South Ural State University is gaining in popularity among international applicants. Almost 2000 students from 48 countries have already chosen SUSU; that is why the University continually works on facilitating and supporting the learning experience of those who might face culture shock and other study abroad problems.
During the first days of their visit, international students experience culture surprise. To help them fight culture shock, SUSU has founded the Centre for Cultural Adaptation offering international students all the necessary support with their studies and integration.
“Our Centre is among a few existing in Russia”, claims Dina Valeeva, head of the Centre for Cultural Adaptation. “We visit international students during their first lectures and introduce our team of volunteers. We talk about our Centre, what we do, and how we can help them integrate successfully into the new environment. Almost 80 volunteers of the Centre, all of whom active SUSU students, are happy to show international students all the wonders of the city and Russian culture and traditions. We make sure international freshers make friends with locals quickly.”
After the general introduction, the volunteers organise speed dating with all the newcomers to break the ice and have a short informal meeting with each of the students.
Among the volunteers are not only Russian students but also international ‘veterans’ in their later years of studies at SUSU. They help the incoming students with homework, understanding of the lectures, campus navigation, and timetabling.
The major challenge for all international students coming to Russia is learning the language. Dina Valeeva reminds of some simple tips to start speaking Russian:
“The best way to learn Russian is to speak it despite not getting it right. Talk as much as you can, whether you are on the street, in a dormitory, in a shop...anywhere! Read books and watch movies in Russian; that way you will both better understand our culture and history and learn new phrases and words. Keep a pocket notebook and pen on you at all times and make a habit of learning new Russian words every day. Learning Russian is not a piece of cake, so not missing Russian classes and being attentive would be a wise choice. If you miss the basics, it will be much harder to progress forward. Another vital thing is to participate in all university events and make as many friends as you can. This experience is as much valuable as it is exhilarating.”
The Russian Speaking Club of the Centre for Cultural Adaptation is a place where international students improve their Russian language skills and have fun discussing global topics. The Centre also holds a broad variety of creative workshops.
The Centre for Cultural Adaptation regularly organises a wide range of events so that international students can feel themselves at home. Particular attention is paid to the celebration of national cultural festivals. During winter months, the Centre for Cultural Adaptation makes sure international students enjoy as many winter activities as possible, including skiing, snowboarding or tubing; with summer coming, the Centre takes them to an authentic summer camp surrounded by the beautiful Urals’ nature.
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