A wonderful group of Chinese language teachers from China has been working at the Irkutsk Polytechnic Research Institute since October 2024. They are postgraduate students Chen Xi and Suo Mening, as well as experienced teacher Chen Xianjun. They told us about their impressions on working in Irkutsk and about the specific features of teaching Chinese and living in Russia.
We’ve all been there—pulling out our phones to capture the perfect shot of a sunset, a birthday, or even a random coffee date. It feels like second nature now. But have you ever wondered if we’re losing something by always viewing life through a lens? Or are we adding value to our experiences by freezing them in time? I want to dive into different sides of this question and explore whether taking pictures to create memories is underrated or overrated.
Applying for an exchange program in the U.S. was both exciting and challenging experience for me. The process of submitting my portfolio, along with going through the interview, pushed me out of my comfort zone, but it ultimately opened the door to valuable international experience. Over the past two semesters, I studied mass media with a focus on film and video at Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas. While I thought I was prepared for the cultural differences, the reality was eye-opening. On my first day on campus, I met many new people and began navigating the American education system, which I continued to explore throughout the year. I’d like to share some of the cultural aspects that greatly influenced my adjustment.
