Penza State University in the framework of the Russian-Chinese project "Volga-Yangtze" is launching a new cultural and educational online marathon in partnership with universities from China. It is an intensive programme of elementary study of the Russian language and culture and is called "Learn the Russian language and culture."

“We are launching it in a pilot mode so far. The project is designed for one month from 2nd November to 27th November, 2020. The programme is aimed at generating interest in learning the Russian language and culture and studying Russian at the A1-A2 level. Upon completion of the course, the issuance of a certificate (4 ECTS) is envisaged. Basic knowledge of Russian is not required. Classes are taught by experienced teachers of the Department of Foreign Languages and Methods of Teaching Foreign Languages of the Faculty of History, Languages and Literature, Institute of Teacher Education, PSU. English is used as an intermediary language,” said Olga Meshcheryakova, one of the project organizers, Head of the international Relations Office, Institute of International Cooperation, PSU.

“The marathon programme includes educational, cultural and informational components. The project envisages workshops on practical mastery of Russian traditional crafts and customs. The workshops are conducted by experienced researchers of Russian traditional culture and masters of applied art,” said Alla Tarkhova, Head of the Department for Cultural and Project Activities at PSU.

According to the organizers, the cultural and educational project will contribute to the development of partnerships between PSU and foreign universities and the formation of practical interest of partner universities students in Russian culture and studying the Russian language.