Caspian Forum of International Students was held in Astrakhan from 19th till 22nd of September, 2013. It was housed by Astrakhan State University and was attended by representatives from a number of cities and regions – Moscow, Volgograd, Samara, Stavropol, Kazan, Ryazan, the Republic of Kalmykia.

The forum’s major goals were to review issues of studying in Russia, discuss problems of social adaptation, legal status, employment opportunities during time off studies, responsibilities for violation of regulations. Also covered were topics of intercultural connections: preserving distinctive features of home culture and becoming conscious of culture and ways of life in Russia.

Penza State University was represented by Sergey Ivanchin, head of the Department of Social Adaptation and Cultural Work of the Institute of International Cooperation, and Azamat Yagshimuradov, an economy student of Penza State University, Institute of International Cooperation.

At the opening of the forum the guests were addressed by Prof. Aleksandr Lunyov, Rector of Astrakhan State University, Gabriel Anicet Kotchofa, ambassador of the Republic of Benin to Russia and first president of the Association of International Students in Russia, and Yao Nicaise Adou, the current president of the AIS.

Apart from official forum meetings and discussions, other events were held: workshops on social adaptation and employment opportunities, round-table discussion ‘Conversation’ on relations between administrative organs and foreign communities at universities, migration legislation, medical insurance, and academic issues. Entertainment programme included the festival of the Japanese cinema, concerts and city tours.

Forums of such scope are highly valuable and motivational for international students. They also contribute to the growth of the Russian language as a means of international communication.