Australian Student In Russia

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30897, 2 November 1965, Page 2

Australian Student In Russia

"The Preis" Special Service DUNEDIN, Nov. 1. A great range of ideas and approaches' to life may be found among the Russian people today, according to an Australian student, Katerina Clark, of Forrest, Canberra, who has spent two years in post-graduate scholarship study of Soviet prose at Moscow State University. “Many people think of citizens of Russia as a sort of monotype,” she said on her return home. *Thds is a complete misapprehension.

“A lot has changed in Russia since the 'thirties and early ’forties. The cult of the young revolutionary has now become rather unreal, and there is no longer a stigma attached to the natural involvement in private life and work. “Under Stalin schools were very much regimented; but great changes were made in the 'fifties, which included the implementation of coeducational schools. Today young people are far more resilient and resourceful. They think for themselves. "My generation, people in their middle and late twenties, are putting their faith in the next generation. It is through them that they hope to see the realisation of a more dynamic and rational commu-

nist society. That is, a society which will be run by enlightened and able democrats rather than power-happy bureaucrats.”

During the time she was in Moscow, Katerina lived in the new 33-storey university hostel, which was occupied by many Soviet post-gradu-ates as well as foreign students.

Extensive foreign exchange scholarships are granted for post-graduate research and, in addition to many Asian and African students, American, British, West European, Australian and Canadian scholars now congregate in Moscow.

Between studying, going to shows at the 29 Moscow theatres and buying books (she brought back 650),

Katerina managed to cover most of the country open to foreign tourists. “I saw a good deal of the old Russia,” she said. “It is particularly beautiful. "The Russian people are extremely generous and hospitable. The last two years have been the most rewarding I can remember. Contact with the Soviet people and society has been invaluable.

“I realise that it’s only after being there that I can judge the significance of what the writers are talking about To be able to judge Russian society, you must see it. “I still have a lot to learn about Russia and after I’ve finished my thesis I hope to have the opportunity to visit Russia again,” she said.