From the classroom to China: How language practice at BSU is becoming a ticket to an international career

Students from the Institute of Oriental Studies at Buryat State University have begun a language internship at Dalian University of Nationalities (China). For third-year students, this is not just an educational trip, but a first step toward building an international career—the internship is part of BSU's mandatory program for training Orientalists.

The effectiveness of this approach is confirmed by statistics: over the past ten years, approximately 20% of graduates from the Institute of Oriental Studies either remain in work abroad or continue their studies in master's and doctoral programs in the countries where they study. The main areas of employment are international trade, logistics, business translation, and the tourism industry. By the time they graduate, BSU students have real job offers from Asia.

Unlike many Russian universities, where international travel remains an option, here it is guaranteed to be included in the curriculum. Students can choose from 10 partner universities in four countries: China, Mongolia, South Korea, and Japan. The Oriental Institute's key partners include Changchun Polytechnic University and Dalian National University (China), Busan University of Foreign Studies and Kangwon National University (Republic of Korea), Tokyo University of Foreign Studies, Yamagata University, and Showa University (Japan), and the National University of Mongolia.

"The internships are free for students. The host institution provides dormitory accommodation, and BSU handles all organizational and documentation support. Furthermore, students majoring in Chinese studies can apply for grants and receive a stipend from the Chinese government for the entire duration of their stay," said Vladimir Rodionov, Director of the Oriental Institute at BSU.

The training at the institute extends beyond language instruction. Students are enrolled in programs such as "China in World Politics," "China's Economic Development," "Professional Communications in Foreign Economic Activity," "Languages ​​and Literature of Asian and African Countries," and others. Graduates thus gain a comprehensive understanding of the region's politics, economics, and culture—which makes them highly sought after in the labor market.

Third-year student Maria Samokhvalova, currently on a six-month internship in Dalian, shared her impressions:

"Dalian is an amazing city with a special atmosphere. It's a student hub where people come from all over the world, so language and cultural exchange happens naturally, every day. Thanks to the practical training and foundational preparation we received at BSU's Institute of Oriental Studies, we don't just learn the language; we live it, think about it, and experience the culture from the inside."

Internships at BSU have already become a valuable social asset: for many graduates, they translate into job offers or admission to a master's program abroad. And given Russia's commitment to strengthening ties with Asia-Pacific countries, such experience is becoming not just an advantage, but a necessity for a successful international career.