On February 18, an initiation ceremony took place for first–year international students of Lobachevsky University enrolled in the programs taught in English. More than 70 first-year students who study International Relations, Fundamental Computer Science and Information Technologies, Mathematics and Computer Science, Economics and Management have successfully passed their exams, and thus can be rightly considered full-fledged members of the student community.  Each academic group presented at the celebration national songs and dances, as well as short films about foreign students’ difficult first steps in Russia and about their getting acquainted with Russian culture. Some students, who have already proved their achievements in the studies and in extra-curricular activities at the Faculty for International Students, were awarded diplomas in the categories "Best Film about Lobachevsky  University","Best Presentation of the Native Country", "For Excellent Achievements in Studies".

In addition, a number of senior students received special awards for their active participation in student initiative groups: Asfa Latif Kunamparambil (India), Thelma Kuky Leeuw (South Africa) and Kennedy Letogela (Botswana). The atmosphere of the evening event was warm and friendly. Students took part in various competitions demonstrating their team spirit in the pursuit of new knowledge. At the end of the evening, participants were symbolically linked with "bonds of friendship". The Faculty for International Students  wishes its freshmen every success in their studies and in the implementation of their creative ideas.