I Want to Study in Russia

I came from China. I study at Tomsk Polytechnic University, Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. I have been studying in Russia for nine months and it occurred to me that I have made the right choice. When I came to Russia, saw many things, new and strange, I experienced a culture shock. Fortunately, it did not take me long to get used to the customs and habits of the Russians. As any student, I try to make my life in the dorm cozy. This is where I relax, play ping-pong, attend the students' council meetings, celebrate holidays with my friends and, of course, study, etc. One the one hand, foreign students should be accommodated in separate dormitories thereby enabling the university manage the accommodations and security of foreign students better. On the other hand, if foreign students all live in the same place, they will have little chance to practice their Russian, which is undoubtedly detrimental to their study in this country. As a foreign student, I find the US universities management system more appealing, as the higher institution allows and even encourages foreign students to live together and communicate with the nationals. It seems to me, rapid economic growth and diverse culture of the US to certain extent depend on their hidden meaning. That is why I would recommend the university to accommodate foreign students in the dormitories inhabited by the Russian nationals. I think foreign students should start studying together with the Russian students upon the reception of the first-degree diploma in Russian. What I like about the Russian education system is that it means business. What I dislike about it is its formalism, because what it boils down to is the students' initiative. Visa management for the foreign nationals at our university is smooth and efficient. To improve my Russian, I attend the Russian language classes, study together with the Russian students, participate in many events, read books and watch TV. In the course of my studies here I faced a lot of difficulties. For example, I could not take notes during the lectures under my specialty. Fortunately, Russian students are very helpful - I would borrow their notes and now I understand the lectures pretty well. Being the monitor of our group, I often participate in conferences, round tables, holiday and sports events of my university. And I enjoyed these activities tremendously, as I not only practiced my Russian but learned quite a lot about the Russian culture as well. And here I would like to thank all my Russian friends and instructors, who have been helping me in this country. A lot of memorable people and events are stored deep in my heart. I am playing for the first TPU basketball team, because Mrs. N.N. Tkachenko helped me tremendously to join the team. At first, it felt as if all Russians were cold and hostile. However, the attitude of Mrs. Tkachenko proved that the Russians are sympathetic, fair and communicative people. Well, thanks a lot! When my heart was filled with darkness of the foreign land, you, Russian friends, gave me light and warmth. I am lucky to have found another Motherland - Russia. My foreign friends, come and study in Russia! This will be a memorable and very significant part of your lives!