Sergey Mikhailov opening the meeting
On 26 December, the Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering held the ceremony summing up the year's results and awarding the activists of the International Students Council (ISC). At the traditional meeting, the most proactive students were recognized and the Council's work results for 2025 were presented.
Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs Sergey Mikhailov addressed the participants with a welcoming speech. He emphasized the importance of the International Students Council for the development of the university and its international community.
"Our university is one of the oldest and most respected in Russia, so we place special importance on traditions. We hold such meetings with the International Students Council regularly – twice a year – to review our achievements, recognize the most active students, and outline plans for the future," noted Sergey Vladimirovich.
The Vice-Rector outlined the university's overall 2025 performance. He noted that SPbGASU has received a new impetus for development by becoming one of the universities responsible for training engineering personnel to achieve technological leadership in the Russian Federation. He also noted an increase in student enrollment: today, the university has over 14,000 students, including approximately 500 international students from 54 countries.
"International activities remain one of our priorities. And what you do as part of the International Students Council—in study groups, at events, and on projects—is a significant contribution to the university's development. For this, I want to sincerely thank you," emphasized the Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs.
During the meeting, the Chair of the ISC, Antonia Angelova, presented a report on the work accomplished during the fall semester. In the fall of 2025, the Council held more than ten events, including Russian Conversation Club sessions, cultural and educational meetings, master classes, excursions around St Petersburg and the Leningrad Region, and participation in city and inter-university forums. Particular attention was paid to the adaptation of international students, familiarization with Russian traditions, and the development of intercultural dialogue.
The Council's active creative and volunteer activities, the organization of photo zones, New Year's events, and the participation of university graduates in the life of the student community were particularly noted.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of letters of gratitude to the members of the ISC for their contribution to the development of international and student life at SPbGASU. Participants noted the warm atmosphere of the meeting and expressed their willingness to continue their joint work in the new year.
After the official part of the event, members of the International Students Council continued their interactions in an informal setting. Participants went to the "Growth Point" for a Christmas tree-making workshop, which helped create a festive atmosphere in anticipation of the New Year.
