Sabina Spielrein as a Student of the University of Zurich

The paper analyzes the student period of S. N. Spielrein's life. In Section I the author discusses the importance of the correspondence between the student's personal and socio-demographic characteristics and the requirements of the institute of higher education for its students, as well as its socio-psychological atmosphere. Next, from this point of view the author (a) analyzes personal traits of Sabina Spielrein, which enabled her to enter the University of Zurich in 1905, (b) emphasizes her proficiency in foreign languages and Latin, which was an obligatory condition to enter university for that period of time, (c) notes a positive role of her parents, who tried to give the best education to their children. The article examines the role of universities in Switzerland, including the University of Zurich, in higher education of Russian students in the period from the end of the19th century to the beginning of the First World War. Since, accessing higher education was impossible for women in Russia in that period of time, the number of Russian female students in Western universities increased considerably from the 1890s. The beginning of the 20th century created favorable conditions for Russian students to enter the universities of Switzerland, which facilitated Sabina Spielrein's adaptation to studying at the University of Zurich. The author draws a conclusion that Sabina Spielrein's studying at the University of Zurich fulfilled a psychotherapeutic function, developed her logical thinking, enabled her to overcome some complexes, and improved communication skills. She became a physician, that was prestigious for that time. This profession rendered her a great service in the last years of her life in Rostov-on-don, when she was forbidden to practise psychoanalysis.