Opinions

Valery Pashkova

World Economy, IV year, 09.03.06

«I have chosen the speciality of the foreign affairs economist first of all because I wished to gain an education that would allow me to use the most advanced techniques in economic activities. Besides I was led with the desire to develop my strategic thinking and deep understanding of global economic processes as well as the aspiration to find interesting and highly paid work after graduating the University.

I can say that the speciality "World Economy" gave me all opportunities for realization of these aspirations. I am surrounded by highly professional teachers here and each of them is an expert in a specific sphere of international economic relations. The disciplines being taught form a wide professional outlook and global economic thinking. And at the same time teaching is appropriate to the requirements of practice and gives irreplaceable practical skills (two foreign languages, high computer knowledge, the basics of econometrics, skills in the international document circulation and so on). The knowledge monitoring system (tests, oral exams) as well as the practice of carrying out course works stimulate a conscientious attitude to educational process and prepare for doing the final degree work.

There is an opportunity to be engaged in the scientific process. The Student's Scientific Society functions in the Department and it is always open for scientific initiatives and courageous researches. Indispensable support in scientific researches is provided by the scientific adviser.

On the whole I like good psychological scientific atmosphere in the Department. All members of the Department are always open for dialogue, ready to help with realization of projects, to answer questions at the time for consultations. There should just be an interesting research subject and the desire to do work well! The faculty gives the students an opportunity to participate in the international educational programs (international trips, training and projects) and that is very important considering specificity of the speciality.

I felt all the advantages of studying on this speciality when under the assignment of the Department I was in Finland mastering the program "International Business" at the international school of Lahti. During the semester of my being there I felt confidently both in understanding what was taught in English by professors from different countries and in language practice: I could discuss freely professional questions, understand and use economic terms, successfully pass the examinations. My open mind and good English allowed me to find common language with my student-contemporaries from different countries easily.

All this proves that teaching in the Department corresponds to the best European standards, forms skills for adaptation in conditions of training and working abroad. In order to solve these problems even more effectively it seems necessary to me to put into practice teaching of some courses in particular concerning the problems of international financial and trading activities in English. It is important for development of language skills, working with foreign partners and in foreign companies. Also it would be very interesting to attend a course about national and cultural specificity of business dealing in different countries knowledge of which is necessary for foreign affairs economists.

Taking into account that the Department and the Faculty accept more and more students from foreign high schools every year it would be interesting to organize the centre of international student's dialogue on the basis of the Department in the future. It will allow foreign students to adapt easier to new conditions and learn more about cultures of different countries for the Russian ones».

Manvel Sakanyan

Fourth year student, WE

«I like to study at the Economic Faculty of St. Petersburg State University very much. The Students here are given real opportunity to receive versatile knowledge in different areas of economic science. The only weakness is the accent on providing theoretical aspect of knowledge more than practical one. It would be desirable, that the students had more opportunities to practice while mastering the economic disciplines».

Sergey Sergeevich Panov

Graduate of 2004, Post-graduate student of the second year, works in “PriceWaterhouseCoopers”

Mentions a high level of teaching proficiency. Graduates possess analytical thinking. They have an opportunity of self employment. Their employers mark a high rating of graduates of the Department.

Igor Ivanov

Graduate of evening branch of 2002, Director General "Artgaza" Ltd., Director General "KoBo" Ltd.

Mentions good relations with the teachers of the Department during his studying and the ongoing contacts with the Faculty after graduating the University. «During study to us concerned as to adult people, the colleagues. Colleagues we remain and now».

Dmitry Aleksandrovich Grishin

Graduate of 1999, senior manager on export «Bystrov» Ltd.

«After graduating from the University there were no problems with employment. I occupied on supervising positions in the food industry. I always feel confidently and certainly it was favoured by that training and knowledge which has gained. I am still in touch with the Department: I visit the University as well as the Department occasions with the great pleasure, I communicate with the teachers».

Andrey Olegovich Khovansky

Graduate of 1996, Director General of the holding company JSC "Loginexgroup”

«Studying at this Department has allowed me to receive worthy education and to occupy a corresponding position in business».