Yang Anran, a student from China, is studying at the Institute of Economics and Management (IEM) of Tomsk State University under the academic mobility program. She studies Management at Jilin International Studies University and spends one semester at IEM on the English-taught master’s program “International Management”.

When Yang Anran was choosing an exchange program, she immediately drew attention to TSU – one of the leading Russian universities with a century-old history and high international recognition.

— I was attracted by the academic atmosphere of Tomsk and the relaxed lifestyle, which perfectly matches my expectations from the academic mobility program. It is especially important that the partnership between my university and TSU gave me a unique chance to study in a different cultural environment, to expand my understanding of management in a different educational system, to improve the English language and intercultural communication skills, – says the student.

Olga Nedospasova, Associate Professor of IEM TSU and Yang Anran

Photo by IEM TSU

According to Yang Anran, Tomsk greeted her with silence and warmth: “Unlike noisy megacities, the city is clean and cozy. Trees and university buildings are everywhere – this creates a special academic aura. The buildings here are not like Chinese: they are classic, with unique architecture. Besides, the locals are very friendly”.

She especially remembered the case in the supermarket when she forgot her bank card. “The cashier patiently and kindly explained how to pay using my phone. I immediately felt the warmth of Tomsk”.

— This city gave me many pleasant surprises and helped me adapt quickly, – she adds.

Yang Anran identifies three key aspects: the campus, the faculty and the educational process:

— The main academic buildings breathe history, and the territory of the university is very green. Library, student centers, and modern equipment in classrooms – everything was created with care for international students.

But the most important thing is the teachers: “Most professors have vast experience, they know management deeply and understand the peculiarities of teaching foreigners. In the classroom, they do not just provide the theory – they analyze real cases from Russian business. It gave me a much in-depth understanding of management. Teachers are very patient: they answer questions, help structure thoughts, recommend additional literature. This strict but supportive way of teaching has made me more confident in expressing my ideas”.

Yang Anran considers the courses in “International Marketing” and “Intercultural HR Management” especially useful: “For the first time I saw management from a Russian point of view and realized how much the styles of management and communication differ in different cultures”.

In addition to academic knowledge, the trip made her more independent: “Apart organizing everyday life and planning studies to solving unexpected problems, I became much more self-confident”.

In the near future, the student intends to make the most of the remaining exchange time: successfully pass all courses, communicate more with teachers and classmates, and fully immerse herself in the culture of Tomsk.

— I want to bring home all the lessons and experiences of this trip. Upon returning to China, I plan to apply the knowledge gained in intercultural management in my research and continue to learn Russian, – says Yang Anran.

In the long-term perspective, she dreams of working in international business or cross-cultural management.