"It was very interesting and informative to communicate with colleagues from the University of California!"

As a part of the Minor "Speaking in an Academic Environment", an online discussion between students from the HSE – Perm and students and professors from the University of California (USA) was held. Participants discussed the peculiarities of distance learning in both countries, the role of social networks in the life of modern youth and sports.

The meeting was organized by Professor of the Department of Foreign Languages Tatyana Permyakova and Professor of the University of California Sean Madden with the participation of Associate Professor of the Department of Foreign Languages, Head of the Programme "Foreign Languages and Intercultural Communication in Business" Elizaveta Smirnova and Dr. James Krebs.

At the beginning of the meeting, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities Kirsten Madzhoka gave a welcome speech in Russian, which delighted HSE students and helped them to start free communication. The main topic of discussion was the peculiarities of distance learning in Russia and in the USA. Everyone had the opportunity to express their thoughts – in addition to the general conversation, some discussions were held in mixed mini-groups that united Russian and American students under the guidance of a teacher-moderator.

The students also had time to talk about the role of social networks in the life of modern youth and about sports. The participants of the discussion came to the unanimous opinion that despite all the difficulties associated with online learning, it has an undeniable advantage – the ability to hold international meetings. For HSE students, such discussions are not only the practice of the English language, but also the opportunity to improve their skills in intercultural dialogue.

James Krebs, Doctor of California University of Pennsylvania (USA)

We have come to a consensus that there is not much cultural difference between the education of our students in Russia and America thanks to the Internet and social networks. We are all globally connected. The main advantage of online learning is openness to the world and to the classes. We can continue to learn and grow even during the pandemic.

The disadvantages of online education include a lack of contact and communication with teachers, a sense of detachment and disunity. Nobody forces you to attend classes – there is a feeling that you are not noticed, which is not the case during the full-time education. Active rest is important for psychological stability – any sport, gym. You need to allow yourself to take a break from the computer and online.

Julia Gorbunova,
"Business Administration" student

Meeting students and professors from a foreign university is a new experience for me. It was the first time when I communicated with native English speakers almost personally, in a remote format. It was very interesting and informative to listen to real English and communicate both on educational and everyday topics with colleagues from the University of California, Pennsylvania! I thank HSE for such a wonderful opportunity!

Polina Lazukova,
"Business Administration" student

I have only positive impressions after the meeting. I have never tried to communicate with foreigners in this format before, but it turned out that it is very simple!

I noticed that students from America are open-minded, behave differently during online conferences. To be more precise, when communicating with them, you immediately feel that you are in an informal atmosphere, that you open up and begin a dialogue. And this applies not only to students, but also to professors!

It's a pity that the time was limited, it flew by almost imperceptibly! I would like to participate in such an event more than once!

Maxim Denisov,
"Business Administration" student

I am very glad that I was able to take part in the discussion. I realized that I can fluently communicate with native speakers. This is very important for me because I love to learn foreign languages, and the meeting showed that the years of learning were not in vain.

Generally, all the participants in the discussion were pleasant in conversation, unfortunately, there was not enough time for communication to become more open. I hope this is not the last meeting in which I will have the opportunity to participate.