The 12th International Student Forum “Dialogue of Cultures” took place at Penza State University. The history of the forum began in 2012: then the representatives of seven countries participated in this multinational festive event. This time, students from 48 countries joined the forum.

“You speak different languages, profess different religions, cherish different traditions and customs, celebrate different holidays. You are united by youth, energy, lust for knowledge and love for our country - Russia. We are glad that you have chosen the Penza Region to receive education and to explore the Russian culture. We are grateful to the leadership of Penza State University for preserving and upholding excellent traditions of education and interethnic communication of youth in the Penza Region. The international activity of the university is constantly advancing. You annually graduate more than 300 foreign specialists, who successfully confirm their diplomas in their countries. The International Office helps alumni keep in touch with each other, so that even as adults, who have already brought up their children, they come to Penza for alumni reunions. Dear friends, we are always glad to see you, representatives of student youth from different countries, in the Penza Region. Let your study years at Penza State University be some of the best in your life,” Sergei Fedotov, Vice-Governor of the Penza Region, opened the forum.

Young people from Central Asia, Southeast Asia, Middle East and Africa came to the Penza Region for good education.

Welcoming the forum participants, Aleksandr Guliakov, Rector of Penza State University, called on foreign students of PSU to become ambassadors of the world. “We are holding this large international event for the twelfth time, the essence of which boils down to the fact that we all should be friends, respect each other, appreciate and build cooperation. It is gratifying that today the representatives of almost 50 countries are here. We are different with different languages, religions and cultures, but we are united by one principle - we are humans. How interesting it is that we are drawn to each other, and how great it is that we respect each other,” stressed Aleksandr Guliakov.

Among the honorary guests of the forum were the representatives of embassies, educational institutions and outstanding graduates from the Kingdom of Morocco, Republic of India , Republic of Tajikistan, as well as the representatives of national diasporas living in the Penza Region.

Sukhrob Abdulloev, Attaché for Educational Affairs of the Embassy of the Republic of Tajikistan in the Russian Federation addressed the guests on behalf of the Embassy of the Republic of Tajikistan. “Such large-scale events provide an excellent opportunity to discuss many current issues, including Russian-Tajik relations, as well as to exchange new ideas, interests and insights. This platform is an evidence that the younger generation is ready for constructive dialogue and great creativity, and we are convinced that this will give a start to new promising initiatives,” noted the distinguished guest.

This year is a landmark year for Penza State University: it is 35 years since the start of international activity at PSU. The first students arrived in Penza from Cambodia in 1988 to learn Russian. Three years later, students from India arrived to study mechanical engineering, foundry and computer systems. Every year, more and more young people from around the world arrive at PSU to master teacher training, engineering, medicine and many other domains. Almost 3000 students from 50 countries are now studying at Penza State University.

“Thousands of students study at Penza State University. We are all different, but we are together. We are students, we are friends, and we are thrilled to see representatives of so many nationalities today. Let marvellous and memorable moments happen at the forum today,” emphasized Daria Kulakova, Chairperson of the Student Council at Penza State University.

Chairman of the Association of International Students of the Penza Region Adel Maqbol expressed confidence that Penza State University unites countries. “Dialogue of cultures is what it is, what we see every day at the university. PSU is a territory where peace and friendship reign among Russian and foreign students. All conditions have been created here for students to make them feel at home,” thanked the alma mater Adel Maqbol.

The forum featured 14 thematic venues devoted to the cultures of the Russian, Belarusian, Tatar, Mordovian, Chuvash, Armenian, Tajik, Kyrgyz, Uzbek, Dagestan, Arabic, African, Indian and Chinese peoples.

In front of the building 8, a whole theatrical performance unfolded with a parade of flags, a catwalk in folk costumes and national dances. The guests explored the culture of the countries, sampled national cuisine, sang folk songs, tried on costumes, and took part in master classes. The venues with the songs and dances of the peoples and with the games from around the world were open for the students, staff and guests of Penza State University.

The forum was organized by the Center for Culture, International Education Office and International Relations Office. The event continued with a gala concert dedicated to the 35th anniversary of PSU international activity in the concert hall of building 5. The best international students were awarded with letters of gratitude from the Rector of Penza State University. Then international students presented their creativity to the guest.

On behalf of the Rector’s office, First Vice-Rector Dmitry Artamonov congratulated PSU students and staff on successful international activity. “Students from different countries warmly communicate with each other, dance, sing, tell various stories about their friendship, education and social life at Penza State University, which brings together people from around the world and this makes both Russia and their countries stronger. About 3000 international students are learning the Russian language, Russian culture, receiving education, immersing in science, and it is very pleasant that they will take a piece of Russia to their homeland. Let us hope that the children of our students will follow their steps and choose Penza and Penza State University,” emphasized Dmitry Artamonov.

Photo report