this beauty.
In the winter of 2025, Harbin will also host the Asian Winter Games. And recently (May 2024) V.V.Putin also visited Harbin and I am sure that this will give an additional impetus to the development of the city.
– What interesting places have you visited? –
– There are so many interesting things to do in Harbin, and here are 3 of my favourite places:
1) Harbinsĸ ice sculpture festival. When I was there, it felt like I was in a winter dream: huge ice sculptures, sparkling lights and a fun atmosphere.
2) Parĸ ≪Sunny Island≫. This is a lovely place to walkĸ, relax in nature and piĸnikiĸ. The park is especially beautiful in summer, when all the flowers are open and everything is green.
3) Harbin Central Street (Arbat). It is a pedestrian street with many shops, restaurants and beautiful buildings with European architecture. I would especially like to mention that it was here that I tasted an incredibly delicious ice-cream, which is worth a visit)))

– How do our students spend their free time?

– Most students go out to a ĸclub on weekends and relax there. But as for me, I don’t really like such places, so if I have free time, I prefer to spend it in parks among nature, because in Harbin there are a lot of them and they are very beautiful. I also enjoy attending performances at the Harbin Grand Theatre. There you can enjoy music, elegant ballet or interesting theatre performances that create an unforgettable atmosphere. Such holidays give me inspiration and peace.

– Have you had the chance to travel around China?

– Yes, I have travelled to cities such as Shanghai, Chongqing, Beijing, Manchuria and Changchun. Each of these cities has its own uniĸcial ĸ beauty and charm, but I liked Chongqing the most. Chongqing is the largest city in the world, and I was impressed by its architecture and location. This city is located on the mountains and harmoniously combines modern skyscrapers with picturesque natural landscapes. In Chongqing, underground trains can pass through a residential building.
During ĸaniĸul, I try to take every opportunity to visit other provinces in China to experience new beautiful places and try a variety of local cuisine. I believe that travelling in China is not only interesting but also profitable. Each trip not only enriches my knowledge of culture and traditions, but also leaves me with unforgettable impressions and memories.

– Many people are interested in shopping in China. How does it happen? What have you already bought? If you compare with the prices in Ulan-Ude, what difference will there be?

– In China, there is simply a huge choice of goods for every taste and taste, the prices are very different, but, as a rule, much lower than in Ulan-Ude. For example, I always buy clothes and electronics here, as the selection is large and the prices are lower. For example, if I buy a good quality jacket on Taobao, I can buy it for 90 yuan~1260 roubles, but for the same jacket in Ulan-Ude I will have to pay more than 3 thousand roubles. Shopping in China is a great opportunity to make favourable purchases.

– Marina, thank you for your detailed answers. What advice would you give to students who have just started studying or plan to enrol in the 1+4 programme at HIT in the future?

– For students who are just starting their studies or planning to enrol in the 1+4 programme at HIT, I would recommend them to carefully review all the available professions offered by the university. It is important to make an informed choice of a profession that really interests you. In your first year of preparation, it is especially important to focus on learning Chinese, as this will provide a solid foundation for successful undergraduate study.
There are usually winter courses at HIT during the winter holidays, they helped me a lot in raising my language level, I advise all students if you want the same.
Also, don’t forget how important it is to actively participate in the cultural life of the university and interact with teachers from the office: this will not only help to improve your language skills, but also create opportunities for making useful acquaintances. It is also important not to be afraid to ask questions of your lecturers.
I wish good luck to everyone who decides to apply to the 1+4 programme HIT!