UNN co-hosted the "Export of Education" conference in Nizhny Novgorod
The International Conference "Export of Education: Intercultural Communications and Translation of National Cultural Values" took place in Nizhny Novgorod on December 7-8 at the venue of several educational institutions with the participation of representatives from 20 countries.
Taking part in the plenary session were distinguished guests: Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Bosnia and Herzegovina Zeljko Samardzija, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of China Zhang Hanhui, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation Grigory Gurov. Experts from Moscow, Novosibirsk, St. Petersburg, Tatarstan, Tomsk, Tula and Nizhny Novgorod shared their experience in attracting foreign students to Russian universities. Roman Strongin, Chairman of the Council of Rectors of the Volga Federal District Higher Educational Institutions and President of Lobachevsky University, made a presentation "International educational projects after the opening of Nizhny Novgorod".
"The Nizhny Novgorod region is rightfully considered one of the leading centres of science, education and innovation in the Russian Federation. It is our intellect that is our main resource for development. Our region is also attractive in terms of educating young people from abroad. Today, about six thousand international students from 110 countries study at the region's universities. We provide them with all the opportunities to get quality education and professions that are in demand," said Andrey Sanosyan, Deputy Governor of the Nizhny Novgorod region, in his welcoming speech.
Participants of discussion platforms held on December 8 at leading Nizhny Novgorod universities discussed the role of educational institutions in preventing interethnic conflicts, as well as problems of civil and patriotic education of young people, extremism and tolerance in the discourse of intercultural communication.
Lobachevsky University hosted a panel discussion on "Internationalisation in a Changing World: The Imperative of Transformation". More than 40 representatives of Russian and foreign universities took part in the discussion, both face-to-face and online. Speakers from four countries - Belarus, Serbia, Uzbekistan and Russia - spoke about their experience in attracting international students. Thus, Konstantin Kozadaev, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs and Internationalization of Education at the Belarusian State University, said that in choosing a university for their studies, applicants should consider three conditions: the prestige of the university, the cost of education and comfort of living. Vice-Rector for Strategic Development and Partnership of the St. Petersburg State University Anastasia Yarmosh noted that interest from foreign applicants to their university is growing, in particular, there have been many applications from those wishing to study in St. Petersburg from African countries. During the meeting, experts noted that in order to attract students from abroad, it is important to properly use the university social networks and websites. The human factor also plays an important role: a student will go to study to a university if his or her compatriots study there.
"Changes in international politics and the introduction of new sanctions have presented a new challenge to the research and education sector in our country. However, it is precisely at such moments that new opportunities for development arise. This year has been a breakthrough year for many Russian universities - and Lobachevsky University is no exception - in terms of forging new links and establishing partnerships and friendly relations with universities abroad. We make frequent working visits to leading universities in CIS countries and other friendly countries and host their representatives at UNN. We are opening new joint educational programmes and making big plans for the future," said Elena Zagaynova, Rector of Lobachevsky University.
