The recent entry of Russia into the Erasmus program has opened up new opportunities for mobility. The UCH-CEU has partnerships with seven Russian universities. Ekaterina is a student of one of them and she has just arrived on our campus. Before starting the interview, we would like to greet her as a pioneer deserves: добро пожаловать, Katia!
Hello Ekaterina! Please tell us something more about yourself. Where are you from, where were you born, what are you studying, what are your plans for the future…
Hello, my name is Ekaterina Pirozhenko and I am from Moscow, from RANEPA which is the largest public university in Russia and Europe, and which has around 200 000 students under different undergraduate, graduate and doctorate programs. It is a classic university whose strong point are economy, public administration and political sciences. I currently study for a degree International Relations Expert at the Faculty of International Studies and Regional Management of the Institute of Public Administration of RANEPA.
I was born in Moscow which is the capital of Russia and a wonderful city which represents the fusion of modern spirit with deep historical roots.
What were your first impressions when you arrived on our Campus? What caught your attention the most?
Having the opportunity to be here is a great opportunity for which I would like to thank my home University as well as the UCH-CEU. To be honest, the first thing that impressed me was your proximity to the student. Moreover, we must not lose the sight of the program of activities offered to the students at the University. The University is quite small but unique because it makes you feel very comfortable in the environment that has been created for the students.
And at the academic level, what could you highlight in these days?
In contrast to Russia, the education is more oriented towards the individual or practical work that the student must do, which also improves the learning of what has been studied in the theoretical part. In addition, I would like to highlight that the leadership of the subjects of Communication Sciences, which include Journalism, Audiovisual Communication and Digital Communication is really remarkable.
Participating in this kind of exchange allows you to be more aware of the advantages of globalization thanks to its cultural diversity that is breathed in the atmosphere of this University
What are your expectations of your stay here?
I expect to acquire the theoretical and practical knowledge offered by the University CEU Cardenal Herrera and to be able to apply it later in my professional life.
In your opinion, what can bring you the fact that this campus is global and has students of more than 70 nationalities?
It is a big advantage to meet people from other places, not only Spaniards but also students from other countries and universities with whom you can share interests and friendships.
Participating in this kind of exchange allows you to be more aware of the advantages of globalization thanks to its cultural diversity that is breathed in the atmosphere of this University
What is waiting for a Spanish student who will do his Erasmus in Russia? What would you emphasize from the university system of your country?
Doing Erasmus in Russia is a great adventure. It is a diverse country, for its history, culture, language. Any student who arrives there will feel to be a true cosmopolitan, thanks to an experience that will make him feel unique emotions. The Russian education system is more theoretical, academic and it requires a very solid base of basic education. Moreover, it is advisable to master English, which must be very fluent.
