Staff Spotlight: Kristina Tretiakova

Throughout her life, Kristina was keen on studying Russian language and Russian literature. That is why, after her graduation with a master’s degree in Russian philology, she decided to stay at the University and teach Russian language to foreigners. So far, she has worked with students from almost 30 different countries, and she greatly appreciates this unique opportunity to communicate everyday with people of various cultural backgrounds.

I guess, for my favorite travel memory, I will pick my last year trip to Europe for Christmas. Taking that Christmas is my favorite holiday, I was really fascinated to find out how Winter Europe looked like and how fabulous the Christmas atmosphere there was. Folk festivals, delicious street food, sparkling lights… Memories of me strolling around the Old City under snowy Czech and German skies comfort me and make me smile till today.

Since the day I started working with foreigners, I feel that I have become a more open-minded and flexible person with a global frame of mind. Every new students group is not just a list of names for me; they are individuals with unique characters, desires, problems and ways. Understanding that, I strive to find an approach to every student and create a safe space for them in my classroom. It helps a lot in achieving quick language progress and in building long-lasting friendship with my students; I remember each of them and keep in touch with many of them.

I admire adult students who bravely approach a foreign language just because they feel that it could make them happier. For example, one of our return students, whose vital energy and desire to develop herself are just going through the roof, once told me that, after finishing the Summer course, she decided to take a long train trip from Russia to China! She was so encouraged by the great results she achieved after completing the studies that she wanted to practice language in more diverse and extreme conditions!

All the programs of our Educational Projects are amazing, because they give a chance to see so many different aspects of Russia! However, if I were to choose, I would definitely apply for a program which covers a few Russian cities like "Russian Fresh-PLUS". This school is a mix of very intense academic experience and fun, entertaining parts. I would love to travel by train with a group of new international friends, explore Moscow and the Ural together, go out, feel this beauty and freedom of being a student again!

I am proud and consider it as a special merit to be a part of our Winter and Summer Schools. It is about the atmosphere we create in our classrooms, highly-motivated and friendly colleagues and, most importantly, about passion and attention with which we try to make every Russian trip safe and comfortable for everyone. Our students are our guests, our friends, and we are always ready to go an extra-mile for them. We know what does it mean to feel worried or insecure while travelling so far away and we sincerely pay attention to every detail on the way.

From my point of view, the success of the company depends on dedication, passion for work, thinking globally and desire to make a client happy.
Fully engaged people will inevitably lead their company to success, and I believe this is who we all in “Russian Studies in Real Russia” are.