My name is Kristina, this year my friend Alisa and me are having experience to be exchange students in China. We decided to study here because our South Federal University in Russia has a partnership with Shandong Management University in Jinan. When we learned about this opportunity, we immediately applied—and luckily, we were selected!  

From the very beginning, we felt welcomed. The local students were incredibly supportive, always ready to help us with any problem. The only real challenge was the language barrier—even simple things like ordering food or going to the post office were tricky at first. But thanks to the patience of the people around us, it became easier over time.  

All our classes are conducted in English, which makes learning smooth. We attend lectures daily, and the subjects are engaging. Life here is busy but enjoyable. Between classes, we explore the campus with friends, play sports, and chat with Chinese students – many of them are eager to learn about Russian culture. The climate is surprisingly similar to Russia’s, so we feel right at home weather-wise!  

In our free time, we visit nearby places—markets, parks, and local cafes. The food is delicious (though some dishes were a surprise at first!). Also we never miss the chance to travel – we visited many cities: Qingdao, Heze, Shanghai and Hangchou. These trips were unforgettable.

We’re really happy we chose this exchange program. Despite the initial language struggles, the kindness of the people and the campus life make it an unforgettable experience. We’re excited to see what else awaits us here!