The meeting participants
On 6 November, the Saint Petersburg State University of Industrial Technologies and Design (SPbSUITD) held a meeting with the team behind the project "Adventures of Foreigners in Russia," which is implemented with the support of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation. The event brought together representatives from various St Petersburg universities to share their experiences in helping international students adapt and to discuss prospects for inter-university cooperation
SPbGASU was represented at the meeting by Antonia Angelova, Chair of the university’s International Students Council.
Natalia Belyaeva, head of the "Adventures of Foreigners in Russia" project, told participants about initiatives designed to introduce international students to Russian culture, history, and traditions, as well as opportunities for them to get involved in social and student life.
The event included a round table focusing on best practices for the adaptation of international students. Representatives from universities in St Petersburg shared their experience in implementing student-led initiatives, highlighted successful projects, and discussed key issues that international students encounter during their studies and their integration into the university environment.
Performance by Antonia Angelova
Special attention was given to the role of student self-governance in fostering a comfortable and open educational environment. Antonia Angelova presented the experience of the SPbGASU International Students Council, which focuses on supporting international students, promoting intercultural engagement, and encouraging their active participation in university life.
One of the promising initiatives presented during the meeting was an invitation to join the "Adventures of Foreigners in Russia" project as ambassadors. This opportunity will allow proactive international students to serve as facilitators of cultural dialogue, introduce the student community to the project’s offerings, share their own experiences of living and studying in Russia, and take part in the implementation of joint events and initiatives.
The participation of SPbGASU representatives in such events fosters inter-university collaboration, facilitates the dissemination of successful practices for the adaptation of international students, and strengthens the international student community in St Petersburg.