The Faculty of Foreign Languages of Tomsk State University turns the study of oriental languages into a strategic asset. In 2026, cooperation with the universities of Harbin, Shenyang and Wuhan reached a new level: students of the Faculty do not just study hieroglyphs – they live in culture, manage international projects and receive diplomas from the two countries.

Harbin summer school: three weeks of immersion

This summer, 53 students (from the first to the fourth year of study) and 3 teachers of the Faculty of Foreign Languages became participants in the International Summer School for Central Asian and Russian Youth: Cultural Exchange and Technological Innovation at Harbin Engineering University. The project, implemented as part of the inter-university exchange program between Russia and China, has become a model of academic and cultural integration.

— The study process at the summer school was quite clear: each module included an introductory unit, intensive skill development and mandatory communication practice. Teachers from China took into account the level of training received by students in Tomsk, and built individual development trajectories. The main emphasis was on live communication, dialogues and role-plays, which allowed the participants not only to learn grammar, but to start thinking in Chinese, – says Olga Nagel, dean of TSU Faculty of Foreign Languages.

The organizers turned the program into a system of cultural immersion modules. Master classes on traditional cooking, acquaintance with the history of northeastern China, campus tours and even the tai chi practice. All these was not part of leisure activities rather than an extension of the context without which it is impossible to understand the language.

The host university did everything to make the TSU delegation feel welcome: meeting at the airport, comfortable accommodation, help with SIM cards and transport.

Students and teachers about the trip

Students and faculty returning from Harbin share their impressions of the trip. According to Anna Ivanova, a first-year graduate of the faculty, this trip exceeded all her expectations and became one of the brightest events during her studies:

— The atmosphere in classes was amazing. The teachers built the program in such a way that we not only learnt the rules, but constantly talked, laughed and overcame the language barrier. During these three weeks, I made a huge breakthrough – I learned to speak Chinese much more confidently, understand live speech, and even answer a call to a courier on my own. Thanks to TSU and Harbin Engineering University for this wonderful opportunity.

Summer school participants at Harbin Engineering University

Photo by Kristina Chernova

Kristina Chernova, a laboratory assistant at the Department of Methods of Teaching Foreign Languages   and Interdisciplinary Studies of Education, notes that the program included not only classes in the Chinese language, but also immersion in culture – knitting, playing national instruments and tasting local food. She also shared her impressions of the city:

— Harbin is an incredibly colorful city: a mixture of Eastern and European architecture, a cool zoo and aquarium and very tasty food. But the main thing is people. In a couple of weeks I managed to meet guys from different countries and find cool friends. I am very grateful to our teachers and curators from Harbin Engineering University for their work.

A first-year student Sofia Ushakova adds that the whole group got the opportunity to put their knowledge into practice:

— During our stay in Harbin, there were very interesting classes in Chinese language and culture, and we also managed to go around all the sights of the city and try various national Chinese food. On campus, I managed to make friends with wonderful people who helped practice Chinese. Many thanks to the teachers of Harbin Engineering University and Tomsk State University, especially Wang Chaolin, who organized our participation in the summer school, as well as Daria Budnik and Valeria Prokopenko –  teachers of the Chinese language of the Department of Linguodidactics of Oriental Languages, who helped with paperwork and accompanied us throughout the summer school.

In class at Shenyang Polytechnic University

Photo by Tatyana Antonova

Following the visit, the parties agreed to expand joint projects, increase student exchange and launch new educational initiatives.

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TSU students at summer school in Harbin and classes at Shenyang Polytechnic University

Photo by Kristina Chernova, Wang Chaolin, Tatiana Antonova