Russian students forge strong bonds at Ningbo University

[Video by Ivan Kozinets for Ningbo Daily]

Russian student Ivan Kozinets, now in his sixth year in Ningbo, East China's Zhejiang province, plans to pursue a doctoral degree program at Ningbo University — a reflection of the growing bond between international students and the institution's cultural environment.

"I came to China in middle school and have been here for over 10 years," said Kozinets, "I love China — the food, the warmth and friendliness of the people," he added.

For him, skateboarding to class has become part of his daily routine. The cool breeze as he glides through the campus adds to the beauty of the environment. His love for skateboarding has also helped him form new friendships.

"Many of my classmates are interested in skateboarding, so I teach them and they teach me Chinese in return. We've become good friends this way," he added.

Ningbo University currently hosts 62 Russian students, studying a variety of fields such as the Chinese language, business administration and history. The students not only gain academic knowledge, but also embrace China's rich traditions and culture — making their experiences at the university memorable and life-changing.

Anya Golovacheva, a former Russian student at Ningbo University, shared her fond memories of her time in China.

"I visited more than 10 cities during my studies. Each one had its own unique charm. The landscapes, the food and the warm-hearted people have all left lasting memories," she said.

Zhou Xunying, Dean of the International College at Ningbo University, noted that Russian students consistently made up a significant portion of the international student body, with their numbers steadily growing.

The growth is attributed to the deepening educational cooperation between China and Russia, as well as the university's commitment to providing high-quality education and a supportive living environment.

Through mutual learning, Chinese and Russian students have formed strong friendships, fostering greater understanding between the two cultures.