The Faculty of Journalism of our university is turning 81 this year. While this may not be a round anniversary, it provides an excellent opportunity to reflect on our vibrant and evolving academic community. One of the most vibrant chapters in recent years has, undoubtedly, been the academic exchange program with China.
Weekends in China: A Blend of Leisure, Work, and Cultural Discovery
Dasha Skvartsova: Hello, dear readers!
Angelina Dantsova: Hello, dear guests! This story has its own beginning. The bridge between our cultures was Elena Ivanovna Kononova, Candidate of Historical Sciences, Associate Professor, which was several years ago that laid a solid foundation for this partnership. Today, we are thrilled to engage in a dialogue with our lecturers Inna Valentinovna Belyaeva, International journalism department and Maxim Sergeevich Tyutenkov, Radio and television department who have recently returned from the Celestial Empire. Let us begin by exploring their weekend experiences in this fascinating country!
Dasha Skvartsova: Inna Valentinovna, could you describe your ideal weekends in China? What specific experiences made them particularly memorable?
Inna Valentinovna Belyaeva: For me, an ideal weekend in China undoubtedly involves exploration. The Chinese people share a profound appreciation for travel within their own remarkable country, and I can completely relate to this sentiment! One weekend I vividly remember was spent visiting Chengdu’s renowned panda park. Observing these adorable, somewhat lethargic animals in an environment that closely mimics their natural habitat was an unparalleled experience. Moreover, during the evening, we enjoyed a delightful dinner ordered via a mobile application, delivered with incredible speed before one even had time to reflect on their culinary desires.
Angelina Dantsova: That sounds absolutely amazing! Maxim Sergeevich, did your weekends similarly resemble a resort experience, or did your professional interests dominate your time?
Maxim Sergeevich Tyutenkov: Angelina, you have accurately deduced my weekend experiences! While they leaned more towards professional commitments, they were fulfilling in the best possible way. A highlight was my participation in a video contest, which Chinese students invited me to join. The project titled ‘China through Maxim’s Eyes’ involved exploring diverse cities and capturing contrasting imagery, where ancient pagodas coexist alongside modern skyscrapers, culminating in a breathtaking view of the majestic Yellow River. This experience was a unique blend of relaxation, professional growth, and profound cultural immersion. A particularly touching moment occurred as I prepared to return home; I received word from the students that our video had won, and I took the stage to accept the award alongside a full-length photograph of myself!
Dasha Skvartsova: What a touching and simultaneously powerful example of true cooperation! It sounds like a scene from a movie. Inna Valentinovna, what was the first thing that caught your eye when you arrived in China? What seemed the most unusual?
Inna Valentinovna Belyaeva: The enthusiastic warmth towards foreigners struck me most. The Chinese greet you genuinely on the streets, wave from their vehicles, and even inquire if they can take a photo with you. This spontaneous affection creates an exceptionally welcoming and open atmosphere.
Embracing Technology, Education, and Cultural Nuances: A Deep Dive into Chinese Society
Angelina Dantsova: Maxim Sergeevich, you touched upon technology in daily life. And what technological innovations in the professional sphere, especially in media, surprised you the most?
Maxim Sergeevich Tyutenkov: To summarize succinctly: the accelerated integration of robotics across numerous sectors, including our own media industry. The emergence of robot reporters producing news articles has now become a reality. However, this raises a significant concern regarding the quality of content. As the volume generated by algorithms increases, issues concerning depth and originality may arise. As my esteemed academic supervisor, the distinguished Belarusian professor Viktor Ivanovich Ivchenkov, astutely observed, ‘Only a human can create a masterpiece!’ This encapsulates the essence of our response to technological advancements. It is imperative that we closely monitor emerging technologies to uphold the quality and integrity of the information consumed by society.
Dasha Skvartsova: Your insights are remarkably crucial and foundational! Inna Valentinovna, what everyday difficulties or surprises, aside from convenient technologies, did you encounter? How would you assess the ease of adaptation to life in China?
Inna Valentinovna Belyaeva: Dasha, drawing from personal experience, I would assert that adapting to life in China is both straightforward and challenging simultaneously. The integration of their technological innovations into everyday life is remarkably seamless. Purchasing a train ticket in just two taps or making payments via QR codes is fantastically convenient. However, the language barrier often poses a significant obstacle. Regrettably, English is not universally spoken, and many mobile applications are available exclusively in Chinese. On one occasion, I nearly missed a train as a result of this language barrier, arriving at the wrong station only to see my train departing. Fortunately, a kindly stranger assisted me, and all ended well!
Angelina Dantsova: What a stressful situation! But that vividly illustrates the importance of language proficiency. And within the university walls, did you notice anything that radically distinguishes the local education system from ours? Maxim Sergeevich, what unique teaching methods in Chinese universities could be useful for implementation into our educational system?
Maxim Sergeevich Tyutenkov: In Chinese universities, I noticed a surprising harmony of the traditional approach and modern methods. For example, intensive group assignments and pitch-format presentations for student projects are practiced everywhere. This develops not only knowledge but also team spirit, creative thinking, and public speaking skills. Furthermore, their emphasis on integrating technology into learning through interactive platforms and mobile applications could be a great addition to our system.
Angelina Dantsova: Was there anything that particularly surprised you?
Maxim Sergeevich Tyutenkov: Of course! I was profoundly impressed by the students’ self-discipline. After classes, the libraries were consistently filled with engaged learners, creating an atmosphere brimming with energy and enthusiasm for academic pursuits.
Dasha Skvartsova: Inna Valentinovna, what caught your eye about the behavior or habits of Chinese students? What features of China’s university system distinguish it from the European model?
Inna Valentinovna Belyaeva: The systems aren’t that different; however, the students indeed differ significantly Chinese students prefer practical classes more. They enjoy filming videos, doing projects, preparing presentations. They often find theoretical knowledge more challenging to assimilate. And, of course, I learned a lot about everyday culture practices: they love to travel with the whole family, they do not always adhere to queues, and, to my surprise, also adore coffee!
Angelina Dantsova: Coffee is a universal language! Apart from coffee, what aspects of Belarus do you find yourself longing for the most?
Inna Valentinovna Belyaeva: Chocolate and sausage!
Maxim Sergeevich Tyutenkov: And I sometimes missed simple things, like familiar Belarusian cuisine. I missed potatoes, lightly salted pickles, potato pancakes, and coziness that one often misses when far from familiar surroundings. Belarusian cuisine is true warmth and coziness, which you sometimes lack when far from home.
Dasha Skvartsova: Maxim Sergeevich, could you share more about your experiences in China? Was there anything that left a lasting impression on you personally?
Maxim Sergeevich Tyutenkov: One of the most vivid impressions was visiting the Longmen Grottoes, an extraordinary testament to Buddhist artistry. Among the numerous sculptures, the 17-meter statue of Buddha captured my attention as it loomed majestically, serving as a silent guardian of countless generations of history. This moment remains etched in my memory as a significant encounter that illustrates the profound richness of Chinese culture.
Life Motto
Dasha Skvartsova: Travel, especially such intensive ones, always challenge our resilience and in many ways reveal us. Therefore, our traditional question: what is your life motto that helps you move forward and instills courage in the face of new challenges?
Inna Valentinovna Belyaeva: I don’t have a specific motto. However, each morning, I remind myself: «Today will be a good day!» This simple affirmation fosters a positive outlook, enabling me to embrace new experiences, even in the most unfamiliar settings.
Angelina Dantsova: Indeed, simplicity can be remarkably powerful! Maxim Sergeevich, what are your thoughts on this?
Maxim Sergeevich Tyutenkov: My personal motto is: «Be open to new opportunities – they can lead to the most amazing places!» This philosophy always inspires me to move forward, accept new challenges, and not be afraid of experiments. My exchange program to China is the best confirmation of that. Stepping outside your comfort zone is the only way to truly grow and develop.
Dasha Skvartsova: 81 years is an age of wisdom and traditions. But, as we saw today, the Faculty of Journalism is looking to the future, actively building bridges to various parts of the world.
Angelina Dantsova: And the experience brought back by our teachers, as well as their aspirations to discover new things, is the best proof that the faculty remains relevant. Thank you very much, Inna Valentinovna, Maxim Sergeevich, for this insightful and inspiring dialogue!
Daria Skvartsova, a fourth-year student, international journalism department
Angelina Dantsova, a fourth-year student, international journalism department
Angelina Voitova, a fourth-year student, international journalism department, a junior designer
Proofreaders group: Daria Zobnina, teacher, International journalism department; Daria Zakabluk, a second-year student specializing in journalism
Материал классный! Фотки супер. Непонятно, почему так мало просмотров?
A very vivid and inspiring article! The atmosphere of China is conveyed so vividly that I want to visit there myself. I might even take part in an academic exchange program next year!
In my opinion, the publication belongs to the interview genre, as journalists ask their subjects questions in order to highlight educational cooperation with an Asian partner. This material will be of interest to BSU students and faculty members who want to participate in the academic exchange program with China, as well as to applicants who plan to enroll in this university. The publication is visually appealing, with live, emotional photographs seamlessly integrated with graphic drawings. I also appreciated the fact that the material includes responses from two educators, Inna Valentinovna Belyaeva and Maxim Sergeevich Tyutenkov, and references previous experiences that laid the foundation for a dialogue between two cultures. In addition, the two journalists have an amazing and very emotional writing style that touches the readers’ souls. As I read this article, I imagined that I was actually in China. However, the only thing I lack is a real trip abroad to get away from the daily hustle and bustle of being a student.
As a student, I truly appreciate such initiatives — they show how journalism can serve as a bridge between cultures. I’m grateful to the faculty for their openness and willingness to share their experiences.
I think these kinds of stories inspire international collaboration and broaden our professional horizons.
I really appreciat how everything is organized and thought out. I especially appreciat the approach and attention to detail, which makes everything go so smoothly and pleasantly. Thank you for your work.
Maxim Sergeevich’s narrative of his experience in a video contest, «China through Maxim’s Eyes,» is a compelling illustration of how professional pursuits can intertwine with cultural immersion. His participation not only reflects an engagement with the local community but also suggests a deeper understanding of the cultural landscape. The moment he received recognition for his efforts is particularly moving; it symbolizes both personal achievement and the spirit of collaboration that transcends borders.
China is a huge developed country, where there is everything to develop successfully. Therefore, it seems to me that going there to work or relax is an opportunity that everyone can take advantage of.
What a fascinating and inspiring story! The dialogue so vividly shows how cultural exchange enriches both professional and personal experience. It’s wonderful to see our faculty expanding horizons and building such warm bridges between Belarus and China!
This article is very inspiring! It feels like a real conversation and a genuine cultural atmosphere. After reading it, I want to travel to China and experience these vivid emotions for myself!