MEET THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES
Teaching foreign languages at the Academy started from the first days of its foundation. Since 1924 students have been taught Russian, Belarusian, English and Latin languages. The organizational unit got its name: The Department of Foreign Languages in 1952 when the course of Foreign Languages such as English, German, French and Latin was reorganized into the Department.
The language teachers of the Department train national students for language exams recognized by the state in English, German and French. Latin with veterinary terminology is also a part of compulsory language training. A course of Russian Language is offered for international students who want to study in Belarusian educational establishments. We also provide English courses for the staff of the faculty in order teachers of special disciplines could improve their language proficiency.
Svetlana A. Grinberg
Since 2020 the Department has been working under the guidance of the head of the Department Svetlana A. Grinberg. Currently seventeen full-time teachers are employed at the Department of Foreign Languages. The primary task of our unit is to teach languages at high standards and to allow our studets to get a glimpse into Belarusian culture and traditions. During the past 10 years teaching staff of the Department has published more than 150 scientific works, manuals, student’s guides, reference works etc.
At the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine students receive training in the Russian language, and now we are launching similar programs in English. We realize that a career means good education plus competencies, so the aim of the academy is to ensure a profound, modern, internationally recognized training for the students, and we consider it our special duty to contribute to the success. The Department supports international collaboration between veterinary educational establishments and profession in other countries; we believe this will promote the provision of veterinary education appropriate to the needs of the parties concerned.
By teaching undergraduates in English we encourage them to participate in scientific events, to write publications in English, so we empower them to communicate with colleagues, researchers and customers worldwide. To brush up or broaden their knowledge of English students are also invited to attend additional courses of English.
It is a serious challenge to teach the enrolled multicultural student population special Latin based on the best European traditions. Veterinary Latin is offered in the 1st year of training to immediately help students with their studies in basic veterinary medicine sciences, including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology etc.
And even greater challenge is to make the students speak Russian, which is rather difficult for the most of them. The members of our staff teach the Russian language for foreign students both for general and professional purposes starting from the 1st year and until graduation. Students learn more about Belarusian and Russian cultures which makes communication in a new surrounding easier. Classes in Russian are included in the schedule in both semesters of every academic year and are to be attended four- and three times a week during the first year and two times a week during the following terms. Russian helps in authentic living, academic and professional environment and as a chosen language at conferences or when writing publications.
To meet the demanding requirements the teachers do their best developing proper curricula, creating adequate learning materials, and this is highly appreciated by the students, who also work hard in their attempt to study to the best of their abilities.
Due to the well-earned international reputation of the VSAVM more and more international students of veterinary medicine are attracted and admitted each year.
Finally, to our greatest pleasure, we can advise that the staff of language teachers is working in a modern building in a comfortable, creative and inspiring environment. And of course, your travels with new friends across beautiful Belarus, visits to Belavezhskaya Pushcha, to the city of Minsk and other places as well as students’ concerts, performances, conferences will make the years of your study here the most exciting, significant and enjoyable time in your life.