This is not the first year that South Ural State University cooperates with the National Engineering School of Saint-Etienne (France). Students of both SUSU and the French university have the possibility to gather up experience abroad. Within the period of cooperation, 8 master’s degree students of the SUSU Department of Machines and Processes of Plastic Metal Working completed their study in France on the Master2 program and received master’s degrees at the European university.
Student from France, Jan Chaitas, was one of the first ones to undertake an internship at the Department and in the SUSU Laboratory for Mechanics, Laser Processing, and Digital Technology from July 9 till September 21. Upon completion of the internship, Laboratory Supervisor Marina Samodurova awarded the student with a study completion certificate with the excellent mark.
“I have been studying here for three months, and I was very happy to be here and work in these Laboratories. SUSU introduced me to the most up-to-date technology. Overall, it was an amazing experience because I learned many interesting things about areas of research activities of the Laboratory and the university as a whole, as well as I learned many interesting things about Russian culture. During the internship, I saw the real meteorite that left a strong impression on me. I also had the chance to get familiar with the city: in my free time I walked along the streets of Chelyabinsk, saw its sights. This is an excellent modern city with its own traditions and history. I befriended students from the university; together we visited the Ural’s pearl – the Turgoyak lake; I also took part in celebrations on the occasion of the Metallurgist’s Day and the 1st of September. I attended several lectures and classes. In my free time, I even visited Moscow on the day when football team France won FIFA World Cup that was held in Russia. I also managed to visit Saint Petersburg, see beautiful architecture of the city on the Neva River along with its monuments; I went to the famous Peterhof, saw the world-famous fountains and palaces and learned some facts about Russian history. All this made a huge impression on me!” comments Jan.
– Tell us about your visit to SUSU. What were your doing at the university?
− I worked on and took direct part in experimental and research operations carried out in the Laboratory for Mechanics, Laser Processing, and Digital Technology. The Laboratory is specific due to the fact that it specialises on technology connected with creation of multi-functional and gradient coatings using the method of laser cladding and detonation sputtering. It is very useful for an ordinary guy from France to see these things, to see this technology. I think that for Russia this is interesting as well. The Department and the Laboratory both are very well equipped. Equipment provided by the Laboratory indeed complies with all world’s criteria and requirements for working in this sphere.
– What do you think about teaching staff and students of SUSU?
− Students are friendly, and teachers are competent in their specialisation. In the course of my internship, I got acquainted with students and staff of the Department of Machines and Processes of Plastic Metal Working. They are not only professionals in their sphere but also kind-hearted people ready to help in any life situations. My academic supervisor, Marina Samodurova, and Head of the Department, Liudmila Radionova, surrounded me with attention and care. Thanks to them, I had no problems in completing the internship. I am grateful to them for that! I will surely advice French students to come visit Chelyabinsk. A beautiful city with amazing people!
– Did you encounter any problems with communication in English?
− There were no problems. On the contrary, I had a chance to improve my English language knowledge. Meanwhile in Russia, especially in Chelyabinsk, there are many people who speak English. I also learned some words in Russian: spasibo (thank you), khorosho (good), zdravstvuyte (hello) and kak dela (how are you doing).
– Would you like to return to Chelyabinsk?
− I am likely to come back in winter, because I want to see winter Chelyabinsk. I heard that temperature here can drop to 25 and 30 below zero! I want to see this! There is no such phenomenon in France; in winter, the usual temperature there is 5 below zero.