The nominees of the PSU Award in the section of “International Student of the Year” took part in the project “Lessons of Friendship” that is an interactive and informative meeting of foreign nationals studying at Penza State University with schoolchildren of the city of Penza. The project was implemented in the Penza Regional Library for Children and Youth. This challenge was the first within the competition programme.

Schoolchildren were introduced to the cultures and traditions of Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, China, India, Algeria and Mongolia. Together with students they explored the history of states. In addition, schoolchildren sampled national cuisine and even received souvenirs. “The project “Lessons of Friendship” has been running for more than 5 years. This is a great opportunity not only to tell Penza schoolchildren about the traditions of other countries, but also to converge values by stimulating mutual interests and promoting joint affairs. This is a great chance to engage in intercultural dialogue,” noted Gleb Sintsov, Vice-Rector for International Affairs.

Earlier, the participants of the competition “International Student of the Year” received scores based on their academic performance and public engagement. There are two more challenges ahead of the competition participants. On 25 April 2022 they will have to write a test in the Russian language, and then they will create and defend projects under the POLIS Volga Educational Camp for International Students, which will be held from 13 to 16 May 2022.