Stories from Abroad
I feel this internship was the best experience in my life. To be honest I had some difficulties, I even wanted to go home, but that was only a stage which had to be lived through. I applied for internship to practice my English, get to know Korean culture and make friend from all over the world. Studying abroad using foreign language was very good and fun experience, professors were always nice to international students. After this internship I can 100 percent tell that I became more independent as a person.
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?
It was hard to collect all the documents, because it’s not clear which documents you actually have to collect at time.
Describe the process of obtaining a visa. Your advice for future participants of the academic mobility program.
Applying for a visa was simple. The one and only important thing you should have all the documents.
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 expenses: $80 (~6,440 RUB)
Flight cost: To (Ulaanbaatar – Seoul): 16,431 RUB / Return (Seoul – Beijing): 12,444 RUB + (Beijing – Irkutsk): 13,000 RUB
Travel cost to the internship location: 18,000 Korean Won (~980 RUB)
Taxes: Korea has a “Tax Free” system that allows tourists to get a tax refund for purchases made abroad. A refund is possible if the amount of a single payment is from 15,000 Korean Won. The main thing is to keep the receipts and have your passport with you when making purchases (you can exchange receipts for money at the airport). I returned 25,000 Korean Won (~1400 RUB).
Alien Registration Card (ARC): 39,000 Korean Won (~2126 RUB)
Dormitory: 1,366,400 Korean Won (~72,534 RUB)
Transport: 30,000 Korean Won (~1,600 RUB per month)
Food: 28,000 Korean Won ( 1,500 RUB per day)
In average including all the expanses it was 90,000 RUB per month.
This semester was a period of intense professional and personal growth for me. Studying Composite Structures and Construction Cost Estimation in English gave me not only deep theoretical knowledge but also practical skills in designing modern structures and budget management—competencies highly valued in the international engineering field. Immersing myself in the international environment at XJTLU taught me how to work in teams with people from different cultures, which is a key skill for a modern engineer. On a personal level, my biggest discovery was my own ability to adapt and be independent. The first few weeks, spent settling into a new country, were not easy, but as other students also note, this is completely normal, and a sense of confidence comes with time. Getting to know Chinese culture and learning the basics of the language in the Chinese Language 1 course went far beyond a tourist experience and allowed me to truly understand the local context.
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 main challenge was coordinating my study plan and collecting a large number of documents for enrollment.
Recommendations for future participants:
- Start preparing a year in advance. Carefully study the courses at the partner university and coordinate their credit transfer with your academic office at INRTU as early as possible.
- Establish contact with the host university. Don't hesitate to ask questions via email to clarify details about accommodation, course registration, etc.
- Don't be afraid of the language barrier. Even a basic knowledge of the country's language (in my case, Chinese) or confident English for communication in an international environment will significantly ease your adaptation.
Describe the process of obtaining a visa. Your advice for future participants of the academic mobility program.
The process of obtaining a student visa for China required careful attention. The key document was the official Invitation Letter for Foreign Students (JW201/202) issued by XJTLU. With this and other required documents (application form, passport, photo, medical form), I applied at the Consular.
Important advice:
- Follow the document checklist on the embassy/consulate or visa center website strictly.
- Apply well in advance, considering the standard processing time is 1-4 weeks. Note that visa fees worldwide tend to increase, so they might be higher by 2026.
- Make sure you have appropriate medical insurance for the entire period of stay, as this is a mandatory requirement for both the visa and your safety.
What difficulties did you encounter upon arrival at the host foreign organization? Your advice to future participants of the academic mobility program.
The first days in Suzhou were full of challenges: opening a bank account, registering my residence, figuring out local public transport, and mobile payment systems. Cultural differences in the academic environment, such as nuances in communicating with professors, also took some time to understand.
How to cope and advice:
- Use the resources of the host university. XJTLU provides excellent support for international students: orientation weeks, student buddies (ambassadors), and consultations.
- Take the initiative in communication. Try to meet not only other international students but also local students. Language practice and help with everyday matters will be mutual.
- Be patient with yourself. Feeling a bit lost at the beginning is part of the experience. Give yourself time to adapt; don't expect full immersion immediately.
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 (X2 type, for short-term courses, single-entry): 2,500 RUB
Flight (round trip): Approximately 60,000 RUB
Transfer to accommodation: 0 RUB (airport transfer to residence was provided/organized)
Accommodation in Wenhua Apartments: 600 CNY (for electricity and water for 1.5 months) + approximately 3,000 CNY per semester (+ 1,300 CNY refundable deposit)
Mobile connection: 300 CNY (SIM card was helped to arrange by university volunteers)
Medical insurance: 0 CNY (the university provides a basic insurance package to start with)
Local transport: Metro (4 CNY), Taxi (12-40 CNY), Train (30–150 CNY), Bus (2 CNY)
Food: 10-60 CNY per meal (depends on the place). Grocery shopping: approximately 70 CNY per trip.
Personal expenses (trips, theaters, personal shopping, etc.): 7,000 CNY
Appliances (Wenhua apartments do not provide kettles, fridge, hair dryer, etc.; you buy them yourself): Approximately 700 CNY
Budget Advice: Research scholarship opportunities from your university, government, or international funds early
Food: Buying prepared meals can be more practical as there's no fridge to store groceries (buying a fridge is hard to resell later, so you lose money).
Transport: The dormitory is far from the university—a 30-minute walk to the metro. It's better to arrange taxi shares with friends (ends up being about 3-5 CNY per person for 4 people).
Dining: Chinese cafes serve great food, so you don't need to stick to European-style restaurants (a European-style dish can cost 50 CNY, while you can have a proper meal in a Chinese cafe for 20-30 CNY).
Tickets: Buy intercity train tickets a few days in advance for discounts. Use apps like Dianping for cheaper event/theater/park tickets. Use Ele.me for food delivery with discounts.
Shopping: Download Chinese shopping apps and use a translator to navigate them, as they usually have more discounts and cheaper goods.
What difficulties did you face during the preparation stage? What advice and recommendations can you give to future participants of the academic mobility program?
Complex administrative procedures: The Chinese application and administrative process was more complicated and required closer attention to detail than the procedure I experienced in Russia. At INRTU application process was flexible and straightforward; in contrast, the Chinese system demanded multiple steps and continuous follow-up. The financial burden of the placement is non-trivial. Prospective participants should ensure they are financially prepared for visa fees, travel, deposits and living expenses. Advice: Applicants should carefully observe deadlines, gather and verify all required documents, and continuously follow up with the host institution regarding submission stages.
Describe the process of obtaining a visa. Your advice for future participants of the academic mobility program.
My experience obtaining the visa was relatively easy. As an international student resident in Russia, INRTU issued a recommendation letter for the Chinese consulate. The visa process required completing online information, monitoring application status, then attending the consulate in person to submit documents when prompted. The visa was issued a few days after the consular visit. Recommendation for future participants: Prepare all documents in advance, monitor the application status closely, and be ready to visit the consulate when requested. Maintain copies of all submissions and ensure the host university provides the necessary official letters.
What difficulties did you face upon arrival at the host foreign organization? Your advice for future participants of the academic mobility program.
Arrival logistics: The host institution did not provide airport reception on my arrival. There was limited English spoken at the airport, and I had no internet access to contact the university. I used a taxi and asked the driver to take me to the university; I then used his phone to contact the international-students office. I waited at the main gate for the international officer, and the on-campus registration procedure took approximately two hours.
• Immediate financial requirements: On arrival I was pay accommodation fees in full before viewing the room and to pay registration fees, medical insurance fees and purchase a local SIM card.
• The university offers multiple dormitories. The walking distance between my dorm and the lecture buildings averaged around 20 minutes. Buildings frequently become crowded, making elevator access slow; many lectures were held on higher floors (4th–5th).
• If booking university accommodation, complete the reservation online before travel and, if feasible, choose higher-quality (more expensive) dormitories for better comfort and reliability.
List your expenses related to participation in the international internship. Your advice on reducing expenses.
• Visa fee: 2,500 RUB
• Flight to Beijing: 24,000 RUB
• Taxi fr om arrival airport to university: 215 CNY (~2,500 RUB)
• Registration fee: 800 CNY (~9,500 RUB)
• Medical insurance: 800 CNY (~9,500 RUB)
• SIM card: 500 CNY (~6,000 RUB)
• University dormitory (double room, shared bathroom): 1,200 CNY/month (~14,400 RUB/month). For 5 months: ~70,000
• Welcome Party: 100 CNY
• Electricity: ~30 CNY/month (~350 RUB/month)
• University medical check (single visit): 20 CNY (~240 RUB) — note: this does not include eye, dental or emergency services.
• Local transport: bus ~1 CNY (~12 RUB), metro ~4–5 CNY, bike rental ~1.5 CNY per 30 minutes.
• Food: restaurant meal ~50–100 CNY (140–240 RUB) — cooking for oneself is the most economical option.
• Grocery examples: 1 kg chicken ~15 CNY, 1 kg beef ~40 CNY, 30 eggs ~20 CNY.
• Taxi from university to a different Beijing airport: 100 CNY
• Domestic flight (Beijing to Irkutsk): 1,100 CNY (~13,000 RUB)
Cost-saving tips:
1. Register for and use local e-commerce and delivery apps after obtaining a local SIM card — often prices are lower than street-store prices.
2. Cook at home rather than eating out; this significantly reduces daily expenses.
3. Book higher-quality university accommodation only if the budget allows — it often yields better value in comfort and safety.
4. Coordinate travel plans to minimize repeated expensive taxi trips; use public transport wh ere feasible.
There were difficulties with communication in another language. When I speak English, I get confused in my thoughts because I understand that I need to hear and understand what the interlocutor is saying, and then respond. But over time, I got used to different sounds of languages and became more relaxed about mispronouncing a word or not knowing the translation of some phrases, because it is precisely the mistakes and lack of knowledge that provide the stimulus and interest to study more. This trip had a great impact on me in terms of academic and personal experience. When you communicate with people fr om different countries, listen to their opinions and perceptions of certain things, study their culture, language, and traditions – all of this helps you not only broaden your horizons but also increase your interest in learning new things.Despite all the difficulties, I think that stepping out of the comfort zone is worth it because you start thinking differently: you look for solutions to various situations, interact with people more often, and study your surroundings… In short, you become more responsible and independent!
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 biggest difficulty was preparing the package of documents. The only thing I would advise is to be more attentive to the required documents, specifically: clarify wh ere and which documents need to be obtained and submit everything by the specified deadline. A separate difficulty for me was the bank statement. A large sum of money and the original document were required, which I received by mail exactly on the last day of document submission, which made me very nervous.
Describe the process of obtaining a visa. Your advice for future participants of the academic mobility program.
Getting the visa turned out to be much easier than expected. The only nuance was the working hours of the Korean consular section. Documents are accepted every Tuesday and Thursday by appointment, and documents are issued on Mondays and Fridays, so you should sign up in advance, as it can take a long time just to submit the documents. In the end, the documents were prepared in less than two weeks, and no additional interview was required.
What difficulties did you encounter upon arrival at the host foreign organization? Your advice to future participants of the academic mobility program.
The host university notified me in advance about the reception hours for dormitory check-in and provided information on how to get to the campus, and generally everything was more or less clear, but I still had some difficulties and questions. The first was getting to the dormitory. When you are in another country, you don’t understand how or where to buy a ticket and which cards are best to use; it becomes scary that you won’t reach your destination and will be stuck at the airport for the whole semester. However, all problems are solvable, and buying a ticket turned out not to be that difficult. At the airport, there is a terminal with bus routes and their numbers; the main thing is to have local currency or a bank card accepted in the country you are going to, and then buying a transfer ticket will not be a big problem. There is also the subway at the airport, which you can use if you have a transportation card (Tmoney). You can buy it at any convenience store in Korea (CU, GS25, 7-eleven). But if you don’t have a bank card that you can use to pay in Korea, I recommend buying a “WowPass” card upon arrival. Its main difference is that it combines a regular debit card for payment in any store/restaurant plus a Tmoney transport card (there is also a terminal at the airport to buy this card). The second difficulty is that not everyone speaks English. But this problem is easily solved if you have a translator handy. During my entire stay here, I used Google Translate, but in Korea, it is very popular to use “Naver Papago.” And the last thing I want to mention is mobile communication. There is free Wi-Fi throughout Korea, but it doesn’t always work well, so it’s better to have your own SIM card. I advise buying one from “Chingu Mobile” because they have pleasant prices, and you can easily arrange a communication package for a long period.
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 expenses: $80 (~6,440 RUB)
Flight cost: To (Ulaanbaatar – Seoul): 16,431 RUB / Return (Seoul – Beijing): 7,947 RUB + (Beijing – Irkutsk): 12,444 RUB
Travel cost to the internship location: 18,000 Korean Won (~980 RUB)
Taxes: Korea has a “Tax Free” system that allows tourists to get a tax refund for purchases made abroad. A refund is possible if the amount of a single payment is from 15,000 Korean Won. The main thing is to keep the receipts and have your passport with you when making purchases (you can exchange receipts for money at the airport). I returned 13,000 Korean Won (~690 RUB).
Insurance/Medical services: 210,000 Korean Won (~11,438 RUB). It all depends on how quickly you receive your Alien Registration Card (ARC).
Alien Registration Card (ARC): 18,000 Korean Won (~973 RUB)
Dormitory: 1,366,400 Korean Won (~72,534 RUB)
Transport: 20,000 Korean Won (~1,061 RUB per month)
Food: 565,140 Korean Won (~30,000 RUB per month).
In terms of concrete results, one of the most important achievements was the noticeable improvement of my Chinese language proficiency. During the internship, I progressed from HSK 1 to HSK 3, which is a significant step for me. My vocabulary expanded not only academically, but also practically. I acquired a large amount of everyday, real-life language that is rarely taught in classrooms or lectures. I can now confidently order food in restaurants, communicate with taxi drivers, shop independently, and solve basic daily tasks without the help of a translator. These may seem like small things, but they are essential steps toward my long-term goal of building a full and independent life connected with China. The internship proved useful in many other aspects as well. I deeply explored Chinese cuisine, not just by tasting it, but by immersing myself in the culinary culture of another country. I adapted to new daily routines, time schedules, and biological rhythms, which helped me better understand how culture influences lifestyle and behavior. This adaptation broadened my worldview and made me more open-minded and flexible.
My communicative skills developed significantly during the internship. Constant interaction with people from a different cultural background taught me how to find an approach to strangers, establish contact, negotiate, and achieve what I need in a respectful and effective way. I became more confident in communication and learned how to navigate social situations more freely, even when there is a language or cultural barrier.
From an academic perspective, the internship had a strong positive impact, as my current level of Chinese is now noticeably higher than that of many of my classmates. This gives me a sense of confidence in my studies and motivates me to continue improving my language skills. On a personal level, I became more independent, more curious, and more internally energized. The internship helped me recharge emotionally and intellectually, and I feel prepared and motivated for the upcoming semester, which I expect to be no less interesting and productive.
What difficulties did you have at the stages of preparing for the internship? What advice and recommendations can you give to future participants of the academic mobility program?
At the preparation stage, the internship did not seem particularly difficult overall, but it did require a lot of attention to details, especially when it came to documents and official paperwork. Collecting certificates, filling out forms, and understanding formal requirements took time and effort. As a first-year student who had completed only the first semester, it was sometimes challenging to understand how the system worked and how different administrative procedures were organized. However, these difficulties were temporary, and they became an important learning experience. Through this process, I learned to be more organized, patient, and responsible, which helped me adapt to new academic and bureaucratic environments. As for recommendations to future participants of academic mobility programs, I would strongly advise approaching the choice of the program and specialization very carefully. It is important to thoroughly analyze all available options and pay attention not only to academic content, but also to practical aspects such as accommodation, living conditions, study format, costs, and everyday logistics. A well-considered and informed choice of the program significantly increases the chances of achieving strong academic and personal results. I would also recommend that students who are going to China give themselves time to adapt gradually after arrival. It is better not to rush the adaptation process and to take care of one’s health, including eating habits. Trying local food is an essential part of the experience, but moderation at the beginning helps the body adjust more easily to a new environment and lifestyle.
Describe the process of obtaining a visa. Your advice for future participants of the academic mobility program.
The process of obtaining a visa was quite straightforward, especially for us as residents of Irkutsk, Consulate is located directly in the city. First, all the required information is filled out online on the official website. After submitting the application, it is necessary to wait for updates in the personal account. Once the status changes and indicates that an offline submission is required, you need to visit the visa center in person. For the offline submission, only a minimal set of documents is required: one printed sheet with a screenshot of the application status from the website and the passport. No additional documents are needed at this stage. After that, the application is processed, and approximately one week later the visa can be collected.It is also important to note that the visa fee is paid separately at a different bank. Only cash is accepted there, so it is necessary to prepare cash in advance, as bank cards are not accepted for this payment. For future participants of the academic mobility program, I would strongly recommend starting the visa process as early as possible. As soon as you receive the official invitation from the host university and purchase your flight tickets, it is better to immediately fill out the application for a student visa, submit the documents offline, and collect the visa without delay. This approach helps avoid unnecessary stress and prevents problems caused by leaving important procedures until the last moment.
What difficulties arose upon arrival at the host foreign organization? Your advice to future participants of the academic mobility program.
Upon arrival at the host country and the foreign organization, the difficulties I encountered were minimal. The only moment that caused slight concern was finding the person who was supposed to meet us at the airport. However, this issue was resolved very quickly, as the representative had a large, clear sign, making him easy to identify. After meeting us, we were taken by bus directly to the campus, and the transfer was organized smoothly and without any complications. In general, the host institution demonstrated a very high level of organization, especially in terms of communication with international students. The staff provided clear instructions, timely support, and assistance whenever needed. There were no serious problems or complaints regarding the coordination or adaptation process, and all organizational aspects were handled efficiently. My advice to future participants of the academic mobility program is to remain open to new people and new experiences from the very beginning. Building connections and communicating with others plays a crucial role in successful adaptation. It is important not to dismiss or avoid people, even if they do not make a positive impression at first. Openness, tolerance, and willingness to interact often lead to valuable friendships, support, and a much richer overall 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 at the host organization, policy/medical services, if used, travel by public transport, meals, accommodation. Your tips for reducing costs.
My expenses during the internship abroad were as follows: the visa cost 2,500 RUB plus 50 RUB for the commission, a one-way flight to China cost 9,500 RUB, and train tickets within Russia were 3,800 RUB. The registration fee included insurance costing 330 CNY. Public transportation costs vary depending on distance and route; for example, a bus ride typically costs 1 CNY. Meals also depend on preferences, with a full breakfast, lunch, or dinner costing between 12–20 CNY, while coffee in campus cafes ranges from 3–10 CNY. On average, I spent 50–100 CNY per day, though careful planning could reduce daily costs to 35–40 CNY. Gym membership cost 200 CNY per month or 500 CNY for a semester, though I did not use it. After completing our studies, we organized a small trip, and the return tickets by plane cost 15,000 RUB, as we did not travel back by train. My tips for future participants to reduce expenses are: avoid excessive online ordering during the first two weeks, plan meals thoughtfully, compare prices across platforms before buying, and monitor your diet to avoid unnecessary spending. By approaching daily life carefully and deliberately, you can save a significant amount of money while maintaining a full and balanced lifestyle.
