He Qi studies at the Faculty of Philology and Media Communications of the Vyatka State University. He came to Russia 9 years ago from the city of Datong, Shanxi province. He was advised to get an education in Kirov by a relative, a former graduate student of Vyatka State University, Tong Hui.
“At first it was, of course, difficult. I did not know a single Russian letter. Present and past tenses, cases, adjectives - all this was difficult for me. Studying in Russia is not easy, but very interesting,” - He Qi says.
At first, it was unusual for Qi that most organizations in our country work only until 17.00. In China, the working day often lasts until 19.00 or even 21.00. It also seemed unusual that in Russia smoking is prohibited in public places, in Qi's homeland people smoke everywhere, even on buses and trains.
“I still can’t get used to Russian food, for me it is either insipid, tasteless or too sweet, in China we eat spicy food. Basically, I cook for myself, from Russian cuisine I prefer borscht, hodgepodge and sausages. The strangest dish for me is dumplings with potatoes, or, as you call them, dumplings," - Qi says.
He Qi is studying at the Department of Russian and Foreign Literature and Teaching Methods, now, under the guidance of Professor of the Department of Doctor of Philology Vyacheslav Alekseevich Pozdeev, he is working on his dissertation “Creativity of N.D. Teleshov in the context of folklore and literary trends of the late XIX - early XX centuries.
He Qi's favorite writers are Chekhov, Dostoevsky and Gorky. Interested in Russian cinema, delighted with the film "He is a dragon."
“Russians are very hospitable and kind people, as well as smart and interesting interlocutors. I am glad that my destiny is connected with Russia, Kirov and Vyatka State University. One of the strengths of the university is the teachers who are sincerely interested in the life of foreign students and help in difficult situations,” - Qi says.
In the summer, He Qi is going to visit his parents in China, where he has not been for two years. His father is an engineer and his mother is a math teacher.
“I used to think that after studying I would return to China and teach, but I fell in love with Russia and want to stay here. Kirov is a beautiful city with a lot of historical buildings. My favorite place for walking is the park. Kirov near the circus. I hope that I can get a residence permit in Russia,” - Qi says.
Translated by Artemy Sizov
