5 questions to Anastasia Kirichenko – a participant student of the European Academic Exchange Erasmus + program
Students, graduate students and young scientists of NSUACE (Sibstrin) who have gained significant achievements in study, science, creativity and sports answer our questions in a new section of the University official website “5 Questions for the Young Sibstrinist”. This time we publish interview with Anastasia Kirichenko, the 3rd year student at the Institute of Civil Engineering. Anastasia is currently studying in Germany with the framework of European Exchange Erasmus + program. Our student will spend a semester at the University of Stuttgart.
- Please, tell us about yourself and how you could get the opportunity to spend a semester in Germany?
I am a third-year student at Civil Engineering Department at Novosibirsk State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering (Sibstrin). At school I studied German as the first foreign language and English as the second foreign language, so in the first year of my studying I wanted to attend English lessons, but as there were too many of us, I was offered to attend German lessons. At the first and the second course, although we had no German lessons at the senond course, I participated in the Olympiads, and frankly speaking, this was it with German. Of course, sometimes on social networks with other information I saw the news and posts of the German language groups, but Goethe Institute and other courses were out of my way, as I focused on the majors of the specialty as my priorities. And right now I feel sorry for it ... But it is necessary to say, I was lucky, as the student who participated in Erasmus + program before me refused to take part in the program, and I had a chance to participate, and a special thank to the employees of the Institute of International Affairs of Novosibirsk State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering (Sibstrin), and others who helped me to fill in and send all the documents.
- What subjects do you study in Stuttgart? What is the difference between studying at German University and Russian one?
At the present moment I am taking two subjects: they are the course of High Mechanics (in literal translation) and the Soil Mechanics. I am attending all the courses that are presented here for my specialty and correspond to the analogues of my subjects in Sibstrin to understand the content of the course, but do not only estimate by the title of the course. I have to register for at least two more subjects according to the terms of the program.
The system differs in its structure. The students choose by themselves how many subjects they will study in this semester, that is, if I understand correctly, the student can choose a program for himself with a maximum load and obtain Bachelor's degree within 3 years, or "enlarge" the study for a longer period, choosing a smaller number of subjects in the semester. And there are no constant groups, I don't know if it upsets me, the absence of a cohesive collective or I am pleased that it is possible to make more friends.
- What else is interesting in Stuttgart (Germany), besides studying?
Well, it’s difficult to answer objectively, as tastes differ. There is a gorgeous library near the city center. Many events are hold in the city center, there are many museums. You can even go to the neighboring city as distances are small, and students have a discount on the ticket. The university has various clubs, and groups of interests. For those who adore architecture it will be interesting just to wander around the streets of the city noticing something new each time.
- Please, tell us about your professional goals and plans for the future?
In the near future, the first task is to obtain Bachelor's degree and choose the University for Master's degree, perhaps I will stay at Novosibirsk State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering (Sibstrin). As far as I know, our University gives good further education in different areas. From the moment I will never give up languages, I made a mistake after school thinking I would never need it. I'm not quite sure how I will associate it with construction. In my abstract plans at the moment, the second task is to work in the construction sphere, perhaps I will connect my work with Water Supply Engineering.
- What opportunities does NSUACE (Sibstrin) give students and young scientists?
Talking about the Institute of International Affairs at Novosibirsk State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering (Sibstrin), it should be noted that thanks to the cooperation with many universities, the students of our university have the opportunity to take part in exchange programs not only in Germany, but also in other countries. Participating in the exchange programs, first of all, the students receive experience of study in foreign universities, as well as the practice of the foreign language, many useful acquaintances, perhaps it will be the first step to study in a foreign country, for example, for Master's degree, or it is an opportunity to compare and understand that the education in our country is worthy and we should start appreciating its place in the world as well as our teachers.
