The Club of International Communications was opened at South Ural State University on November 21. The Department of Management of the SUSU School of Economics and Management founded the club.
South Ural State University has been participating in Program 5-100 on improving the competitiveness of the leading Russian universities for several years now. Within this program a large number of foreign students come to study at the university.
The club was opened in the framework of a "Rosmolodezh" project, the "7 Fest" regional family festival, associated with the study of cultural traditions of foreigners. With the help of this project one may see integration of foreign students into educational process, as well as assistance in the study of cultural values of different countries.
Alena Levina, Head of the Department of Management of the SUSU School of Economics and Management, has become a director of the Club of International Communications. She notes that the main objective of the club is to assist foreign students to make themselves at home, learn cultural traditions and obtain professional skills.
“Coming to Russia, foreign students will have to adapt as they come alone into a new environment. The club provides several options: introducing new things about our country, our city and the university. With students we attend various cultural events, introduce them to the major employers and representatives of the leading companies and enterprises. By no means, it is important for students to get to know each other, as it can be useful not only in the present, but also in the future.”
Due to the fact that foreign students study in several educational programmes related to international business, strategic innovative marketing and international trade, the club will develop competences in economics and management.
The event was moderated by Natalia Zavialova, Program Director of the charity fund for support and development of local society and senior lecturer of the Department of Management, and Yana Dobrynina, a business-coach and an expert in brand management, Associate Professor of the Department of Management. Olga Kozina, an expert in client service management, Bachelor of IHTTI School of Hotel Management, University of Wales Master and business coach became the first guest of the club. Olga shared her experience in adaptation in such countries as UAE, Greece, Great Britain, as well as life hacks for living and studying in a foreign country.
Natalia Pravdina, Vice-Director for Strategy of the School of Economics and Management, was among the participants of the event.
“I think this club has been founded to create a sort of interactive environment for communication between foreign students. They have an opportunity to feel at home and get to know each other. In the club they will be able to learn more about the culture of our country, society and the city. I like the format of such meetings a lot. I believe it will help students adapt easily.”
According to Natalia Pravdina, difficulties with understanding of the Russian language and the lack of warm climate can negatively affect foreign students staying in Chelyabinsk, but the administration of the Club of International Communications will contribute to a comfortable life of students during their education at SUSU. No-tie meetings, smart games and other entertaining activities will be organized for students.
At the event, the representatives of 15 countries introduced themselves, spoke about what inspired them, as well as difficulties they faced while adapting to life in Russia, and the resulted positive experience.
“I like being here. I haven’t had an experience of studying abroad before. Sometimes the weather is very cold in Chelyabinsk, which is a challenge for me. However, I don’t have any problems with the local cuisine and people. This club will be useful for me as I have met a lot of friends from different countries,” shares his impressions a student of the School of Economics and Management Joel Kwame.
In the second part of the event, foreign students took part in smart games. This concept of entertainment was not chosen by chance. According to the club’s administration, the games support a practice-oriented learning process.
In the future, the administration of the Club of International Communications is planning to hold three events every month.