Studying Russian language at Petrozavodsk State University was an amazing experience and a great opportunity to improve my knowledge. Here there are not so much foreigners and you can speak Russian language every day with Russian people. (And what is better than communicate with native speakers to learn a language). Furthermore, the staff who works at the International Office of the University is very professional and helpful.
I hope to come back to Petrozavodsk to write my degree thesis. I strongly recommend Petrozavodsk State University for all those students who want to wide their knowledge of Russian language.
Leandro Georgudakis, Italy
On the one hand, when you hear 'Petrozavodsk', it doesn't get you dreaming like the sound of 'Moscow' or 'Petersburg' does. On the other hand, big cities mean a lot of foreigners and less practice of Russian language. I wanted progress, so I took of to Petro. My friends had been there on summer school and I was going to check out the basic program during a 9 month stay. The excellent support before my adventure there, gave me some kind of confidence that, once I would arrive there, everything would be ok. And that's how it turned out: nice and helpful people on the international department and good teachers with who you can agree on the next lesson's theme and who
organise different activities according to the time of the year. If you don't like grey weather, avoid November, in any other case: why aren't your bags packed yet? ;-)
Morgane Hanssens, Belgium
Often Germans ask me, where exactly I spend my time in Russia. When I ‘m responding: “in Petrozavodsk”, they always look at me as if I had said “on the mars”. On the one hand I hope, that much more people visit Petrozavodsk and the university. I can just recommend it. Nowhere else I had such a professional, individual and varied Russian course as at the University of Petrozavodsk. On the other hand I hope, that not that much students discover these nice place, so that the University and its employees remain so familiar, helpful and nice, as I experienced them.
Thank you for everything.
Mandy Buschina, Germany
Петрозаводск маленький, очень симпатичный город у Онежского озера. Люди там дружелюбные, как всегда в России. Я просто люблю Петрозаводск! Мне очень понравилась моя поездка туда. Учебу в Петрозаводском государственном университете организуют хорошо. Например, у нас уроки русского языка были каждое утро и это было нужно и я выучила там много. По-моему, преподаватели и другие работники в университете всегда готовы помочь. Сейчас я только скучаю по Петрозаводску - и жду мою следующую поездку туда.
Liisa Tervo, Oulu, Finland
I have fallen in love with this cozy town up north and was extremely taken aback by the friendly, easy going culture here. The teaching facilities in NEOU PetrSU were great, the teachers were amazing and I am glad that I decided to do my language immersion programme here in Petrozavodsk.
Ying Ying Wong, Singapore
Studying at Petrozavodsk State University was a great experience. The staff is welcoming and always available to help you, all teachers are experienced and Russian language courses are really effective. Not to mention all extra-school activities such as conferences, initiatives, excursions and picnics organized by the University teachers. The atmosphere at the University is very good and I had the opportunity to meet people from different countries as well as from Russia. After a few weeks, I already felt like home and did not want to leave! Every little part of Petrozavodsk is nice in its own way: the naberezhnaya with its sculptures, the clubs and cafes on Lenin street, the cold wind and snow in the winter and the white nights in the summer. My 6-month-stay in Petrozavodsk was actually the best time of my life so far and I would recommend this place to anyone!
Michela Casali, Italy
Когда я приехал в Россию, то думал, что очень хорошо знаю русский язык, потому что до этого работал в магазине и разговаривал с клиентами))) А вот когда приехал, все оказалось не так, как я подумал, потому что русский язык оказался сначала очень сложным. Мне было тяжело первый месяц, но потом, благодаря учителям, все стало очень легко. И я за 8 месяцев стал очень свободно разговаривать на русском, даже на столько хорошо, что сейчас русские не верят, что я турок))) Они говорят, что мои родители русские или я жил в России долго, а не 8 месяцев. Никто не верит, что я учился всего лишь 8 месяцев. А я им говорю, что я хохол))) А на счет Петрозаводска вот что я вам скажу, друзья мои: я считаю, что Петрозаводск – очень красивый и уютный город. Гораздо лучше, чем Москва или Питер. Учиться в Петрозаводске мне так понравилось, что я еще несколько своих друзей привел сюда, чтоб они тоже учились. Так что советую вам попробовать. Не пожалеете.
Hamit Damar, Turkey
I can say it in three words (I love Petrozavodsk! =D) but here's a little story:
I heard already in advance that Russian people are very friendly and helpful, but it still surprised me. Everyone was so nice! People in the International office, teachers, lecturers... And also other people I met.
Language teaching and teaching at the faculty of Economics was excellent and I learned a lot of Russian language and culture. They organized us also very many nice events like going to museums, theatres and picnics.
The city was beautiful, especially in summer, because there are so much parks and a beautiful big lake. I really enjoyed the time in Petrozavodsk and a part of my heart is still in there!
Susanna Heinonen, University of Oulu, Finland
Petrozavodsk is a great town to study Russian. It's easy to meet Russian students, who'll be glad to show you around. Especially in summer it's fun, when it hardly gets dark and you can talk and drink at the lake far into the night. The language course was really good, because the classes were small and the teachers dedicated to let us speak Russian. Also, the staff of Petrozavodsk State University has been very friendly and helpful.
Jochem from Amsterdam
Я провела в Петрозаводске всего 4 недели на летних курсах в 2008 г., но незабываемые впечатления остаются на всю жизнь. Петрозаводск, это красивый город на берегу чудесного озера. Помимо замечательной природы, с которой я ознакомилась благодаря разным экскурсиям, организованным университетом, я также познакомилась с новыми друзьями и приветливыми и симпатичными людьми, которые в Петрозаводске живут. Однако, я бы хотела поблагодарить всех в PetrSU за возможность заниматься любимым языком на лучших курсах русского языка.
Sarka Bastova, Czech Republic
Study at Petrozavodsk State University, was a great opportunity to learn Russian from a very qualified teacher with good skills to teach a beginner as I was, and still I am. The organization of the University is quite fine, I studied in the Language School, and this branch of the University is organized really in a good way to support and stimulate the students. The international office and the Language School organized also few events like concerts or meetings, giving for us a good opportunity of socialization. The city is nice with parks and a good theatre, but the most beautiful element in the city is the Nature all around, and the lake especially! Lovely!
Giacomo Pieraccini, Italy
Petrozavodsk is a wonderful town with interesting people. I only spent four weeks there but I`ve got experiences for life. My teachers were nice people, and good pedagogs.
The group was small and everyone got attention in class. My host mother was a very kind woman.
Erik Norberg, Sweden, Stockholm
I studied with PSU on two separate journeys to Russia. The staff, both teaching and administrative are very helpful and provide wonderful assistance for personal packages for learning and support such as accommodation. My teacher provided classes planned to satisfy my personal requirements and the administrative team helped me with accommodation, transfers and other administrative needs. I was connected with other students and through my time in Petrozavodsk I have made friendships with people from around the world that last to this day. I have no hesitation in recommending this very cost effective way to study in Russia.
Christopher Davey, Australia.
