According to the results of the questionnaire, in which over 60 students took part, more than half of the participants in the academic exchange were satisfied with the level of education in St Petersburg University: 67% of the respondents singled out the quality of the courses of Russian as a foreign language; 82% of students highly appreciated events for participants of academic exchanges; and 70% the university buddy-programme. Also, 86% of respondents noted the information openness of the University, including the international department and administration of St Petersburg University.

 

Exchange srudents take part in the introduction meeting. February, 2015

 

63% of foreign students learned about St Petersburg University in the international departments of their universities: thus, good relations with partner universities are the determining factor for the success of academic mobility programmes at the moment. One of the decisive arguments in favour of the choice of the University is still its excellent reputation - it turned out to be important for 22% of foreign students. One third of them noted the high quality of education on the "Management" programmes. Among the strongest programmes, the students also named Polar and Marine Research (POMOR), as well as the postgraduate programme "Economics and Management". Over 40% of participants in the academic exchange said that they chose St Petersburg University because of their interest in the Russian language and education in Russia, with 20% of respondents attracted to the city where the University is located. Some students when choosing St Petersburg University were guided by positive feedback from foreign students who had already been trained in it.

 

Students of University of Economics, Prague take part in the international fair at GSOM SPbU. February, 2018 

 

Among the difficulties encountered by 16% of foreign students were: the complexity of the procedure for obtaining a visa; and the length of time for preparation of all necessary documents. Some students also noted that not all employees of the University are fluent in English.

One of the best aspects of studying at St Petersburg University, according to the participants of academic exchanges, was the availability of a variety of training courses, including the study of the Russian language (21%). About 10% of students noted the readiness of the staff of the international department of St Petersburg University to help in finding solutions to organisational and domestic issues, and 39% of foreign students stated that the most pleasant impression was made by the people they met in Russia. The additional advantage of studying at St Petersburg University, according to 43% of students, is its location in the heart of the city, which allows you to visit museums and exhibitions. Almost 19% of students answered that during their studies they had the opportunity to travel across Russia and get acquainted with its history and culture.

 

 CEMS MiM students take part in the Russian national dance master-class. September, 2017