South Ural State University welcomes international students from 56 countries of the world. Everyone, who comes to study at SUSU, notes the high level of technical equipment of the university laboratories, the kind-heartedness of people and the professionalism of the academic staff. The university offers quotas for international students so that they can continue their studies in Master’s degree programmes. Architecture and construction, IT, and economics are the most popular fields among international students.
The Institute of Architecture and Construction trains specialists in such fields as architecture, design, construction, land management and cadastre. Students obtain fundamental university education in the humanities, social economics, natural sciences and mathematics.
Two Master’s degree students of the Institute of Architecture and Construction told us about their experience of studying at SUSU. Chaouki Latreche came to South Ural from Algeria, and Abbas Mahdi Ketab Altabe – from Iraq.
― Which faculty did you study at? Why did you choose SUSU?
― I studied in the second year of the Master’s degree programme in Construction Technologies and Mechanics of Structures of the Institute of Architecture and Construction, said Chaouki Latreche. My brother studied at Chelyabinsk Red Banner Military Aviation Institute of Navigators and told me that Chelyabinsk is a good place, where one can live and study, so I trusted his advice and was right to do so. Or maybe it was fate.
― I also study at the Institute of Architecture and Construction, I like to learn about the design of buildings, it is extremely interesting. And three days ago I defended my diploma! said Abbas Mahdi with a smile.
― What difficulties did you overcome when you came to Russia?
― When you come to a new country, not even knowing the letters of the alphabet, it is really hard. Besides, the Russian language is extremely difficult. It is hard for a foreigner to learn it. But I am still trying to learn it. I watch TV series and films in Russian to learn new words. I am always trying to speak without mistakes, in my opinion, it is important, shared Abbas Mahdi. I also wanted to state that all members of the academic staff here are always trying to help.
Chaouki said that he encountered some difficulties at the very beginning, it was not easy for him to navigate around the university.
― Of course, it is much easier now, he continued. I think, it is very important to involve international students into various events, tell them about the opportunities being provided by the university, since it helps to adapt to new conditions faster.
― What do you remember the most from the years of studying?
― I am taking an active part in all events of the Institute of Architecture and Construction, said Abbas Mahdi. Most of all I remember URAL FEST, because students from various universities of Russia came to SUSU and our university helped to organize everything. It was fun!
He also added that the team of the SUSU international students planned and held several sports events and a concert at the SUSU Assembly Hall for the guests, gave them tours around the university and the city.
In turn, Chaouki Latreche noted that SUSU always gives a chance to students to participate in scientific projects and increase a scholarship or get a place on a quota basis.
― I engage in scientific activity, he said. I try to constantly improve my level of knowledge. Moreover, I participated in many cultural, scientific and creative events. I was very interesting for me, because I came here for new knowledge and experience.
― Was there any time left for hobbies and sports, or did studies take up all your time?
― I play football in my free time. I even took part in the tournament among international students! said Abbas Mahdi.
― In my free time I try to find a job, I often go for a walk, play football as part of the university team and engage in many other things, said Chaouki. I am planning to move back to Algeria. But if I find a good job, I can stay here and work to gain the experience.
We wish the students a good start in their careers and to achieve the set goals.
South Ural State University is a member of Program 5-100 aimed at enhancing the competitiveness and recognition of the universities of Russia in the world. The University is developing the collaboration process with other countries, inviting students and young scientists to work jointly on projects and research in all the priority fields of science.