The First International Forum of Foreign Graduates of the Volga Region was held in Penza State University on Thursday, 23rd June. Its participants were more than 150 students from various countries of the world who study in universities of the Penza Region, and also international graduates and students from Moscow and the Volga Region.

“Our communication with foreign graduates is close and multisided. When they leave for their home countries, the students don’t forget their alma mater – Penza State University. Some of them stay in Russia, they continue their studies or get a job”, said Sergey Ivanchin, Head of Student Affairs Department.

Within the forum framework a round-table discussion took place – meeting of the International Students Club. Its participants were Sergei Vasin, Vice-Rector for International Affairs, Damir Saldaev, Head of International Education Office, Orhkan Novruzov, Chairman of the International Students Association of the Penza Region, Sergei Anisimov, Chairman of the Students Council of PSU, Vitaly Lukin, Chairman of Trade Union Committee of Students and Post-Graduate Students, employees of International Education Office of PSU, PSU international graduates.

The participants of the round-table discussion emphasized that it is necessary to conduct active work with the graduates, to keep in touch with them. It will definitely contribute to strengthening the image of PSU at the international level and to increasing the university social status.

“We are always sad to part with our graduates – intelligent, kind, active, and creative students as you are. But the doors of PSU are always open for you. You can go on with your studies and take a master degree course and just come and visit us. We are always happy to see you!”, said Damir Saldaev.

Sergei Vasin, Vice Rector for International Affairs, expressed his hope that the International Forum of Foreign Graduates will become traditional. “We are planning to open branches of the International Graduates Club of PSU in the countries which the students come from to study at our university”, said S. Vasin at the meeting.

Yang Ming from China, the graduate student of the Faculty of History, Languages and Literature, suggested that PSU should organize alumni reunions. “It would be nice to have anniversary reunions of graduates, who have achieved success in different areas of professional and creative activity, as it will also help social adaptation of international students”, said Yang Ming.

The Forum was closed with a concert, where the brightest graduated were awarded letters of gratitude.

This year 126 international students will receive higher education diplomas, 14 of them are with distinction.

The Forum was held within the framework of implementing the programme of developing students’ unions activities “From knowledge to success 4.0” supported by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation.