ASU hosted a school for foreign students

1 June 2016 International Affairs Department

Specialized school for foreign students “Cultural Dialogue” was held on 29 May 2016 on the premises of Krasilovo camping site of Altai State University.

Growing number of international students at Altai State University coming from expanding collaboration between ASU and foreign universities, especially Asian ones, increases the relevance of problems concerning relationships of representatives of different cultures and requires more efforts in helping foreign students adapt to living in Russia.

The difference in traditions and culture and the language barrier often complicate the process of communication for international students in everyday situations and during classes. ASU supports the foreigners in every possible way, helps to adapt to a different country, different culture and university life. It is known that students’ communication skills form not only during lectures and seminars, but also in informal circumstances.

For the purpose of international students’ communication skills development ASU organized a summer school “Cultural Dialogue” for the second time. The school was organized in the framework of ASU Student Associations Development Program and a series of events dedicated to ASU anniversary. The school was organized by the International Affairs Department, ASU Student League, Asian Universities Association and Association of International Students.

The school participants included ASU students from China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Russia.

The event was aimed at establishing intercultural dialogue, strengthening international cooperation between Russian and foreign students, promotion and popularization of the Russian language and culture among Asian students, developing international academic mobility.

The school program consisted of different events. It began with interactive practical lesson oriented at shaping speaking skills, which was organized by experts in intercultural communication of the Faculty of Mass Communication, Philology and Political Science. Head of the Department of Theory and Practice of Journalism, Doctor of Philology, Professor Elena V. Lukashevich delivered a lecture on the oral speech that gradually turned into masterclass on speaking etiquette conducted by lecturer of the Faculty of Mass Communication, Philology and Political Science Vitaliy A. Shelbogashev. In the course of everyday conversation simulation the international students got to know each other’s  communication traditions, discussed the key problems connected with living in Russia, defined the similarities and differences between the cultures of different countries.

Moderators of psychological training “Ecology of Interpersonal Communication: Difficulty and Easiness in Interaction” were dean of the Faculty of Psychology and Pedagogics, Candidate of Psychology, Assistant Professor Olga M. Lyubimova and Candidate of Psychology, Assistant Professor Marina V. Shamardina. In the course of the training the students performed a number of creative tasks and got to know each other better. The students learned the basic psychological principles of communication, realized the importance of knowing how to make a self-presentation, practiced the skill of paying complements and made game exercises.

In the framework of cultural and sport part of the program the students participated in lake rafting organized by head of ASU Tourist Center Andrey Dudnik. It was the first rafting experience for the majority of school participants. They tried their hands in this sport and understood that it requires both physical fitness and well-coordinated teamwork.

The international students received vast experience in intercultural communication, acquired the helpful skills and got positive emotions from studying and spending their time at ASU. At the end of the event they shared their impressions.

Bagilya Dosmuratova, Kazakhstan, Faculty of History:

“I enjoyed being a part of specialized school “Cultural Dialogue”. We had a lot of fun. We listened to the lectures of Altai State University lecturers, had heated debates on cultural peculiarities and traditions of different nationalities. Rafting competition has stuck in my memory most of all. The atmosphere was friendly and inviting. The summer school was informative and useful. I am grateful to organizers for the opportunity to participate in the school!”

Shynar Mukanova, Kazakhstan, Faculty of History:

“I would like to share my impression of the summer school. I liked literally everything, from the beginning to the end. The day passed very quickly, the program was very interesting and entertaining. I would like to express deep gratitude to the organizers and lecturers for the work they’ve done. I have learned a lot of new things. The games helped us feel the friendly atmosphere and find the common ground despite of different nationalities and cultures. Sport program brought a lot of positive emotions. I went rafting for the first time and really enjoyed it! I found a lot of new friends and gained life experience!”

Nurzhan K. Bakieva, Kyrgyzstan, Faculty of Biology:

“In spite of rainy weather, mosquitos and ticks, I didn’t want to miss out on the chance to participate in the school. I don’t regret it now, it was really exciting. I liked the sport part most of all, where I tried rafting for the first time. I also liked the moment when we complimented each other. I think it was pleasant to hear the sincere words, when we tried to express our positive opinion about another person. By the way, we had a delicious lunch and coffee-break! We had a lot of fun regardless of rain and mosquitos. I made new friends, they are very nice, kind, intelligent, gorgeous, easy-going and active. I want to thank the organizers for this. I have fallen in love with ASU even more.”

Zokirzoda Firuzdzhoni Bakhtier, Tajikistan, Faculty of History:

“First of all I would like to thank the organizers and ASU authorities for the opportunity. We, students from different countries with different culture, have become closer to each other. The day was very intensive. Cultural and educational events helped us discover new horizons of self-development. We are proud that we study at Altai State University and that every one of us has made a small contribution to friendly relations between different nations and cultures.”

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