The best graduates, socially active students, sportsmen and performing artists among international students of Penza State University visited Tula, the hero-city, on the threshold of celebrating the Day of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. This trip was arranged by the International Education Office, Institute of International Cooperation, in order to acquaint foreign citizens with Russian history.

International students of our university being the representatives of more than 10 countries saw the major memorable places and sights of the city located 185 kilometers south of Moscow on the Central Russian Upland. The students visited Tula Kremlin, the most significant city sight built in the beginning of the 16th century. Then they had a loop tour. The excursion programme also included a visit to Tula State Museum of Weapons. It is one of the oldest weapons museums in Russia. A great number of items exhibited are unique and they are the most singular historical artifacts in the world.

The students were particularly impressed by Yasnaya Polyana (Bright Glade), the estate-museum of outstanding Russian writer Leo Tolstoy. It is the estate where he lived and created his magnificent pieces of work. It was as if the international students carried back to the times of the prominent writer.

“I really like Tula. It is the first time I take part in the tour around Russia and I have very positive impression and emotions of the trip. It is very interesting and informative,” Mohamed Abdelrakhman, the first-year student of the Medical Institute, PSU from Egypt, commented on the trip. He was declared the best vocalist at the Studencheskaya Vesna (Student Spring Talent Show) of the Institute of International Cooperation.

“We hold such events not only to adapt our students, but also to show them the country and its culture where he will spend their years of study. Late in the afternoon at sunset the students organized an unexpected youth flash mob at Lenin Square. Master class of contemporary and national dance attracted local people of different ages. It caused a storm of emotions. Let me remind that from 15th to 20th of May, 2017 the anniversary XXV All-Russian Student Spring Festival will be held in Tula. The international students of PSU are fond of participating in such events. That’s why this trip is very symbolic,” emphasised Sergei Ivanchin, the head of the Students Affairs Department, International Education Office, PSU.