Alexander Bedny: "Individual approach is a priority in our work with international students"

On March 29, a  round table discussion themed "Prospects for the development of international marketing of Russian higher education" was held at the venue of the Russian International Affairs Council. Lobachevsky University was represented by Alexander Bedny, Vice-Rector for International Affairs, and staff members of the UNN Office for International Promotion and Competitiveness Analysis.

The participants discussed the prospects for the development of inter-university cooperation, the latest trends in international marketing and opportunities for their adaptation, as well as tools for university promotion under current and potential constraints, changes in university strategies in the foreign Internet space and other issues.

During the discussion of the issues raised during the round table, its participants concluded that there is a need to promptly update the methods used in the field of international marketing and the tools for university promotion in view of current and potential restrictions. Representatives of a number of Russia’s leading universities also spoke about the principles of working with international students in the new environment.

Alexander Bedny shared the experience of Lobachevsky University in this field.

"Attention and individual approach are the priorities of our university in working with international students and in the development of education export. This becomes especially important in current conditions," he noted. "The university has implemented a 24/7 support system for international students, and there are many activities for social adaptation and cross-cultural exchange. Projects and initiatives aimed at attracting talented foreign applicants play an important role in further promotion in the international education market. For example, the International Olympiad in Russian language "Lobachevsky/RU" is coming to a close now, with 630 foreign citizens from 71 countries taking part in the competition this year. The Olympiad was included in the list of the Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education, which allows the winners and runners-up of the Olympiad to be eligible for tuition-free Master's degree programmes."