|
С 8 апреля в рамках реализации сотрудничества с Кристианштадским университетом (Швеция) в НУА работает гостевой преподаватель Анника Вемби. Визит традиционно начался со знакомства с Академией, ее историей и традициями. За время пребывания в Харькове гостья провела занятия для студентов факультета «Бизнес-управление» и «Референт-переводчик», учащихся начальной школы, приняла участие в Дне науки в НУА. My visit to People’s Ukrainian Academy and Kharkiv Upon arrival at Kharkiv International Airport, I was struck by the modernity of the terminal building. The weather was grey, cold and windy, and in the midst of everything was a shining glass building standing as a beacon, I now know, of a very proud and illustrious city. Next to it, I saw the original and stereotypical airport terminal. This prepared me for my entry into a country which can be described as a wonderful melange of old and new. This combination was heavily evident right the way through this trip. The blend of extraordinary Russian heritage, the marble and chandelier lined metro system for example, acting as the roots beneath this upcoming and construction-focused city. It gave me a clear impression that Kharkiv is in the middle of a booming resurrection. In the background of this resurrection, remains the stunning Soviet era architecture. Local highlights seem to include the Opera, the Municipality Town Hall, as well as Freedom Square, to name just a few. The aforementioned “souvenir snaps” are dwarfed however, by the sheer number of universities. The daily walk from my hotel to People’s Ukrainian Academy permitted me to see just a few of these numerous education facilities. The People’s Ukrainian Academy was as I have said my destination. My initial impression of this grey colossus was one of confusion. Amongst the three hundred or so universities in the city, was this particular complex truly a knowledge centre? Having spent three weeks visiting the Academy, the answer could not be further from the crudeness of the question. The structure of the Academy is unique; I have never come across nor heard of an institution offering education from kindergarten right the way through the spectrum of education to postgraduate studies. Additionally, the fact that the Academy offers elderly people who were not fortunate enough in their youth to receive an education, “a second chance” displays the Academy’s passion to provide knowledge. The students of the Academy showed me a great deal of politeness, courtesy and most importantly, a positive attitude towards their studies. Furthermore, I was impressed by the students’ dedication and willingness to work hard to achieve their ambitious career objectives. I was fortunate enough to meet students at varying age and I was constantly impressed by their inquisitive minds and their active participation in class. Despite the fact that the vast majority of the students has never been to an English speaking country, I was impressed and amazed by their high level of English. To conclude, I would first like to thank those who have assisted me throughout my trip, and those at the Academy who have been so welcoming. The near future for Kharkiv is already planned. In 2012, the eyes of the European footballing world will be focused on this great city. What happens after is up to you. I hope to come back in the future both to Kharkiv but most importantly to the Academy. My final comment to the students at PUA is that practice makes perfect. It may be a cliche, but those three words must be kept close in your minds. To the English speaking students whom I have been fortunate enough to meet, do not be afraid to speak. If you can apply your existing strengths in writing and comprehension, to your current levels of speech, the world will be your oyster. Make the most of it, and do not be afraid to try. Annika Wemby |
