Stories from Abroad
During the two-week training, I was able to gain practical skills in Autodesk Revit program, study neural networks and their application, and gain extensive knowledge in the field of construction and architecture. The training was 7 hours a day, 5 days a week, and included lectures from teachers on English and Chinese language and time for independent study. Listening to lectures in Chinese was difficult, but some teachers and students in the group were understanding and briefly retold the lectures in English, helping me to assimilate the material.
On a personal level, the training helped to broaden my horizons, learn the language and culture of another country, and making useful contacts.
2. Difficulties at the preparation stages:
There were no difficulties at the preparation stage for the trip. I recommend getting a UnionPay card for cash withdrawals and checking the exchange rate at banks. Also, you need to install several VPN services on all devices, Alipay, WeChat applications, and a translator. You should check the roaming rates of your mobile operator before receiving a Chinese SIM-card, since this process can take several days. I advise you to purchase an adapter for a European socket and the necessary medications in advance. Learning a few basic words and phrases in Chinese will also be useful.
3. The process of obtaining a visa:
The process of getting a visa was not complicated, but I had to go to the consulate again because I had not printed the entire application form from the embassy website. My advice is to print any documents, application forms, specific forms of documents, invitation from the Chinese side, passport scans, etc. before going to the consulate.
4. Difficulties upon arrival at a foreign organization:
Certain difficulties are the language barrier and limited access to familiar services. Restrictions on the use of blocked services can be bypassed by installing a VPN, but not all of them work in China. Also, without knowledge of Chinese, it is difficult to use maps, order a taxi and use local applications, since in most cases they are not translated. In such cases, I advise you to contact students, university curators, native Chinese speakers or local residents who know English or can use a translator. In most cases, they will help you figure it out, explain something or show you the way.
5. Expenses, money saving tips:
The cost of the visa was 2,500 rubles. A flight to Harbin and back, including a transfer to the university, cost 55 thousand rubles. The airport is quite far from the city, so when leaving China, you need to put aside about 70 yuan (~900 rubles) for a taxi.
During my stay in China, I mostly traveled by taxi, but if you need to save money, the metro is the most accessible and cheapest transport. The cost depends on the number of stations you need to pass. You can get from one end of the city to the other for only 10 yuan. Also, between the first and second buildings of the Harbin Institute of Technology, there is a free bus every 30-60 minutes.
The SIM card cost about 100 yuan per month, was issued on campus and included an additional 40 GB of mobile traffic. The cost of Wi-Fi was 10 yuan per month, but it was very slow, so I used mobile Internet in most cases.
Accommodation in the dormitory was free. All you had to pay for was hot water for washing and water in the shower (1 yuan – 5 minutes of time).
Total expenses for the entire trip, including transportation and food, amounted to approximately 34 thousand rubles. To reduce expenses, I recommend eating on the territory of the university in local cafeterias, not spending too much on souvenirs and impulsive purchases, and planning your budget wisely. If possible, buy the necessary things for a comfortable stay in China before the trip (bed linen, personal hygiene products, etc.).
What difficulties did you have at the stages of preparation for the internship? What tips and recommendations can you give to future participants of the academic mobility program?
In the process of preparing for the internship there were difficulties with waiting for exam results, passing the stages of selection for the program and obtaining a visa. Sometimes it can be difficult to fill out the necessary paperwork to formalize your studies at various stages. It is important to remain patient and stay motivated during these processes.
My advice to future participants of an academic mobility program:
- Start preparations early to avoid stress and rush.
- Carefully study the document requirements and follow the instructions for completion.
- Seek help fr om experienced people.
- Be prepared for the unexpected and be flexible in solving problems.
- Don't lose faith in yourself and your abilities, even if difficulties arise.
Describe the process of obtaining a visa. Your advice for future participants of the academic mobility program.
The visa application process begins with filling out the DS-160 form, attaching a visa photo, and paying the consular fee. Visa decision criteria include ties to the country, employment history, purpose of travel, marital status, and other factors. I received a student visa through an exchange program, I went to the embassy in Armenia for the visa interview, from wh ere the visa was mailed. My advice is to carefully study all the application rules and follow the deadlines. Also prepare for the interview and be ready to answer questions about your plans, goals. It is possible to plan your actions in advance, taking into account possible delays in the process of obtaining a visa.
What difficulties did you encounter upon arrival at the host foreign organization? Your advice to future participants of the academic mobility program.
Coming to Washburn University was easy thanks to advisors and mentors. “International House at the university provided support for international students, including exchange students. However, it was a bit difficult due to the large amount of paperwork and time spent completing it. including setting up bank accounts, additional medical exams, and the adjustment process in general.
My advice to students:
- Contact your adviser at your host university with any important questions that concern you;
- Have all copies of documents with you in case you need to submit them;
- Prepare for the paperwork process in advance to minimize stress and make it easier to adjust to your new environment;
- Do not hesitate to seek help and support from the international student support services at the university.
Specify your expenses related to participation in an internship abroad (visa costs, cost of flight / travel to the place of internship, registration fees / taxes / deposits in the host organization, policy / medical services, if used, public transport, meals, accommodation. Your tips for cutting costs.
My expenses related to participation in a foreign internship included payment of the consular fee of about 3 thousand rubles. Flight tickets (Irkutsk-Moscow-Turkey-Turkey-Washington-Dallas-Kansas City) cost $1600. Medical services were provided on campus, but additional consultations and medications required additional expenses. Public transportation usually cost between 2 and 78, but in Topeka, transportation was free for students. Accommodations, meals, and tickets were sponsored by the exchange program according to the terms.
My tips for cutting costs:
- Track expenses and budget ahead of time.
- Have teeth and other health problems treated before traveling.
- Bring your own first aid kit and doctors' contacts from home (talk to them about leaving if possible).
- Ask for discounts when buying medicines or counseling from nurses.
- Take advantage of free or low-cost services provided by the university (e.g. ordering food).
- Take personal expenses into account and plan ahead.
This internship helped me to understand what direction is most interesting to me in the field I study at university. During this year, I managed not only to get new theoretical knowledge, but also to apply it in practice, working in the student newspaper. I gained invaluable experience that can be useful to me in the future. Now I feel more confident and open, which is essential for a successful journalist.
What difficulties did you have at the stages of preparation for the internship? What tips and recommendations can you give to future participants of the academic mobility program?
The most difficult thing was to prepare documents both for the host party and for the INRTU International Exchange Office. The main advice is to prepare everything in advance.
Describe the process of obtaining a visa. Your advice for future participants of the academic mobility program.
We obtained visas as a group, and no one had any problems. The main thing is to clearly state the purpose of the trip and your intention to return to Russia, as well as to demonstrate fluency in English.
What difficulties did you encounter upon arrival at the host foreign organization? Your advice to future participants of the academic mobility program.
Difficulties arose when it was time to register for courses. The education system in American universities is quite different from that in Russia, and I had to adapt quickly. The main advice I can give is not to rely on the help of an academic adviser, as these are often people with very busy schedules who are unlikely to be able to give you enough time, and to register for courses as early as possible.
Specify your expenses related to participation in an internship abroad (visa costs, cost of flight / travel to the place of internship, registration fees / taxes / deposits in the host organization, policy / medical services, if used, public transport, meals, accommodation. Your tips for cutting costs.
This internship was fully sponsored by the host country from the time we received our visa until we returned home. We received a monthly stipend of $1405, which we could spend at our discretion. The main advice I can give on how to cut costs in America is to buy necessary goods in large packages, as it is much more cost-effective to buy for several weeks in advance or to share with acquaintances.
What difficulties did you have at the stages of preparation for the internship? What tips and recommendations can you give to future participants of the academic mobility program?
I had most of the difficulties with transferring money for payment and preparing for the first time traveling abroad. Students may be required to have a student ID card when entering Korea. No one notified us during the preparation stage.
Describe the process of obtaining a visa. Your advice for future participants of the academic mobility program.
I used K-ETA. It is extremely easy to get. To pay for this type of visa you need to either have acquaintances from other countries or arrange it through a travel agency.
What difficulties did you encounter upon arrival at the host foreign organization? Your advice to future participants of the academic mobility program.
It was challenging to adapt to local food and climate. There are various canned and processed food in stores, and it is hard to find healthy food. Due to climate and humidity, you should always carry an umbrella and hand fan with you. It can be bought in local stores, prices are low.
Specify your expenses related to participation in an internship abroad (visa costs, cost of flight / travel to the place of internship, registration fees / taxes / deposits in the host organization, policy / medical services, if used, public transport, meals, accommodation. Your tips for cutting costs.
Program fee - $7005 Transfer fee - $100
Visa for transit through China - 5000 R Contribution K-ETA - 10000 KRW
Round trip tickets - 43000 R
Expenses during the program - 500$
Bus and subway fare 1700 KRW (transfer within 30 minutes is free) 9600 KRW
Express tickets to Seoul (from Chungcheong)
Program fees at the expense of the university (IRNITU) or through the Koren government scholarship
Cost-cutting tips:
Using public transportation instead of cabs Carefully choose products at grocery stores, buy less convenience food, use 1+1 or 2+1 promotions
Ask about discounts for foreigners and show your ID card (dormitory card key)
On a personal level, living in a different cultural environment has taught me to adapt and resilience. Getting to know new social norms and overcoming language barriers has made me more open and empathetic.
What difficulties did you have at the stages of preparation for the internship? What tips and recommendations can you give to future participants of the academic mobility program?
Preparing for the internship in Mongolia had its challenges. Securing a visa, arranging accommodation, and understanding local healthcare options required a lot of effort. Language preparation was another hurdle, as I had to learn basic Mongolian phrases, and adapting to different academic expectations was initially daunting.
Recommendations for Future Participants: Start preparations early to handle logistics smoothly. Learn basic phrases in the local language to ease communication. Research the academic environment to better adapt to new teaching methods. Stay flexible and open-minded to navigate unexpected challenges. Connect with others who have experience with the program for valuable insights.
Describe the process of obtaining a visa. Your advice for future participants of the academic mobility program.
Obtaining a visa for the internship in Mongolia was a detailed process that required careful planning. First, I had to gather all the necessary documents, including an invitation letter from the host university, proof of accommodation, and a valid passport. I then submitted these documents to the Mongolian embassy, along with a completed application form and a visa fee. The processing time took a few weeks, so it was essential to start this process well in advance. I also made sure to check for any specific requirements or updates on the embassy's website regularly.
Advice for Future Participants:Start Early: Begin the visa application process as soon as you receive your acceptance letter.
Gather Documents: Ensure you have all required documents, such as an invitation letter, proof of accommodation, and passport.
Check Requirements: Regularly check the embassy’s website for updates or additional requirements.
What difficulties did you encounter upon arrival at the host foreign organization? Your advice to future participants of the academic mobility program.
Upon arriving at the host university in Mongolia, I faced a few challenges. The first was adapting to a new environment, including navigating the campus and the city. Language barriers made communication difficult at times, especially when dealing with administrative tasks or asking for directions. Additionally, understanding the local academic expectations and adjusting to different teaching styles took some time. Advice for Future Participants: Take time to explore the campus and city to get comfortable with your surroundings. Ask for Help. Don’t hesitate to seek assistance from local students or staff—they’re often eager to help. Embrace the differences in academic and cultural practices; it’s part of the learning experience.
Specify your expenses related to participation in an internship abroad (visa costs, cost of flight / travel to the place of internship, registration fees / taxes / deposits in the host organization, policy / medical services, if used, public transport, meals, accommodation. Your tips for cutting costs.
Visa Costs: The visa application fee was around $50.
Railway/Travel Costs: Round-trip to Mongolia cost approximately $300.
Insurance/Medical Services: Health insurance coverage for the duration of the internship was about $150.
Public Transport: Monthly transportation within Ulaanbaatar cost around $30.
Meals: I spent about $200 per month on food.
Accommodation: Renting a dorm near the university cost $40 per month
