Avis sur St. Petersburg State University

St Petersburg State University is considered one of the leading universities in Russia. Its organization is fairly fragmented, so I can only really speak of my experience with the Graduate School of Management from where I have received my MIM (Master's in Management) degree. 
For context, I grew up in North America and had a Bachelor's in Psychology before this, so my knowledge of management was not that strong. 
The program is feasible for those who are switching fields between Bachelor's and Master's. Emphasis is put on meeting international standards and accreditations. The Master's degree is also entirely in English, so there are some other foreigners that are completing their studies there on a full-time basis. 
Some of the courses are seemingly overly theoretical and sometimes the organization is somewhat erratic (receiving important information fairly late in the process) however ultimately the university provides a good foundation. However the quality of the students is different between the Bachelor's and the Master's degrees - the Bachelor's are very motivated and serious whereas the Master's are relatively more relaxed. 
The degree is considered prestigious in Russia and there is a tight-knit community of alumni, so it does open doors.

There are different courses at the University, which are 100 percent conducted in English or Russian, or 50/50 in two languages. So I think every student, whether they are local or foreign, will find a suitable program for themselves.
Both the University and the city are steeped in history. The University itself belongs to one of the oldest, classical universities. For example, my faculty of international relations is located in the building of Smolny Cathedral, which was built in the 18th century by the famous architect Francesco Rastrell by order of the Russian Empress Elizabeth. Part of the Cathedral served as an Institute for girls.  All this gives the feeling that every day you find yourself in the middle ages-Imperial Russia.

There are very few Master Programs taught in English in Russia. The one I entered is one of the most interesting and relevant in the rapidly changing world of trade. It is devoted to the WTO law and principals of the multilateral trading system. 

This educational program was developed jointly with specialists from the Сenter for Trade Policy and Law (Ottawa, Canada) and received support from the government of the Russian Federation and the World Trade Organization Secretariat. Indeed, it is a great opportunity for students because here, we not only study theoretical issues but consider current events in the global trade, deal with real cases considered by the WTO Dispute Settlement Body, and, what is more important, communicate with experts and professionals. 

SPbU is one of the three Russian universities which annually organize a week internship for students of relevant programmes in UNCTAD and the WTO in Geneva and World trade institute in Bern. it is an unforgettable experience to see how the global trade governance functionates from inside. 

Besides, every semester the Department of World Economy organizes meetings with invited international trade experts and scholars from international organizations and universities dealing with issues of trade and trade policy. Thus, extremely interesting was the lecture of the current secretary of foreign trade at Brazil’s Economy Ministry, Lucas Ferraz (on Global value chains), and a former expert from United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, a professor of the Global Studies Institute of the University of Geneva, Miroslav N. Jovanovic (on European integration).

The courses of the Programme are organized in such a way to support students in deepening the knowledge of not only economic cooperation but also legal aspects of international trade relations. Except for the WTO law, we also study countries in the WTO system, regional integration, strategy and tactics of international trade negotiations, related political issues, and analysis of external policy.  Professors of the Department are real professionals who you want to follow catching their every word. With a few exceptions, classes are held in a form of discussions when every student is involved. 

SPbU has also a wide network of partnerships with universities all over the world and Russian native and international organizations to provide its students with opportunities for exchange and internships. So, as everywhere else, everything depends on a student, his or her motivation and desire for personal growth and development.

To conclude, I think I forgot to mention only one aspect. Student campus and opportunities for foreign students. The university has great experience in accepting foreign students and tries to support them in everything they need. I would say it is very friendly in this sense. Maybe, the conditions of living in student campus are not as good as in European universities and require improvement. But what I know for sure, is that all my foreign friends (with whom I have got acquainted during my studying) were fascinated by the city and happy with the experience and knowledge they gained in SPbU.

There are very few Master Programs taught in English in Russia. The one I entered is one of the most interesting and relevant in the rapidly changing world of trade. It is devoted to the WTO law and principals of the multilateral trading system. 

This educational program was developed jointly with specialists from the Сenter for Trade Policy and Law (Ottawa, Canada) and received support from the government of the Russian Federation and the World Trade Organization Secretariat. Indeed, it is a great opportunity for students because here, we not only study theoretical issues but consider current events in the global trade, deal with real cases considered by the WTO Dispute Settlement Body, and, what is more important, communicate with experts and professionals. 

SPbU is one of the three Russian universities which annually organize a week internship for students of relevant programmes in UNCTAD and the WTO in Geneva and World trade institute in Bern. it is an unforgettable experience to see how the global trade governance functionates from inside. 

Besides, every semester the Department of World Economy organizes meetings with invited international trade experts and scholars from international organizations and universities dealing with issues of trade and trade policy. Thus, extremely interesting was the lecture of the current secretary of foreign trade at Brazil’s Economy Ministry, Lucas Ferraz (on Global value chains), and a former expert from United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, a professor of the Global Studies Institute of the University of Geneva, Miroslav N. Jovanovic (on European integration).

The courses of the Programme are organized in such a way to support students in deepening the knowledge of not only economic cooperation but also legal aspects of international trade relations. Except for the WTO law, we also study countries in the WTO system, regional integration, strategy and tactics of international trade negotiations, related political issues, and analysis of external policy.  Professors of the Department are real professionals who you want to follow catching their every word. With a few exceptions, classes are held in a form of discussions when every student is involved. 

SPbU has also a wide network of partnerships with universities all over the world and Russian native and international organizations to provide its students with opportunities for exchange and internships. So, as everywhere else, everything depends on a student, his or her motivation and desire for personal growth and development.

To conclude, I think I forgot to mention only one aspect. Student campus and opportunities for foreign students. The university has great experience in accepting foreign students and tries to support them in everything they need. I would say it is very friendly in this sense. Maybe, the conditions of living in student campus are not as good as in European universities and require improvement. But what I know for sure, is that all my foreign friends (with whom I have got acquainted during my studying) were fascinated by the city and happy with the experience and knowledge they gained in SPbU.