The Foreign Student Experience

This was the eighth such conference, and the group was led by Dr Elena Nazarenko, who is the Director of the Cross-Cultural Communication Centre. It is a chance for foreign students to air their opinions to authorities and decision makers in education. The delegates are encouraged to identify ways of integrating cultural idioms into the Russian system. The focus is on providing support to visiting students whose stay in Russia is limited to the duration of their studies. Often, cultural norms for visiting students are not available in Russia, like access to a Hindu temple, for example. The conference addresses these issues in a sensitive way, and looks for mutually respectful solutions.

It is hoped that these efforts will increase interest in Russian education, and promote friendly relations in the future.