ITMO University offers a wide range of programs for talented and active people who want to learn complicated technical disciplines and develop their academic projects in St. Petersburg. For instance, thanks to the partnership agreement between ESIEE Paris and Chair of Mechatronics at two students of the French university, Maximilien Lerat and Michel Kowalewski, got an opportunity to study at ITMO University.
Mr. Lerat was a pioneer of this program. That is what he said in his interview: «I was the first student of the ESIEE Paris who enrolled to ITMO University`s Double Degree Program… Russian approach to higher education differs from French. While studying at ESIEE Paris I had many disciplines but it wasn`t a deep study. On the contrary, ITMO University course includes detailed theoretical modules.»
Michel Kowalewski has already finished his training in St. Petersburg but he plans to return here again to study marketing or business. In his interview he gave five reasons for doing it.
«ITMO University assists international students to process required documents and feel comfortable in foreign country… I obtained all skills and knowledge that I planned to. While studying I focused on mechanics. Sometimes I translated some articles from Russian. It also helped me to improve my language skills… Furthermore I spent my leisure time at ITMO University because it offered various extra academic activities!»
Anton Radice, an American student, also joint ITMO team to follow a double degree program. Last summer he came to St. Petes to learn more about educational projects and opportunities. The representatives of Chair of High Performance Computing talked him about Double Degree Program with University of Amsterdam. According to Mr. Radice, he was interested in studying both in St. Petersburg and Amsterdam.
«The main distinctive feature of this program is that students start their research projects from the very beginning of the program. I think that ITMO University has developed a unique program centered around the immersion in research activities that combine theoretical knowledge and practical training,» said Mr. Radice.
ITMO University also provides affordable PhD programs for students from all over the globe. Jose Luis Araja Lopez, graduate student from Costa Rica, came to St. Petersburg to continue his studying at Chair of High Performance Computing. Having visited St. Petersburg meteorological conference Mr. Lopez fell in love with the city. Thus when he was told about the program for PhD students supported by University of Amsterdam he seized this opportunity immediately.
«I graduated from University of Costa Rica and became a specialist in meteorology. However I had no money to enter a PhD program in my country. Fortunately the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation supports international students. Thus I got an opportunity to receive required knowledge at ITMO University. I`ve learned lots of useful information connected with data processing. Currently I study how to interact with Russian academic community and how to write articles for international scientific journals».
Recently the University launched ITMO Fellowship Program offering talented academics to build an independent research career. The project attracted skilled authoritative researchers who previously had left Russia but decided to come back in order to share their experience and interact with St. Petersburg scientists.
«I visited St. Petersburg several times. Since 2009 it has become more comfortable for living. I feel an optimistic atmosphere while standing here,» says Aleksei Dubovik, researcher at Dresden University of Technology, who has come to ITMO U to studysemiconducting nano-materials.
According to Alexey Yulin, experienced theoretical physicist, in spite of the fact that Russian academic community suffered in 1990`s when the country had difficult times, today some local research teams launch up-to-date scientific projects that provoke world`s interest in Russia`s R&D activities.
«I worked in Denmark, the UK and Portugal. My colleague talked to me about ITMO Fellowship program, which gave researchers an opportunity to come to St. Petersburg in order to deal with various fields; one of them was very interesting for me. Currently apart from research activities I give lectures on nonlinear oscillations and also supervise the research projects of Master and PhD students.»
Furthermore ITMO University hosted students from Bulgaria, Cambodia, China, Cyprus, Ecuador and other countries. They participate in various short-term programs and summer schools organized by ITMO and come to St. P. to study Russian language, culture and customs. All of them appreciate warm welcome, assistance of Russian supervisors and in-depth training programs that ake into account modern research tendencies and meet all current requirements. As Xhonatan Hajdari, Albanian student, noted, «Russian education system is challenging but effective!» To read all feedbacks of international students and researchers click here.
