Student Spotlight: Wang Qin, China

Hello! Please introduce yourself to our readers.

Sure! My name is Wang Qin, and I’m from Chengdu in Sichuan Province, China. It’s a beautiful city, best known as the home of giant pandas and spicy hotpot.

You completed your Master’s in computer systems and technologies at ITMO. What made you choose this university and program?

After finishing my Bachelor's degree in China, I wanted to pursue further studies abroad and I learned that my university had an exchange scholarship program with the Russian government. I started researching the top universities for computer science in Russia – and discovered ITMO. After going through a competitive selection process, I was fortunate to be awarded the Russian and Chinese Government Scholarship, and that’s how I officially became an ITMO student.

You recently won the Russian Government Scholarship for your PhD, too. Congratulations! Can you tell us more about the application process and how it felt to be selected?

Thank you so much! I’m truly honored to receive the Russian Government Scholarship again, and I’m excited to continue my PhD journey in Russia. There are generally two main ways to apply for this scholarship:

1. Education in Russia: you fill out a profile, upload your documents, and your application is scored based on your academic background. If your score is high enough, your name may appear on the winners' or substitutes' list. Even as a substitute, there’s a chance to be selected.
2. Open Doors: this is more like an academic competition. After filling out your profile and submitting documents, you take two rounds of exams: the first is a general test in your field, and the second is a more advanced subject-specific test. If you pass both, you proceed to the final stage: an interview with potential PhD supervisors, where you present your research interests and academic background.

Awesome, thanks for the explanation. Looking back, what was the most valuable part of your experience at ITMO?

ITMO gave me so many unforgettable experiences. I especially appreciated the open and supportive academic environment. It was easy and natural to share ideas with professors, who were always open-minded, patient, and genuinely willing to help. I’d particularly like to thank my supervisor, Dr. Sergei Bykovskii, who supported me not just academically but in daily life, too. His patience, encouragement, and warm smile helped ease my stress and kept me going. I also really enjoyed ITMO’s modern facilities and the strong support system for international students, which made my transition to life in Russia much easier.

During your Master’s, did you engage in any cross-disciplinary research or projects?

I worked as an engineer at ITMO’s Faculty of Software Engineering and Computer Systems. I was part of a large interdisciplinary project focused on developing a 3D scanning control and visualization system. It involved deep learning, full-stack development, embedded programming, SLAM algorithms, and system control logic. We presented our work at three conferences: the SPIE/COS Photonics Asia International Conference, the 12th ITMO Congress of Young Scientists, and ITMO’s 53rd Scientific and Educational Conference, where I received the best presentation award. We also published two academic papers, one indexed in Scopus and the other in RSCI (Russian Science Citation Index).

Now that you're back in Shenzhen, what are you currently working on?

I’m currently working at one of the largest LED display companies in China. My work involves designing and developing LED display systems, including hardware-software integration. I also create customized solutions for clients and provide technical support throughout the process.

How has living in Russia shaped your perspective – academically, professionally, or personally?

Studying and living in Russia has really broadened my worldview. Academically, it encouraged me to think independently and engage in open discussions. Professionally, I became a better problem solver and learned how to adapt quickly. Personally, I became more resilient, especially after adjusting to a new language, culture, and environment.

What’s one memory from your time at ITMO that you’ll never forget?

In my first year, I had to take an oral exam in Russian. I studied intensely for a week, especially during the last two days, but still failed. It was heartbreaking because I had worked so hard. That failure pushed me to improve my Russian even more. I started volunteering as a translator at exhibitions and worked as a local tour guide. A semester later, I retook the exam and passed it confidently. That experience taught me the value of persistence and turning setbacks into motivation.

What do you miss most about life in St. Petersburg?

I really miss the summers in St. Petersburg. I loved walking through the forests and parks to relax and connect with nature. The city has a unique rhythm and charm during the summer. It’s truly unforgettable.

Were there any cultural or academic differences between China and Russia that surprised you?

Yes, definitely! One thing that really surprised me was the lottery-style exam system some Russian professors use to assign questions. In China, professors usually provide a list of key topics in advance.

Another difference was how interactive Russian lectures are – students regularly ask questions during class, and professors welcome deep discussion. I once saw a student debate a topic with a professor for 30 minutes in class!

What would you say to Chinese students, or any students, who are considering studying at ITMO?

Don’t hesitate! East or West – ITMO is best!