2. My native town

My native town is Novosibirsk. I live here from my birthday. This city is the third most populous city in Russia after Moscow and Saint Petersburg and the most populous city of Asian Russia, with a population of 1 and a half million (according to results of 2010 year). Novosibirsk was founded in 1893 at the future site of a Trans-Siberian Railway bridge crossing the great Siberian river of Ob and was named Novonikolayevsk, in honor of both Saint Nicholas and the reigning Tsar Nicholas II. It was given its new name, Novosibirsk, in 1926. It is very large city. During only one hundred years it turned into industrial centre.

Novosibirsk is the first in Siberia in which a metro system was established (the Novosibirsk Metro, opened in 1985).

Because of its history our city is built mostly in grey color. But during several years many beautiful buildings appear there. As for sights, there are many monuments in Novosibirsk. One of the best examples of the early Soviet history is Monument to the Heroes of the Revolution. It is located right in the center of the city and was one of the main historic sites. It is a monument to the soldiers to have died during the Second World War. The Novosibirsk Zoo is a world-renowned scientific institution as well as a popular tourist attraction. The zoo has over four thousand animals. Besides, the central street of our city is beautifully decorated with trees, flowers. It is also one of the longest straight street in the world.

I like this city not only because its my native place.

Novosibirsk is also Academic Centre, because there are many academic institutions and universities here. Above all, there is a special place, which is called Academic Town. That is why Novosibirsk is often called a students’ city.

Paris is the city which I want to visit, but not to live. Its romantic atmosphere is pleasant for me. I studied French at school and I liked their quiet intonation, their view of things. Paris always struck me with the beauty, refinement, orderliness

In conclusion I’d like to add that there is no place like your home city, no matter what it is.

3. Education System in Russia

Russia has a long-standing tradition in high-quality education for all citizens. It probably has also one of the best mass-eduction systems in the world. Education is split into a compulsory Basic Education, and ongoing Higher Education.

Compulsory Basic Education

Basic general education lasts for nine years. Graduates of this level may continue their education at senior high school to receive secondary general education. They may also enter an initial vocational school or non-university level higher education institutions. Initial vocational schools include PTU which offer one-and-a-half to two years' professional education and a Professional'ny Litsei which offer education for three to four years and skilled workers' training at different levels. Non-university level higher education institutions also offer three- to four-year professional and secondary general education and two-year vocational training for holders of the School Leaving Certificate. Secondary general education on the basis of basic general education continues for two years and ends when students are 17-18. Graduates from a secondary general school may enter higher education institution.

Higher educationis provided by public and non-public (non-State) higher education institutions. There are two levels of higher education:

Basic higher education (4 years) leading to the bachelor's degree, the first university level degree.Postgraduate higher education (5-6 years or more). After two years, students may receive a master's degree. After a Master's degree, students can continue to study towards a doctoral degree: candidate's degree and Doktor’s degree (the second, highest level).

The Bachelor's degree programmes last for at least 4 years of full-time university-level study. The programmes are elaborated in accordance with the State Educational Standards which regulate almost 80% of their content. The other 20% are elaborated by the university itself. The programmes include professional and special courses in Science, the Humanities and Social-economic disciplines, professional training, completion of a research paper/project and passing State final exams. After the Bakalavr's degree, students may apply to enter the Magistr's programme. The Bakalavr's degree is awarded in all fields except Medicine after defending a Diploma project prepared under the guidance of a supervisor and passing the final exams. In Medicine, the first stage lasts for six years.

The Master's degree is awarded after successful completion of two years' full-time study. Students must carry out a year of research including practice and prepare and defend a thesis which constitutes an original contribution and sit for final examinations.

Applicants for advanced degrees (M.A./M.Sc., Ph.D., D.Sc.) should have their prior degree in the same or a very similar field. This is a more strict requirement than in some other countries, especially the US.

Access to the candidate's level again is very competitive. Candidates must hold a Specialist Diploma or a Master’s degree. Studies last for 3 years. The Aspirantura prepares for research and professorial activities. Students must learn teaching methods and pass qualifying exams. They carry out independent research, prepare and defend a dissertation in public. The Doctor’s programme is specific and its duration is not fixed.

History of education in Russia

Russia's higher education system started with the foundation of the universities in Moscow and St. Petersburg in the middle of the 18th century. The system was constructed similar to that of Germany. In Soviet times all of the population in Russia had at least a secondary education.

Due in great part to demands of the international educational organizations, the system of education in Russia began to change over the past four to five years.

One of the great attractions of education in Russia is the cost, especially when compared to the quality. Degree study tuition can range from $2000 to $8000 per year, with other costs (room & board, books, etc).

Many Russian universities also offer distance education and provide courses for the public and for specific professional needs. However, such systems are usually less developed than in the US and other Western European countries.

The academic year lasts from Sept 1 to Mid June everywhere, with long summer vacations from July 1st to Aug 31.

Training of teachers in Russia

A very important part of Russia's education system is the training of teachers. There are three levels: primary/basic, secondary and higher level teachers.

Non-university level educational institutions train teachers for pre-primary and primary schools. The duration of the course is two to four-and-a-half years. Some teacher training institutions of university level train teachers for primary schools.

Training of secondary school teachers

Teacher training is carried out in teacher training university-level institutions. The programme lasts for at least five years. Graduates may enter the profession.

Training of higher education teachers

University teachers must have followed post-graduate training. A scientific degree is necessary.

Youth Movementsis the organized expression of viewpoints held by a large number of young people, have been rare in the United States. throughout much of the twentieth century and into the twenty-first, young people on college campuses have taken conspicuous part in social causes of various kinds.

In the 1990s and the early twenty-first century, students at a number of major universities launched protests against the use of sweatshops by the manufacturers of college-logo clothing. At the same time, a new, more liberal leadership in the nation's major labor organization, showed increasing interest in organizing previously unorganized groups (such as low-wage chicken processing jobs). The organization began holding "Union Summers," programs in which college students spent a summer learning how to do labor organizing. On many campuses, students and hourly workers joined in "Living Wage" campaigns, seeking to raise wages above the federally mandated minimum. As the twenty-first century opened, political youth movements appeared to be growing again and forging ties beyond campus.