Lovely encounters and valuable experiences as they enjoy UNG student life

Five Russian students studying at the University of North Georgia (UNG) during this academic year are gaining valuable experiences inside the classroom and in the community. Three are here this fall semester while two will attend the entire 2021-22 academic year.

Their time at UNG is sponsored by the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Russia through the Year of Exchange in America for Russians (YEAR) program.

"They're here to learn as much as possible and share as much as possible,” Sheila Schulte, UNG associate vice president for international programs, said. "Their perspective brings great value to the curricular and co-curricular activities they participate in. UNG is delighted to be able to host these award-winning students."

Each of the five students lives in the Global Learning Community at North Georgia Suites on UNG's Dahlonega Campus. The community pairs incoming international students with new U.S. students who have an interest in international affairs. As they live alongside each other, these students take a contemporary global topics course together. The Russian students are enrolled in three additional courses at UNG.

YEAR students also participate in community service projects and conduct three professional interviews during the academic year. For the interviews, students are matched with professionals in fields relating to their academic interests.

Sofia Zhuravleva and Alexandra Kandirovskaya are the two attending UNG for the full academic year.

Zhuravleva, a junior at M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University pursuing a degree in economics, is in Italian and Chinese courses at UNG after learning French and Spanish back home. She has been impressed by the social opportunities at UNG.

"I enjoy that there are a lot of events for students," Zhuravleva said. "We can meet so many people at these events."

Kandirovskaya, a junior at Saint Petersburg State University of Industrial Technologies and Design pursuing a degree in graphic design, is taking art history, animation, and digital illustration courses. She said visual arts lecturer David Clifton, who teaches two of those classes, is "the best teacher I've ever met." Kandirovskaya also appreciates the ability to connect with UNG students.

"Students here are energized and open," she said. "It's easy to talk to them."

Polina Sheludko, a senior at Novosibirsk State Pedagogical University pursuing a degree in journalism, said being around talented faculty and students in UNG's music department has inspired her. 

"I meet a lot of professionals," she said. "And I can learn from their experience and pursue music every day."

Svetlana Cherniavskaia, a senior at Far Eastern Federal University pursuing a degree in Japanese, has enjoyed her Japanese course at UNG with Dr. Tomoe Nishio, an associate professor of Japanese. Cherniavskaia has also taken a contemporary East Asia course and her first psychology class.

The fifth Russian student studying at UNG is Yana Vasilyeva, who is from Kutafin Moscow State Law University.