Why Choose the Orenburg State University

In recent years the University's strengths have been built. It offers a broad range of courses which make up an expanded and modern curricula of the University. Its programs broaden perspectives, enrich awareness, prepare for meaningful careers, thus helping to develop informed, responsible, productive citizens. With about 30,000 students and about 1,500 faculty, the Orenburg State University is the largest in the Orenburg region. It is accessible to a wide section of the population, providing flexible learning opportunities to meet varied needs.

Admission

Applicants are required to have earned a high school diploma. July 15 is the freshman application dead line. Admission to the Orenburg State University is based upon high school performance and competitive test scores, and also on special ability, talent or achievement.

Education

The Orenburg State University offers a wide range of educational services through its 20 faculties (the Faculty of Power & Electrical Engineering, the Faculty of Natural Sciences, the Faculty of Humanities, the Faculty of Finance, the Faculty of Innovations, the Faculty of Industrial Management, the Faculty of Architecture and Civil Engineering, the Faculty of Transport, the Faculty of Information Technologies, Correspondence Faculty and the Evening Faculty, etc.), 5 colleges ( the College of Electronics and Business, the Humanitarian Law College, etc.) and several institutes (the Institute of Micro- and NANO technologies, the Aerospace Institute, the Institute of Law, the Institute of Economics). The University trains students in many specialties. The University has its branches-in Orsk, Buzuluk, Novotroitsk, Ufa, Buguruslan, Akbulak.

Academic year

Two-term academic year is adopted at the University. Each term is 17 weeks long, of which the last week is given for getting credits. During the examination period students are required to take the exams according to the schedule. On graduating students are to write а thesis project.

Various forms of instruction, are used to develop individual's potential: lectures, seminars, classes, laboratory works. The duration of the course depends on the chosen faculty and speciality. It varies from 2,5 years to 6 years.

Faculty

The Orenburg State University prides itself on the quality and commitment of all its staff and faculty. The faculty help students to get ready for future career and give advice based on genuine experience. The President, the Deans of faculties, the Heads of departments, the teachers provide the supportive atmosphere in which to study. Many of them are known and respected in their fields of science as real scholars who create new knowledge and new points of view.

Other Academic Activities

In addition to its program of teaching and research activity, the University has regular extra-curricula seminars, public lectures, exhibitions and conferences on different subjects. Students are always welcomed free of charge at these events. They can debate about the latest developments in their region of study.

Supporting Studies

The University library houses more than 600,000 books and other items, including periodicals and government documents. This stock covers all academic and professional subjects offered at the University, as well as many fields of general interest. A new building of the University library, which is under construction now, will offer more study places with open access computers.

The Informational Center Internet was opened in February 1999 and holds computer study places for 130 visitors. PC are used for on-line database searching, accessing CD-ROMS and the Internet.

University Life

The University offers facilities for leisure and recreation. Food and Drink. Meals, snacks and drinks are available from snack cafes and a cafeteria, which provides a cheap and varied menu.

Sport facilities include a stadium, a swimming pool and gymnasiums. At present student may choose basketball, badminton, volleyball and ping-pong clubs. The University also has facilities for outdoor sports such as football and hockey. The Students^’ Centre «Russia» is a large venue suited to dance, music and theater events. Discos and club nights take place here regularly. Accommodation. Hostels accommodations are reserved exclusively for students coming from other towns and cities.

2.1.3 Assignment

2.1.3.1 Say whether the following statements are true or false

a) The Orenburg State University was founded not long ago.

b) The University offers a broad range of courses.

c) The Orenburg State University is the smallest in our region.

d) Admission to the University is based only upon high school performance.

e) Three- term academic year is adopted at the OSU.

f) Hostels accommodation is reserved for all students.

g) The Orenburg State University prides itself on the quality and commitment of all its staff and faculty.

h) Students take part only in academic activities.

i) There is no library at the University.

2.1.3.2 Add some details to the statements using the information from the text

a) In recent years the University's strengths have been built on.

b) The University provides a wide range of educational services through its
faculties, institutes and colleges.

c) Various forms of instruction are used to develop individual's potential.

d) The university campus consists of several buildings.

e) There are many facilities, supporting students' studies.

2.1.3.3 Answer the following questions

1 When did our University get the status of the Orenburg State University?

2 What is the mission of the university now?

3 How many students are there at the Orenburg State University?

4 What faculties do they study in?

5 What cities does the University have branches in?

6 What is the number of the staff?

7 How long is the term?

8 What forms of instruction are used?

9 Who provides the supportive atmosphere in which to study and develop?

10 Do students take part only in academic activities?

11 Where are snacks, meals and drinks available from?

12 What do sport facilities include?

13 What is the Students' Centre suited for?

14 When was the Internet Centre opened and what are PC used for?

15 What books does the University library house?

2.1.3.4 Retell the text. Finding it difficult, refer to the answers of the ex. 2.1.3.3

Comprehensive Reading

2.2.1 Colleges and Universities of the United States

2.2.1.1 Pronounce property

Massachusetts

General Court

Harvard University

College of William and Mary

Yale University

Princeton University

Washington and Lee University Columbia University

University of Pensilvania

Rutgers College

Dartmouth College

University of Michigan

Oberlin College

Mount Holyoke

Wells

Wellesley

Illinois

Missouri

California

Vassar

2.2.1.2 Read the following words and expressions. Pay attention to their translation

colonist - колонист, поселенец

territory - территория

to make contribution - сделать вклад, взнос

to be named in honor - быть названным в честь

to leave sth. to sb. - оставить что-то кому-либо

half of one’s property - половина имущества

to depend on - зависеть от

to establishment - основание, создание

establish - основать, создавать, организовывать

to declare one's independence.-провозгласить независимость

institution-учреждение

to vote for - голосовать за

to support by taxes - оказывать материальную поддержку с помощью налогов

state university - государственный университет

to play a leading role - играть ведущую роль

to feel certain - быть уверенным

co-educated colleges - колледжи совместного обучения

separate colleges -колледжи раздельного обучения

to be founded - быть основанным

to admit sb. to sth. - допускать кого-то к чему-либо

2.2.1.3 Read the text

A short time after the first colonists came to the territory which we now call Massachusetts, the General Court of Massachusetts made the first contribution for Harvard College. It was in 1636. This school later became the famous Harvard University. It is the oldest university in the United States. It was named in honor of John Harvard, who died in 1638. This man left his library and half of his property to the university. People knew that the future of the new country depended on education. And after the establishment of Harvard they began to establish other schools. In 1776 the Americans declared their independence. By this time nine other institutions were opened. Their present names and the dates of their opening are:

College of William and Mary (1693)

Yale University (1701)

Princeton University (1746)

Washington and Lee University (1749)

Columbia University (1754)

University of Pensilvania (1755)

Brown University (1764)

Rutgers College (1766)

Dartmouth College (1770)

Some of the money for the educational institutions came from the government, but most of it came from people who felt that by giving their money they were investing in the new country. People believed that new country needed colleges. They voted for their state governments to organize colleges which would be supported by taxes. These are called state universities and they are playing leading roles in the world of education in America. By 1894 all states had such universities. The University of Michigan which first opened as a school in Detroit in 1817, became a state university in 1837, when Michigan became a state.

In the early 1800s most people thought that only men should attend college. But other people felt certain that women, too must be educated. Some of them thought that the best would be to have co-educated colleges. Others thought that there must be separate colleges for men and women. Oberlin College, which was founded in 1833 was the first co-educational school. Mount Holyoke was founded in 1837. It was the first school for women. Other schools for women are: Vassar (1821), Wells (1868), Wellesley (1871). In 1870 Michigan, Illinois, Missouri, California began to admit women to state universities. Now all public universities admit women. Even many private men's colleges are beginning to admit women.

2.2.1.4 Answer the following questions

1 Which is the oldest university in the United States?

a)Yale University; b) Columbia University; c) Harvard University.

2 Do you remember when John Harvard died?

a) in 1720; b)in 1638; c)in 1785.

3 Whom was the first American university named after?

a) Franklin Roosevelt; b)John Harvard; c)John Kennedy.

4 What did the future of America depend on?

a) trade; b) industry; c) education.

5 When did the Americans declare their independence?

a) in 1620; b) in 1850; c) in 1776.

6 How many educational institutions were opened in America by the time it became independent?

a) 5; b) 9; c) 15.

7 Where did most of the money for the educational institutions come from?

a) the government; b) people; c) church.

8 How were state universities supported?

a) by the government; b) by taxes; c) by church.

9 What educational institutions play leading roles in the world of education in America?

a) private universities; b) state universities..

10 By what time did all the states have state universities?

a)1780; b)I894; c)1870.

11 What was the first co-educated college?

a) Oberlin College; b) Rutgers College; c) Dartmouth College.

12 Do all public universities admit women?

a) yes, b) no.

2.2.2 Going Back to School

2.2.2.1 You are going to read a magazine article about various people who did courses later in life. For Questions 1-15, choose from the people (A-D). There is an example at the beginning (0). Of which of the people A-D are the following true?

	C

A. Fiona

В. Deborah

С. Joyce

D. Sonya

She recommends the course she took.

She felt relaxed when doing a course.

She felt obliged to do a course.

Her training made it hard for her to do some of the work on a course.

Her colleagues' attitude towards her has changed.

She feels confident about the future.

She was put off education earlier in life.

The way classes were organized suited her.

Her plans became more ambitious while doing a course.

She wasted her time when she was at college before.

She realized she had thought of a strong commercial idea.

Her teacher provided practical advice.

She found her experience of life useful when doing a course.

She enjoyed the company of the others taking a course.

She has learnt not to be nervous in certain circumstances.

A success encouraged her to study other subjects.

Returning to education after years of working can open any number of doors, as Frances Brierley discovered.

Fiona, a freelance journalist, has just finished a four-year part-time degree in English Literature. Fiona. 33, who hadn't been in further education since finishing a journalism course at London Printing College 11 years ago, says; 'I got more out of doing it later in life than straight after school. When I did my journalism course, we at in the canteen chatting half the time, but when you're older you realize that the only person you're cheating is yourself if you do that. And when you're older you can bring so much more to your analysis because you've done more. It was quite strange having to write an essay after many years, particularly after being a journalist where you have to say things as briefly as possible. But It wbb Interesting having access to such knowledgeable tutors'

Deborah left school without any qualifications and ended up ten years later with a degree. Obtaining the degree gave her an enormous desire to learn more. Since then, Deborah has enrolled on courses ranging from pottery to African cinema to salsa dancing.

She says: “I never liked school. They didn't teach me to enjoy learning and I'm sure this experience can destroy many people's desire to learn more later in life. There's so much in life to learn as you get older. It becomes a real pleasure. There are no pressures - you don't have to prove anything. You are there because you want to be. There is also something special about spending time with people who share a common passion. You don't know their names or anything about them, but all the barriers are broken down because everyone has the same objective.”

Joyce joined the Start Your Own Business course a few months ago and she is now preparing to start an international business in furniture design. Joyce, who is in her early thirties, says: “I had a flood of ideas that came to me in bed one night and I had to get up to draw them while they were still fresh in my mind.”

The course was taught by a businesswoman, Diane Shelley. She says: 'Joyce was full of ideas and is now about to start her own multi-million pound business. “'The course helps you identify so many things,” says Joyce, 'the ideas developed until they were almost out of control; by the end my idea had become an international business. Diane didn't just teach theory, she also shared her own experience with us. That helped me a lot, because years ago I would have been frightened to see bank managers and accountants as I didn't understand the financial aspects. Diane made me realize that you employ these people to do the work. Now I'm not scared of borrowing money because I know the business will be successful.

Sonya did a three-day intensive desk-top publishing course in May. Sonya, 24, who works as a publicity assistant at a bank, says: 'I needed some skills to make me better at my job. Writing reports is an essential part of my job and so the presentation of my work is important.' The course, held at the London College of Printing, covers both practice and theory. Sonya says: 'It was quite demanding, they really get you thinking. Because there were only six or seven in the group, we got more attention and it was easier to ask questions. Now my reports appear more professional and I can produce them quicker. A lot of people have said «Your work's improved», and it has made me get on better with people in the office because I'm in a privileged position, having knowledge others don't have.

2.3 Interchange: Studying abroad

Every year, many students go abroad to study. These are some of the things they have to think about. Look at the questions below and then add three more to each list.

2.3.1 Getting ready

a) What subjects are good ones to study abroad?

b) Which countries are good places to study these subjects?

c) How can you get more information about studying abroad?

d) Where can you get information about scholarships?

e) How do you enroll in a foreign school?

f) What are the main things you have to do before you leave?

g) What things will you need to take with you?

h) ……………………………………………………………

i) ……………………………………………………………

j) ……………………………………………………………

2.3.2 After you're there