Exchange Student from Germany Shares His Impressions of Ural Federal University and Ekaterinburg

08:35, July 9, 2020

«I enjoyed being a part of Russia and will keep good memories of UrFU and Ekaterinburg»

René Liermann, a Bachelor's degree student of Chemnitz University of Technology, Germany, studied at UrFU in summer semester 2020, in the frame of bilateral inter-institutional agreement for student exchange between Ural Federal University and Chemnitz University of Technology. His major at home university is European studies with focus on Eastern Middle Europe and at UrFU he followed courses of Master’s degree program «Russian Studies in Real Russia» in English at UrFU Institute of Humanities.

«I have chosen UrFU because I was really interested to visit Ekaterinburg and the Ural region and wanted to practice my knowledge of the Russian language»,- told the student. - UrFU offers a divers set of programs for exchange students in English. The possibility to live in a dormitory near the buildings and in a good location also influenced me to come here.

The staff of UrFU international office is very friendly and helpful. I can say the same thing about the professors and teachers. Programs are well organized, the buildings are impressive and the atmosphere is enjoyable. The processes after the arrival can be a little confusing especially if you don’t speak Russian that well, but the Buddy-program is perfect to help with any difficulties and the students who participate are ready to help whenever they can».

René Liermann was also impressed by the city of Ekaterinburg: «There are beautiful places all over the city. If you take a stroll around (especially the city center) you will see impressive architecture on buildings (museums, churches, university buildings, etc.) and statues. For the first time in my life, I saw a completely frozen river and lake which people actually used as a shortcut to get to the other side. The ice and snow add a really nice flair and a special look to the city. The city is big and vivid, it is fun to walk around and explore the huge variety: pubs, bars, café’s, tea lounges, restaurants, parks, lakes and much more. From winter to summer the country’s appearance changes completely. From snowy days and nights to bright sunshine and green places everywhere».

«Russian people are a little reserved but very polite and helpful in general. I was able to improve my English and Russian throughout my stay and made lots of new friends. The time I spent here was fun and exciting, the city and people are great and I am thankful for the experiences I’ve had. I enjoyed being a part of Russia and will keep good memories of UrFU and Ekaterinburg. I will definitely visit this wonderful country again», - concluded the German student.