Yang Anran, a Student from China: "I Was Drawn to the Academic Atmosphere of Tomsk"

A student from China, Yang Anran, has arrived at the Institute of Economics and Management of Tomsk State University as part of an academic mobility program. Yang is studying "Management" at Jilin International Studies University and is spending one semester in our master's program "International Management," taught in English.

When choosing an exchange program, Yang immediately focused on TSU — one of Russia's leading universities with a centuries-old history and high international reputation.

"I was drawn to the academic atmosphere of Tomsk and its calm, measured way of life, which ideally matches my expectations for an academic mobility program. It is especially important that the partnership between my university and TSU gave me a unique chance to study in a different cultural environment, expand my understanding of management in another educational system, and improve my English and intercultural communication skills," says Yang.

According to Yang Anran, Tomsk greeted her with peace and warmth. "Unlike noisy megacities, the city is clean and cozy. Everywhere there are trees and university buildings — this creates a special academic aura. The buildings here are not like those in China: they are classical, with unique architecture. And the local people are very friendly." She especially remembered an incident in a supermarket when she forgot her bank card. "The cashier patiently and kindly taught me how to pay using my phone. I immediately felt the warmth of Tomsk."

"This city has given me many pleasant surprises and helped me adapt quickly," adds Yang.

Yang highlights three key aspects: the campus, the faculty, and the learning process itself. "The main academic buildings breathe history, and the university grounds are immersed in greenery. The library, student centers, modern classroom equipment — everything is created with the needs of international students in mind." But the most important thing is the faculty.

"Most professors have extensive experience, deep knowledge of management, and an understanding of the specifics of teaching international students. In class, they do not just lecture on theory — they analyze real cases from Russian business. This gave me a much fuller understanding of management. The professors are very patient: they answer questions, help structure thoughts, and recommend additional reading. Thanks to such a rigorous yet supportive teaching style, I have become more confident in expressing my ideas," the student notes.

Yang finds the courses "International Marketing" and "Intercultural HR Management" particularly useful. "For the first time, I saw management from a Russian perspective and understood how much management and communication styles differ across cultures."

Beyond academic knowledge, the trip has made her more independent: "From organizing daily life and planning my studies to solving unexpected problems — I have become much more confident in my abilities."

In the near future, Yang intends to make the most of her remaining exchange time: successfully complete all her courses, communicate more with professors and fellow students, and fully immerse herself in the culture of Tomsk. "I want to bring home all the lessons and experience from this trip. Upon returning to China, I plan to apply my acquired knowledge of intercultural management in my research and will continue to study Russian." In the long term, she dreams of working in international business or cross-cultural management.