From July 6 to 20, Penza State University students underwent an important and extremely interesting internship in Chinese language and culture at Xi'an International Institute (China). The organizer on the Russian side was the International Relations Office of the Institute of International Cooperation, PSU.

Xi'an is the ancient capital of China, where 13 imperial dynasties ruled. It is difficult to imagine a more suitable place for such practice. Every day, students attended Chinese language classes, workshops in tai chi, tea ceremony, calligraphy.

In two weeks of classes, first-year students of the Institute of History, Languages and Literature (specializing in English and Chinese languages) Arina Anokhina, Ekaterina Zaitseva, Anastasia Dokina, Maria Titova and Albina Izgarova managed to overcome the language barrier and fear of communicating in Chinese. The girls were able to significantly improve their level of Chinese, believe in themselves and set a more ambitious goal: to learn the language perfectly.

"This opportunity is the result of the current Cooperation Agreement between the two universities, concluded with the aim of expanding international academic cooperation. The document provides for joint educational programmes in the future," emphasized Olga Meshcheryakova, Head of the International Relations Office of the Institute of International Cooperation, PSU.

The cultural programme included a visit to the sights of Xi'an: the Bell Tower, the Drum Tower, the Medieval City, the Muslim Quarter, as well as the Winter Palace of the Tang Dynasty and the Terracotta Army, and an introduction to the unique ensemble of traditional Chinese instruments at the university.

"This ensemble is known far beyond Xi'an and even China. It is a great honor that a concert was specially organized for PSU students. It left an indelible impression on them. In general, these were unforgettable two weeks that convinced the students that they had chosen the right profession and that they should approach it diligently and seriously," noted PSU Chinese language teacher Konstantin Butin, who accompanied the delegation.