The first Forum of International Alumni "Russian Language without Borders"
On December 18, Lobachevsky University hosted the Forum of International Alumni "Russian Language without Borders", marking the first event of its kind in the university's history. It was held as part of the 110th anniversary of Lobachevsky University, which will be celebrated next year.
Olga Petrova, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, addressed the Forum participants in a video message: "For many years, the university has been very active and successful in working with international students, creating opportunities for their development and self-fulfilment. Students from other countries become the proponents of the Russian language, education, technology and culture in their homeland. They bring to the world the knowledge, values and traditions that they received in Russia, in Nizhny Novgorod. I would like to thank Rector Oleg Trofimov, Vice-Rector for Strategic Development and International Affairs Alexander Bedny and the entire university team, who work daily to make international students feel comfortable so that they can take advantage of all the opportunities created in our country. Together we are implementing the national development goals set by the President."
The main highlight of the Forum was the ceremony where delegates announced and endorsed the Charter of the League of International Ambassadors of UNN. This charter is focused on enhancing Lobachevsky University's international standing and global brand, advancing educational programmes, technologies, Russian language, and culture in the global scientific and educational community, fostering collaboration and networking with top international organisations, attracting talented young people for studies and research, and supporting the professional growth and career development of graduates. In the near future, the university's most active graduates will assume the role of international ambassadors and start working on joint projects with Lobachevsky University in foreign countries.
Some 50 international graduates and students took part in the discussion of the future support programme for foreign alumni, the Lobachevsky International Alumni Lounge Club. The International Alumni Reception Hub, a distributed alumni support office under the auspices of the UNN Department for International Cooperation, will coordinate a network of international ambassadors. The ambassadors' efforts will focus on bringing together UNN's international alumni across different countries, regions, or industries. Candidates for the ambassador role will first go through a competitive selection process and receive the necessary training to effectively represent the university on the international stage. At present, over 2,200 international students from nearly a hundred countries worldwide are enrolled at UNN, including those studying at the Centre for Educational Programmes for Foreign Citizens (preparatory department). The top 10 countries with the most students at Lobachevsky University are Turkmenistan, Egypt, Uzbekistan, Iraq, Algeria, Ecuador, Kazakhstan, Iran, Syria, and China.
"The Russian language serves as a bridge connecting cultures, and our graduates are among those who build its core pillars. Over the past 20 years since the Faculty for International Students was established, our university has trained more than 2,000 international students from over a hundred countries. They have become ambassadors of the Russian language and culture. The first forum of international alumni of UNN, titled 'Russian Language Without Borders,' represents a new format for sustained dialogue that we propose to international alumni, businesses, and the academic community. Following the forum, the League of International Ambassadors of UNN will be formed, and a loyalty programme for foreign graduates will be launched. We expect these initiatives to foster long-term international cooperation and people-to-people diplomacy. We will continue to develop the international educational environment: launch modern educational programmes, create comfortable learning conditions and career opportunities. The Forum has great potential to become an annual tradition, a growth point for new initiatives and joint projects. I hope for your active involvement," noted Oleg Trofimov, Rector of Lobachevsky University, during the opening ceremony.
The forum was held at the UNN Institute of Philology and Journalism, bringing together more than 250 participants – students and graduates of the university. The event featured round tables for Russian language teachers abroad, leaders and representatives of the communities of foreign graduates of Russian universities, a teleconference with alumni, an exhibition of national cultures, and simulator games. Students and guests received memorable gifts, and there was an interactive photo zone. It included a large world map where those who wished marked their country and pasted a sticker in their native language with words of wishes to Lobachevsky University. The forum concluded with a concert and a performance by the UNN Academic Choir.
"20 years ago, UNN admitted international students for the first time, and I, along with my colleagues, stood at the origins of this work. Now, looking at the faces of graduates from completely different fields, I understand that we are united by our love for the Russian language, culture, Lobachevsky University and Nizhny Novgorod. I transferred the careful approach to interethnic relations, the atmosphere of unity and friendship that were established here 20 years ago to my work at Minin University, and this attracts even more international students to our city. That is why it is so important to hold the Forum of International Alumni annually, and give our former students the opportunity to return to the university after graduation, and then choose our city for their children to study!" said Lilia Erushkina, Vice–Rector for International Cooperation at Minin University.
In July 2025, UNN celebrated the 20th anniversary of the development of the education system for international students. On July 21, 2005, the Faculty for International Students was established at Lobachevsky University in order to expand the export of education and further integrate into the international educational space. About 80 young people who studied in Russian-language programmes became the first international students of UNN. The following year, the university opened a preparatory department at the Faculty for International Students, where representatives of other countries studied Russian and completed pre-university training programmes.
