Margarita: Discover a New Side of Oneself at Fudan
“Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that I would perform on such a big stage in my very first year at Fudan.”
Margarita Cherkasskaya, a first-year Russian Ph.D. student majoring in Political Science at Fudan’s School of International Relations and Public Affairs, shared her busy yet colorful first semester at Fudan. She played the role of LIN Daiyu in the Yue Opera “Dream of the Red Chamber” at the 2025 Fudan University Spring Festival Gathering.
“I love participating in various student activities in Fudan University. It provides me with rich and diverse platforms to communicate and show myself freely!”
Initially, driven by her passion for dancing, Margarita was eager to join dance clubs to connect with like-minded individuals and expand her social circle.
Margarita in Yue Opera costume
“These activities help me relieve academic pressure,” said Margarita. Only then could she truly immerse herself in these activities and completely forget about the learning tasks and papers she had yet to complete, ensuring a moment of leisure and peace in her intense doctoral study schedule. “Teachers and my families were astonished about this other side of me when they saw me on stage. That’s a memorable experience.”
Margarita poses with friends at the academic year opening ceremony for fall 2024
“The relaxing atmosphere of Shanghai, my tutor’s advice, and a chance encounter brought me here. The street layout is complex but full of surprises, and people here are more lively and open-minded.”
When Margarita’s master’s professors realized that she intended to pursue further studies in China, considering her academic direction, they highly recommended Fudan to her.
During her master’s study, Margarita met Francesca Ran Rositudottir, a Ph.D. student from Fudan. They became good friends. Francesca introduced her to different aspects of Fudan. “Because of various coincidences, I finally came to Fudan. Now I believe I’ve made a good choice,” she reflects.
Courses that not only impart knowledge
Margarita noted that Chinese universities often place an emphasis on student presentations as a key component of the learning experience. One of her favorite courses she took last semester in Fudan, “Analysis of China’s Peripheral Security and Diplomacy”, applied this form. “These presentations are not just to-do tasks for me. They’re fruitful.”
Margarita briefed on her views on the strategic choices for de-risking in Europe
“This course not only broadened my understanding of China’s frontier, but more importantly, it shifted my perspective on the value of presentations.”
She realized that presentations are not merely tasks to complete, but are truly rewarding experiences that require deep engagement with the material. Once she changed her mindset, she became fully immersed in the process.
Initially, she did feel worried about the heavy focus on quantitative methods in the course “Research Methods in Social Sciences”. However, the course exceeded her expectations.
“I never expected that these general research methods were explained in such an in-depth and accessible way. It eventually changed my attitude towards research projects.”
“Studying abroad is not merely about acquiring knowledge; it is equally a journey of personal growth and self-discovery, despite the numerous difficulties and challenges encountered along the way.”
As she continues her Ph.D. journey, Margarita remains open to new experiences, ready to embrace the unexpected, and determined to make the most of every opportunity that comes her way.
source from:Fudan University