Russian university student Irina Zhuravleva has gotten first-hand business experience in Parksville and Qualicum Beach this summer.
The 21-year-old hails from Irkutsk, Russia where she studies strategic management and business administration, and will be entering her fourth year of university this fall.
Zhuravleva was granted the opportunity to come to B.C. through a program at her school that allows 10 students each year to go to four countries for business experience — Canada, New Zealand, Australia and the U.S.
This was Zhuravleva’s first time coming to Canada and she will return home this Saturday. She worked two to three days a week at businesses in Parksville, Qualicum Beach and Port Alberni.
“I’ve worked in different places, Bluenose Motors, accounting companies and banks,” she said. “I’ve stayed with four host families.”
She said through her experiences, she has learned a lot about business.
“I gained useful experience, new knowledge and lots of information to think about,” Zhuravleva said. “I got a lot of advice in my education and business carrier, and I really appreciate it.
She added that this trip has helped her learn Canadian culture.
“In my opinion, the best thing of the internship is immersion. It helps not only to learn and understand, but also to try and to feel,” she said. “I met amazing people. I want to keep in touch with them, and I believe we will meet one day without a doubt.”
Zhuravleva said she’s highly enjoyed her time in Parksville.
“I like it so much. It’s a very nice city and very close to the ocean,” she said. “I like the temperature here. In my city when it’s about 30 degrees it’s very hot but here you can go to the ocean. I love the people here they are so kind and so polite.”
For her last week in Canada, Zhuravleva will spend time in Tofino learning to surf and relaxing by the ocean.
After she graduates university, Zhuravleva plans to study for a master’s degree that she will have to get in either Canada or Europe.
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