On 4 August 2023, training sessions for teachers of the Russian language and literature from among compatriots living abroad started at Lobachevsky University. The lectures at Lobachevsky University are part of a large-scale programme of professional development courses taking place in Nizhny Novgorod from 2 to 12 August.

The courses are organised by the Federal Agency for the Commonwealth of Independent States, Compatriots Living Abroad and International Humanitarian Cooperation (Rossotrudnichestvo) together with the Government of the Nizhny Novgorod region. The programme is hosted by three universities in Nizhny Novgorod: Lobachevsky  University, Minin State Pedagogical University and Dobrolyubov State Linguistic University. The programme participants include 26 teachers of the Russian language and literature from Abkhazia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Uzbekistan and South Ossetia.

Lectures at Lobachevsky University are scheduled for 4-5 August. Alexander Bedny, UNN Vice-Rector for International Affairs and Networking, addressed the participants with a welcoming speech:

"Russian is the language of interethnic, international communication. Promotion of the Russian language, methodological support for Russian language teachers abroad is a strategic priority of Lobachevsky University. The programme for Russian teachers from neighbouring countries is unique in its content. It is both an excellent opportunity to provide teaching support to our colleagues abroad, to share UNN's experience as a major international centre for Russian language teaching, and to establish new contacts and interaction with schools abroad. Besides, it is a great opportunity to show our foreign guests Nizhny Novgorod and Lobachevsky University".

The main goal of the courses is to help professionals enhance their teaching of the Russian language and literature and strengthen ties with their historical homeland. The programme includes lectures on methods of teaching Russian as a foreign language, techniques of scientific and cultural diplomacy and innovative pedagogical technologies. Larisa Grekhneva, Associate Professor of the Department of Teaching Russian in Other Language Environments at the UNN Institute of Philology and Journalism, conducted the first session for the programme participants.

"The lecture was about linguistic and cultural studies. The main goal of the course was to deepen and broaden the students' understanding of this concept in relation to the study of Russian as a foreign language. Nowadays the study of language in the context of culture, history, tradition, etiquette is a recognised practice in teaching methodology. We considered the tools and ways of presenting the material of linguistic and cultural studies in the classroom. Apart from that, I told about the potential of a fiction text as a source of information about the linguistic aspects of the country’s culture. We also talked about the national specifics of Russian speech etiquette, about the peculiarities of communicative behaviour of Russians in the most common situations related to etiquette. These are very important points in the process of teaching Russian as a foreign language," Larisa Grekhneva said.

In addition to the educational activities, the University prepared for the guests a tour to its Botanical Garden. The organisers also prepared an extensive cultural programme, including thematic excursions, master classes, sightseeing at the most famous landmarks of Nizhny Novgorod and the region. Marina Petrosyan, a participant of the course, Russian language teacher at school No.1 in Vanadzor (Armenia), noted that this is a very important component of the programme:

"I am connected with Russia on a genetic level, its customs and culture are very close to me. This is my first time in Nizhny Novgorod. The atmosphere here is pleasant, people are friendly, everything is well organised, you can feel the caring attitude towards the trainees at every stage of the programme. Nizhny Novgorod is a very beautiful, growing city. We enjoyed wonderful walks around the city, so we could feel the city’s atmosphere and get acquainted with its cultural peculiarities. We thank the organisers of the programme for the insightful sessions".