This prof is awesome! She is very nice, always helpful, and has a great sense of humor. Fair marker.

Generally really good prof, fostered a love for Russian in me that I had previously not known. Slightly past paced, don't miss class. Quizzes every 1 1/2 weeks, which is a tight schedule, but takes the load off the final.

She's awesome. I took the class after the term began and she took time out of her schedule to teach me all I didn't do. Very engaging and very knowledgeable. If you need a language requirement and want to try something fun and new, take RUSS 100!

Veta is the absolute best. This was my first Russian class in University but i'm a heritage student and therefore registered in the upper level right away. She is so calm, collected and understanding. Dont put off work, none of it is challening but it piles up QUICK. Take this class!!!

Veta is awesome! she is so nice and friendly and marks quite reasonably.

She cares so much for the students in her class. Super easy to approach and incredibly friendly. So informative and always has excellent lectures and activities planned for class. By far the best formal language class I have ever taken.

Great professor! She is so friendly and approachable. Always ready to offer help whenever, and her marking is very reasonable. I spokeknew zero Russian before this course . As long as you stay up to date with the homework (which piles up quick) you'll get an A! Would definitely recommend.

Best instructor I've had in university.

Veta is an absolute joy! Her sense of humour is hilarious and keeps you awake, and she's very helpful and understanding. Assignments are not too daunting, and neither are the quizzes. She takes great care to make sure everybody's prepared for the exams, and she's personable with everyone. I'm devastated that I can't take a class with her next term!

Veta cares about every student and is always there for guidance and support. She is humorous and inspires interest in Russian language and culture. The syllabus is well-organized and follows the chapters in the textbook closely. Homework and quizzes follow a set schedule posted at the start of term and are easily manageable.

Veta is the best language instructor I've ever had. She is great at engaging students and communicating difficult material. She is very kind to students.

Veta is so great! She really wants her students to do well and gives them the opportunity to. She'll re-mark your quiz if you think you should have gotten higher. Seven quizzes and she drops the lowest mark. Homework for every class but it's only 2-3 questions and super easy. Love her!

I loved this class. Her energy made the course fun. She was helpful, enthusiastic, and answered any question.

Made RUSS 101 fun and interesting. Funny and very approachable; teaches not only the language but also the culture in a way that makes the knowledge actually useful. Lots of homework, but it's easy. If you're good with languages, this course could be a GPA booster.

by far the kindest, loveliest lady i've ever met. i absolutely loved her class & it's easy to tell that she actually cares about her students. she truly made learning russian a ton of fun and i would love to take another class with her.

Veta is kind and engaging and very accessible outside of class through emails and office hours. She genuinely cares about her students learning and wants everyone to succeed and learn more Russian. There is definitely a fair amount of homework (30-60min every 2 days), but keep up and its an easy A. Marking is extremely lenient on tests.

Outstanding prof- by far one of the best language instructors at UBC

Veta is extremely nice, understanding, and willing to help people out. Homework is a pain, but it's the only way to really learn the language. Yes, you can easily get an A in the class. Overall, strongly recommend to anyone looking to broaden their linguistic horizons. Veta is just awesome.

This was my 2nd course with Veta and I could not recommend a professor more highly. She is hilarious and so kind and gentle with students. The only prof I've ever met who really understands how stressful school can be sometimes. She shows up to class every morning super excited to teach a bunch of beginners Russian. Best way to start the morning

Veta is great. She is very thoughtful and caring. I don't know another professor that would give so much personal attention to a student. The course is very interesting but will require lots of writing!

this woman is the gem of UBC for real. hands down the best, most approachable, kindest, loveliest teacher you could possibly have. Russian might be an intimidating language for some, but she make it a wholesome, pleasant, and welcoming environment and genuinely cares about the wellbeing of all her students. deserves a massive raise.

Had this teacher for Russ 201 was a wonderful teacher! Took this course online. Takes her time with students make sure they understand everything. And very good at explaining grammar, if you still dont understand she try and do it a different way. Always available after class hours

Veta is very funny and understanding person. Took this course online enjoy it so much. This part the course you do a lot reading & understanding and watching videos and some grammar. I found this part course to be a little hard then the last but was totally worth it. Take her class you wont regret it! Wish I could take her other classes.

Veta is such a caring and wonderful prof. From starting Russ101 with her to 202 now, she has always been so helpful and accommodating to her students. Definitely one of the best profs at UBC as she goes out of her way to make sure you understand a topic.

Veta is really is a fantastic professor and truly is a nice person who wants her students to do well.

She is the best professor you will ever have, she made the Russian language so easy. one course with her and you're good to go to Russia and speak confidently. although some students might feel overwhelmed by the home assignment but believe it, it is the key to learning this language. The department and UBC is lucky to have her.

Veta is one of the most caring professor you would ever have. She is eager to help and really wants her students to do well in speaking Russian. I truly suggest anyone who is enthusiatic about Russian language or Russian culture come and take her class. You won't regret it.

Very well-taught class. The lectures were great and Veta takes a genuine interest in each student's learning. Definitely recommend taking any class that you can with Veta!

Prof Chitnev gives excellent feedback. In particular, I wrote a paper and I expected "standard" feedback. Instead, I received some really thoughtful comments and some valid criticism of my paper (in addition to a fair grade). We even had a back-and-forth follow-up discussion which was also very useful. Highly recommend the course.

Really amazing professor! I took this class on a whim but definitely don't regret it. Veta is one of the most caring professors I've ever had, is engaging in class, and cares so much about helping her students succeed! Content goes a little fast sometimes but if you keep on top of the work and participate in class it's not difficult to do well.

Professor Veta is responsible and does care about each student's performance.

Veta is one of the most caring and nicest prof that I've ever had. There is a lot of partner work in class and she makes Russian fun to learn. I didn't expect to like this class this much -- I definitely recommend taking russian classes with Veta!

The lectures are always interesting, and the textbook is helpful too.

One of the very best instructors I've had during my long tenure as a student at UBC; very highly recommended if you're interested at all in learning the Russian language or interested in Russian topics.

Veta is the sweetest teacher I have had at UBC. She is always down to help with anything - super understanding, and just an absolute joy to be around. She cares SO much about her students, going above and beyond by hosting "Slavic Teas" every month at the CENES department and connecting students. Taken 9 credits with her - and DEFINITELY recommend.

Veta is an incredible teacher. You should absolutely take any and every course she teaches. She's super understanding, caring, and absolutely never in a bad mood.

Veta is really amazing, one of my favourite professors. She will clarify anything you ask her to, she gets students to participate actively in class, and is so accommodating to busy schedules. As someone with a lot of classes, she made this class a stress reliever and it was my favourite out of a 7-course term. Would recommend 100%. Take her class!

I took the 305 version of this course, and Veta handled the merging of the two courses really well! My Russian level improved so much, and Veta is a wonderful, understanding professor; she had students help choose test dates to avoid conflicting schedules and offered other times too. The book chosen was so interesting, and I'm very glad I took it.

Veta is a very nice and helpful professor who is interested in teaching and helping students learn. Reading Master and Margarita was a great way to expand my vocabulary. I would take this course to read another novel.

Veta is a wonderful professor. I have taken several classes with her throughout my time at UBC and they have all been excellent. She truly cares about her students and is very willing to accommodate students and make the class as fun and stress-free as possible. Her classes are also very well-planned and taught and really help you to learn.

Amazing professor! Really helpful and takes a genuine interest in teaching students. This class was fun and interesting.

Amazing prof

This is my first time writing a rate my prof review, and it's simply because I have never had a professor this great. Not only does Veta have amazing lectures and an overall design for the class, but she is one of the most caring professors I've ever met. I could not have completed this semester without the support she provided.

Prof. Chitnev was an incredible Prof to take an online summer class with. She deeply cared about her students' success both in person and online and made a distinct effort to get to know me and give me personalized feedback. I can confidently say she cares about her students' success. If you need an elective, take RUSS 303!

Veta is an amazing professor. I have taken two RUSS courses with her and she is by far the best professor I have ever taken classes with. She really cares for her students ability to learn and to take something way from the course she teaches. Highly recommend taking a course with Veta!

Interesting course about Russia. Very accommodating and nice prof, give a good feedback on assignments. Discussion is important part of the course.

Veta is truly one of the most charismatic, bubbly professors I have ever had. She cares deeply about her students' success, is generous with her time, and designs the course in a way to helps her students both learn and demonstrate their content knowledge. Take a class with her if you can. She is a saint and deserves nothing but happiness.

Veta was truly an amazing professor! As long as you attend lectures and do the assigned work, the course should be a breeze. Be prepared to get homework each class and if you do it all, you should have no problem acing the tests and quizzes. It was really easy to follow along the lectures and the textbook. Veta was so caring, I highly recommend!

Amazing prof! This year, Veta was able to modify the grading structure and we did not have to do a final exam for RUSS101, but did a final project instead, which in my opinion, was much more fair way to evaluate our learning. She was kind & accommodating, considering that many of us were non-Native Russian speakers. One of the best language profs!

Veta is an awesome professor and makes you enthusiastic about learning Russian. Her grading seems fair and she's kind. Would take her course again.

Veta has an absolutely amazing personality. She makes class very engaging and she is hilarious. I loved this class with her so much. She creates a great learning environment and makes you enjoy every moment. I did well in the class and am excited to learn from her again. She is such a lovely prof, ray of sunshine.

Veta was an amazing prof. She made learning Russian very fun and interesting, and it has been the first language course where I found myself engaged. She is not too tough on her students, and makes sure to kindly guide people along when they make mistakes or get confused in class. She seems to genuinely care for her students.

This the second course I have taken with Veta and I can honestly say she is the best professor that I have had at UBC. The expectations of the course are very clear and, should you put in the effort, it is very easy to do well in this course. She makes learning accessible for everyone and I have learned far more Russian than I could have expected!

Veta is super kind, caring, and clear in her explanations. I appreciate her supportive approach, and she's not a tough grader, which makes learning enjoyable. Grateful for the positive impact she's had on my academic journey. If you want to learn Russian, take her class! Truly one of the best language instructors here at UBC!

Veta is very caring. She tried her best to minimize stress by being very clear about exactly what type of questions to expect on tests and she redesigned the course so that there was no final exam. There was homework for each class, but it easy, wouldn't take too long, and was good consistent practice, which is necessary for a language course.

Wonderful professor gives easy marks to minimize students' stress. All assignments are participation marks and there is no final exam. Not plenty of readings at all, but lectures do matter! Definitely the best language course I have ever taken. Trust me, you won't regret it.

Veta is the best prof I've ever had at UBC so far. She cares a lot about her students, and provides personalised study plans for students at all different levels (Foreign learners, heritage students, native speakers, etc). In addition, she organises amazing Slavic Tea events with other profs of the department, great place for socialising!

Veta was an absolutely amazing professor, my best by far. I have learned much more Russian than I thought I was capable of and was very motivated to go to class each day. The structure of the course keeps you accountable and constantly challenged, the the results are very rewarding. I hope I get to take another course with Veta again!

Russ 101 was an excellent course, and highly recommended.

Very enthusiastic about teaching, her energy was contagious. I took introductory Russian, so it was already pretty easy, and Dr. Chitnev made learning really fun, which definitely helped.

made learning a new language less intimidating and easier than it usually is.

Amazing professor!

Veta really cares about her students and is passionate about the Russian language and culture (as she is Russian). She is also very open-minded and respectful of everyone and everyone's backgrounds and abilities. She is a fair marker, flexible, and friendly to talk to; you can find her anytime to ask for extra help or regrades.

Very passionate and energetic Russian lady, will answer all questions from grammar to culture

She's really caring and understands how difficult the course is for each student. She offers additional help and always makes sure that everyone is on the same page. I would really recommend this course to anyone who is looking to learn a new language just for fun!

TAKE THIS CLASS SHE IS AWESOME AND SO SO SO KIND YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT. YOU CAN ACE THIS CLASS SO EASILY JUST PUT IN LIKE HALF AN HOUR OF WORK A DAY OR MAYBE EVEN LESS

Lots of homework but if you're in STEM, it will definitely be less in volume and easier than other courses by a long shot. Veta actually makes learning a language easy and fun, and she's quite funny in class. I love her sm, wish I could take RUSS 101.

Could say this about most profs in the CENES department, but Veta radiates the energy of a Slavic grandma every single class. She is really warm in and outside class, and her classes don't only consist of language theories but also elements of Russian culture. Highly recommend taking a class of hers if you have elective points left!

Veta marks on homework, participation, quizzes, tests, and audio recording assignments. This encompasses all aspects of language learning from pronunciation to grammar. Her lectures are clear. She uploads all the slides on Canvas. If you miss a class, you can do a participation assignment to make up for it and still get full marks. She's wonderful!

I had an amazing time in this class not only because of the prof but also the other students. She made learning the language so fun and the homework wasn't too bad either. This was one of my favourite courses I've ever taken, 100% would recommend taking a course with this prof.

Veta is so sweet and encouraging. I felt very motivated throughout the term and was always excited to attend class. I highly recommend choosing an in-person section because it is extremely helpful to actively practice in class and you will also make friends. Keep up with the homework and you will do great. This class is very rewarding. I miss Veta!

Veta was very responsible, warm-hearted, and always willing to help every student. She explains everything clearly, cares about our progress, and makes the class enjoyable. Her grading is generous and fair, and she truly wants everyone to do well. I feel very lucky to have her as my teacher. Best course experience in UBC

I loved this class ! Veta is an amazing professor and I would 100% take this class again. I will miss her very much. Not a hard class at all, Veta makes you love the langage and wants you to succeed.

PLEASE take this class. Even if you end up disliking Russian, Veta is such a kind teacher and the actual class itself is so worth it, whenever I felt overwhelmed by my other courses I always knew I could rely on Russian just being a consistently good class. Lectures are fun and the homework after every class literally takes like 15 mins

Veta was a joy to have as a teacher! She truly cares about her students and takes into consideration that her class isn't the only thing on our plates. She took a difficult language for English speakers and made it extremely digestible. She kept the class engaged and she is overall a kind, funny, and great person and professor! Take this class!!!

Veta Chitnev is an amazing professor! She made Russian enjoyable and manageable. Classes are fast-paced, but going in person helps a lot—missing one means catching up online and you need the speaking practice for the final interview. She's caring, lenient, and respectful in all aspects. I definitely recommend her, even if Russian seems daunting.

Veta Chitnev creates a comfortable and encouraging environment that makes Russian far less intimidating! Because the lessons go by quickly, showing up is super helpful, and any missed class has to be completed online. The workload is fair, she's very supportive, and overall she's a fun person. I definitely recommend her!

Veta Chitnev is a wonderful professor. She is very kind, patient, and always willing to help. Her explanations are clear, and she makes learning Russian feel much easier. The class environment is positive and supportive, and she genuinely cares about her students. I really enjoyed taking her course and would definitely recommend her.

kind. motherly and encouraging. exams are easy if you keep up with work and the textbook. very responsive to feedback -- wants you to pass

Prof. Chitnev was genuinely my favorite prof ever at UBC. She was truly so caring and rooted for us to do well. Was extremely helpful, and the course is designed so you stay on top of your work. Absolutely amazing course esp if you have even a smidge of interest in languages. I had an insane course load and this course was a breath of fresh air.

Super nice and caring and overall great.

Veta is an incredibly caring instructor who makes a difficult language like Russian so simple to learn with engaging, interactive lectures and she genuinely wants to see her students succeed in learning the Russian language. I highly recommend you take this course for an arts elective as you also get to learn an important skill in the process.