Students of the double diploma program “Materials Engineering” of Tomsk State University and Dalian University of Technology arrived at TSU to pass a week-long intensive course in the Russian language. The training took place as part of an international summer school organized by the Faculty of Philology of Tomsk State University. Students practiced speaking, learnt more about the university and Russian culture.
The Materials Engineering program for Chinese students is implemented by the Faculty of Physics & Engineering and the Faculty of Chemistry of TSU jointly with Dalian University of Technology. Training lasts four years. The first two years students study at Dalian University of Technology, and then come to study at TSU.
After completing the 1st year, students of the program came to Tomsk/ They will continue their studies in 2026 to improve the knowledge of the Russian language. Svetlana Ermolenko, head of the international summer school for the Russian language, head of the department of Russian as a foreign language, TSU Faculty of Philology, said that training at a weekly intensive course was mainly aimed at speaking skills, since Chinese students can study grammar in Dalian.
— We tried to devote more time to speaking and listening, which will be useful for real communication, so that students can ask something in Russian or at least understand everyday situations. Now students can only communicate on simple everyday topics: food in the supermarket, life in the hostel and so on, says Svetlana. – The summer school program included not only training, but also the cultural part: excursions around the city and the TSU campus, visit to the Okolitsa park, master classes in Russian culture. Students fr om Dalian University of Technology also learnt about the faculties and laboratories of TSU, wh ere they will study.
Students from China also met Julia Ryzhikh, dean of the Faculty of Physics & Engineering. Yulia Ryzhikh told about the directions of the faculty and made a tour of the classrooms.
— Students were interested in the study directions of the master course, asked what entrance exams they need to pass to continue their studies after the bachelor’s course. They were interested in mechatronics and robotics (this direction is very popular in China), UAV design technology, which is being implemented as part of the Ballistics and Hydroaerodynamics program together with the Faculty of Innovative Technologies of TSU, as well as Artificial Intelligence in Engineering Physics, which we designed together with the Higher IT School and launched this year, – says Julia Ryzhikh.
After the 2nd year, students of the Materials Engineering program will attend another summer school in the Russian language at TSU. It will last longer and will include certification based on the results of training.
It should be added that Tomsk State University and Dalian University of Technology began their cooperation in 2019 by signing the agreement on cooperation in research, technical and innovation activities. A year later, the universities entered into an agreement on student exchange, and in 2024 they launched a joint program for Chinese students.
— In the future, both universities plan to develop DD programs, promote academic exchange and joint research. We will focus on projects in the field of technology, engineering, medicine, ecology and other promising areas, – adds Ekaterina Trifonova, head of the TSU International Division. – Universities are also aimed at supporting joint initiatives: conferences, seminars, cultural and academic events. These plans are in line with the strategic initiative of both sides to expand international cooperation, develop education and science, and strengthen bilateral ties between Russia and China.