Mastering the Orient: Chinese and Arabic Studies Surge Among Russian Youth
Fresh Take:
Golden Apple's Survey: Russian Students Tackle Eastern Languages and Career Goals
An intriguing survey spearheaded by trade network, Golden Apple, sheds light on the career aspirations and language preferences of Russian students from three top universities: Moscow State Institute of International Relations, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, and Ural Federal University.
The student body participating in the survey was as follows: 33% were freshmen, 7% sophomores, 17% juniors, 25% seniors, and 18% postgraduates.
Eastern Languages: A Promising but Elusive Interest
Despite the meager percentage of students currently studying Eastern languages like Chinese (3%) and Arabic (1.3%), the survey unveiled a notable interest from a larger pool of students, particularly MGIMO students, who expressed a desire to learn Chinese (11%) and Arabic (9%).
Interestingly, only one-quarter of those studying Eastern languages appreciate the employment prospects, with the rest captivated by the culture and political life of the region. Conversely, RUDN students seem more career-driven, with 24% choosing their language path due to job prospects.
Career Paths: A Mixed Bag
While approximately 70% of students envision their future in Russia, 16% aspire to work abroad. Noteworthy is the preference of multinational corporations among students from all universities, with 73% expressing strong interest.
When it comes to specific fields, MGIMO and RUDN students appear more inclined towards trade (52% and 62% respectively), whereas UrFU students lean towards IT (38%) and education (35%). Curiously, MGIMO and RUDN students exhibit a greater inclination towards government work, a sector less appealing to UrFU students.
Employer Selection: Prioritizing Remuneration and Growth
When it comes to choosing an employer, an impressive salary leads the pack, with 86-92% of students from different universities considering it crucial. Flexibility in work schedules and international project opportunities are the next top priorities, followed closely by rapid career growth and engaging projects.
The Bottom Line:
As students navigate their career paths with an emphasis on learning Eastern languages like Chinese and Arabic, they prioritize high salaries, flexibility, and international exposure. Their ultimate goal remains to thrive in multinational corporations.
According to preliminary analysis, students pursuing Eastern languages may find themselves in international relations, business, cultural exchange, government, media, or education sectors. Employers are likely to value language proficiency, cultural competence, relevant work experience, and strong analytical and communication skills. To better understand the perspective of Russian students studying Eastern languages, in-depth surveys or studies are recommended.
In their pursuit of personal growth and education, Russian students express a significant interest in learning Eastern languages such as Chinese and Arabic. This interest, while currently underrepresented in their language studies, indicates a potential for future expansion in these areas. Additionally, these students prioritize self-development, aiming for careers in multinational corporations that offer attractive remuneration, flexibility, and international project opportunities for their career growth and advancement.
