On 13 October 2023, the M.E. Saltykov-Shchedrin City Library no. 2 hosted the 4th interactive brain game “Battle of Minds” among international students of the Penza Region. The event was organised by the Department of Student Affairs (International Education Office, Penza State University) and supported by the Association of International Students of the Penza Region. The game “Battle of Minds” aims at extending social and cultural knowledge and intercultural competences among students, developing their teamwork skills and broadening their horizons, as well as promoting cooperation among the higher education institutions of the region in terms of a modern approach to extracurricular activities of international students.

This year, the brain game “Battle of Minds” brought together 6 teams: one from Penza State Agrarian University, one from Penza State University of Architecture and Construction, one from Penza State Technological University and three teams representing Penza State University, namely the “International Team”, the “Kyrgyz Team” and the “Women’s Team”. The game traditionally consisted of 4 stages, including general knowledge quiz and questions from the field of cinema, music and world records.

“The game “Battle of Minds” is an effective tool for adapting foreign nationals studying in Russian universities. Moreover, this interactive project can become an innovative method for training students to progress to high professional performance,” said Gleb Sintsov, Vice-Rector for International Affairs.

At the end of the game, bronze medals were taken by international students from Penza State University of Architecture and Construction. The “International Team” (international KVN team of Penza State University) won silver medals. The winner of the brain game “Battle of Minds” was the team from Penza State Technological University.

The organizers express sincere gratitude to the staff of the M.E. Saltykov-Shchedrin City Library no. 2 and Children’s Centre “Unity” and personally Elena Lobankina for their assistance in arranging and holding the game.