Published on: 2026-05-12
Source: St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering –
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At the meeting. The fifth from the left is Andrey Surovenkov, then Galina Tokunova, Andrey Zazykin, head of the International Activities Department Shuaynat Al Madulaev, Sergey Miyaylov, Sabrina Solorzoda
Students of the Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering have returned from the People’s Republic of China, where they participated in an academic mobility program at Henan University of Urban Construction. The spring internship became the eighth trip of SPbGASU students to the partner university and united 24 students of the architecture, civil engineering, automotive and road faculties, as well as the faculty of economics and management.
The group curator during the trip was a first-year graduate student of the Department of Metallurgical and Wooden Structures.Sabrina von Solezoda.
The program is implemented within the framework of long-term cooperation between universities and is aimed at the development of international educational interaction, academic mobility, and professional exchange.
Education and acquaintance with the Chinese education system
During the internship, students attended classes together with Chinese students. Lectures and practical sessions were organized for the participants on construction mechanics, architectural and landscape design, as well as classes on the Chinese language and the history of Chinese architecture.
The format of education at the Chinese university aroused special interest among students: many classes combined lecture and practical parts, which allowed them to immediately apply the acquired knowledge in practice. Despite the language barrier, participants noted that the professional language of architecture and engineering turned out to be universal.
“Even if the lecture was entirely in Chinese, the formulas and engineering principles were understandable. We saw that construction mechanics in China and Russia are largely the same,” shared the students.
In addition to university classes, program participants visited a Chinese school, familiarized themselves with the features of the country’s educational system, and socialized with local students.
From Tea Plantations to the Terracotta Army
The program was intensive and included a large number of cultural events and excursions. During the trip, SPbGASU students visited the museum in the city of Pindingshan, a Buddhist monastery and the statue of the Great Buddha, saw the famous Terracotta Army, visited tea plantations, modern architectural sites, and university campuses.
The scale of Chinese cities, the combination of traditional and modern architecture, as well as the high level of organization of university infrastructure, made a special impression on the participants.
Kun-fu, sports, and student communication
The program also included sports events. SPbGASU students participated in two kung fu classes under the guidance of Chinese masters, got acquainted with elements of traditional martial arts, and attended university sports competitions.
An important part of the trip was communication with Chinese students and volunteers who accompanied the Russian delegation throughout the entire program. Participants noted the openness and friendliness of the host side.
SPBGASU summed up the results of the program
After the return, a meeting was held between the students and the vice-rector for educational activities of SPbGASU.Sergei Misailov.Deans of faculties, whose students became part of the delegation, also took part in the discussion: the dean of the architecture facultyAndrey Surovenkov,automobile and road facultyAndrey Zazikin,Faculty of Economics and ManagementGalina Tokunovaand the Faculty of ConstructionAndrei Nikulin.
Students shared their impressions, talked about the brightest moments of the program, and made suggestions for its further development.
Sergey Mikhailov emphasized that academic mobility remains one of the key directions of the university’s international activities: “Such trips not only allow one to gain educational experience, but also to come into contact with the culture of a great civilization, expanding professional and personal horizons.”
Our university notes that cooperation with Chinese universities continues to develop, opening up new opportunities for students for professional growth, intercultural communication, and international academic experience.
Students are invited to participate next summer:
4–18 July– in the summer program for students of technical specialties “AI Masters” in the city of Xi’an (People’s Republic of China).Applications for participation in the programare accepteduntil May 15
10–18 July– at the International Summer School on Smart Cities at Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture (BUCEA, People’s Republic of China).Applications for participation in the programare accepted byJune 1.
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