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01/26/2023
After being awarded the Chinese Government Scholarship, a former Omsk State Agrarian University student Nikita Merzlikin entered Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University in 2022 to become a PhD in Veterinary Medicine. According to the scholarship conditions, not he is enrolled in preparatory courses of Chinese language and culture. After completing them, he’ll be studying his major for three years in English, though it is Chinese that is most often used by students in laboratories.
Nikita talked in details about his impressions of receiving Chinese education, since he’s been studying there for four months. He began with describing a complex process of entering China during the pandemic, when he had to undergo a three-week-long quarantine. Then he got acquainted with the vast NWAFU campus, which has quite a lot in common with Omsk SAU one, being green and full of parks, with a rose garden, sakura avenues, and a lake. Nikita and other foreign students, mostly of Kazakh or Pakistani origin, live in a big dormitory. First months of studying are devoted to learning Chinese language—rules of writing hieroglyphs and various aspects of Chinese culture. During his stay in China, Nikita already participated in a scientific conference in Guangzhou with his scientific supervisor. Classes schedule is convenient and suitable for studying Chinese culture in the free time. Nikita told our students about features of celebrating the Chinese New Year, about playing table games with his group mates, studying the Yangling city, which Chinese people themselves call «a village», because there are only 500 000 inhabitants living there.
After the presentation, there was a lively discussion, and Nikita answered questions about his studies in NWAFU and stereotypes about Chinese people that were confirmed or broken:
Is it true that Chinese always pay attention to people with European appearance?
– Yes, indeed. In the first weeks, it made me feel uncomfortable when people, especially children, were constantly looking or even pointing fingers at me on streets. But after a couple of weeks, I got used to it, and it caused no more problems.
What is the difference between studying at Omsk SAU and NWAFU?
– In fact, there is little difference. The system of «credits» that one needs to obtain during studies in probably the most notable feature of studying here.
Does the stipend cover your expenses on life and education in Yangling?
– PhD students get 3500 yuan per month, and those taking Master’s courses get 3000. It’s quite enough for your everyday needs, as accommodation in the dormitory is free. I must say that foreign students are prohibited from working in China, as they have only student visas.
What is your advice to students at our university? Is it a good idea to take part in this international mobility program and chose China as a place for studying?
– I would say that this is undoubtedly a very good opportunity to develop your professional skills and get a unique life experience. However, you must clearly understand what you’re looking for in life, as motivation is important. For example, after graduating from NWAFU I can become a postdoctoral fellow in any university of Europe, America or Australia. I still haven’t made my decision on that now, as it is PhD education that really bothers me. If you want to try studies abroad, you should not be afraid to do it.
Nikita also answered questions about his major, specifics of laboratory research and writing scientific papers. The meeting participants shared their opinions on the event.
Liana Polonskaya, Economic Faculty:
Alexander Smirnov, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine:
Irina Kitiya, Economic Faculty:
Additional information about this international program and a video recording of the meeting of Intercultural Student’s Center are posted in our VKontakte community—VK.com.
