For the first time in the history of Derzhavin Tambov State University, five female students embarked on a six-month language internship in Wuhan, China. This was made possible by the signing of an academic exchange agreement between Derzhavin University and Hubei University (Wuhan, Hubei Province).
Gulsum Abdyeva, Angelina Agapova, Victoria Aleksandrova, Anastasia Mikheeva, and Anastasia Chernyshova opened a new chapter in the university's international activities. The students have already begun their studies at one of the largest educational centers in Central China.
Wuhan is a city with a population of over one million and a recognized cultural and scientific center of Hubei Province. For the Derzhavin University students, this is not only an opportunity to learn Chinese at an advanced level but also a chance to experience the life, traditions, and philosophy of China from the inside. The internship program includes intensive courses in spoken and written Chinese, as well as cultural studies.
- The most valuable experience is not only the classroom experience, but also the campus atmosphere that greets us every morning, - admits Derzhavin University student Angelina Agapova. - The first thing that struck me about Hubei University was the amazing friendliness. Despite the language barrier, the staff at the International Office and the student volunteers greeted us with such warmth that any anxiety instantly vanished. The campus turned out to be very green and welcoming.
But it's not just the nature and architecture that impress the Derzhavin University students. Hubei University has proven to be a true crossroads of cultures, where national boundaries are erased.
- The university amazes me with its diversity. A huge number of international students from all over the world study here. We interact daily with students from South Korea, Kenya, Brazil, India, Serbia, and Kazakhstan. There are even students from as far away as Sao Tome and Principe, - Victoria Aleksandrova enthuses about the multinational family they've found themselves in. - It's an amazing experience! We came here to learn Chinese, but we also constantly practice English, which is the universal language of communication here. The most invaluable thing about this internship is the opportunity to make friends from other countries and learn about their culture and traditions not from textbooks, but in person. It incredibly broadens our perspective. We're not just learning a language; we're becoming part of a global student community.
The trip to Wuhan is the first step in a long journey. The successful launch of the program demonstrates the promise of Derzhavinsky's collaboration with Chinese universities. We can already say that this exchange will become a regular occurrence, and the geography of our partners will only expand.
