Vietnamese student about International Women's Day and life in Russia

— How does UTMN arrange work with incoming foreign students in the first days of their being in Tyumen and later? Do you often connect to the International students recruitment and integration center?

— When I came to Russia I felt bewildered, because I didn’t even speak Russian. Moreover, I am very thankful to Vietnamese students for their help. They aid me to translate documents, explained how to fill out the application correctly, buy some essentials, before arriving in Tyumen they assisted me with making a transfer in the airport. When I arrived, a Vietnamese coordinator of UTMN met me and accompanied through the necessary procedures for admission to the University. It is easier for me to contact the University through him or buddy, because we speak the same language. I feel very lucky because there were virtually no difficulties or problems during the trip to Russia due to ISRIC work. And I believe that not only me, but also other Vietnamese guys are agree with me.

— At the beginning of March, International Women's Day is widely celebrated in Russia. Is there a similar holiday in your homeland? How do you spend it? Tell the story of the holiday.

— In Vietnam, it is also an important holiday. On this day in Vietnam, men often give flowers and gifts to the woman they appreciate, as mother, wife, girlfriend or sister. As for working environment, men also give flowers to female colleagues, as well as students in schools and universities. To show respect for women, in our country we often arrange parties, celebrations filled with flowers and best wishes in a warm atmosphere, pressure, solemnity.

In addition, in Vietnam, this day is also the anniversary of the uprising of Hai Ba Chung, the first two national heroes of Vietnam who fought off the northern invaders.

— How do you celebrate this holiday being in Russia?

— Vietnamese students usually congratulate us, they organize games and contests, set a table, we talk with each other and, of course, we receive some cute keepsakes

— What advice would you give to your compatriots who are going to get a master’s degree abroad?

— I guess Tyumen is a very good place for studying and self-education. I have changed myself living here. Tyumen is not a very noisy city, so I am sure it is a perfect place for focusing on studying. At UTMN, teachers are very attentive to us, classmates are very friendly and always help each other. In addition, the Association of international students is very interested in creating a comfortable atmosphere for students, they even provide financial support so that we can organize events for students. I want to say that if you can afford to continue studying in UTMN, I think you will not regret it.

Source: UTMN Department of Strategic Communications