When teaching the Russian language to foreign citizens, it is of great importance also to teach the history and culture of Russia. Immersion in the relevant cultural environment, getting to know national traditions allows one to better understand the peculiarities of the culture of any nation.

On December 9, 2024, students of the Pre-University Training Department (group 24ПО7) visited M.E. Saltykov-Shchedrin city library. The library staff conducted a short tour, where they spoke about Russian traditions and customs in an accessible way, but also showed national costumes of different peoples of Russia. Of course, the most interesting and entertaining part of the event for the students was Russian folk games. The students were pleased to take part in them. No one remained indifferent.

"Every year, about 200 foreign citizens come to the Pre-University Training Department of the Institute of International Cooperation, PSU. In their first year in Russia, they actively study Russian and adapt to the Russian education system. For some students, classes begin in September-October, but for the most of them the classes start in November and December. For students who came from warm countries, adapting to the Russian winter, the climate in general, culture, and learning the Russian language becomes quite a difficult task. Therefore, teachers and staff of the Pre-University Training Department of the Institute of International Cooperation regularly organize interesting and exciting events for students, which allow foreign citizens to overcome "culture shock", learn the history and traditions of our country, understand the structure of the Russian language and learn to love Russia," said Gleb Sintsov, Vice-Rector for International Affairs.