Voronezh University: VSU students are lobbyists of our university abroad
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Svetlana Alekseeva
One hundred years ago Voronezh opened its own university, consisting of pedagogical stuff that transferred from Tartu. Today VSU is the biggest university accommodating foreign students in Chernozemye region. The Head of the International Collaboration Оleg Belenov rationalizes what makes Voronezh State University attractive for foreigners.
Voronezh State University anticipates a special anniversary: the State Committee issued a resolution on education in the new Russian State 100 years ago, on May 18, 1918. In particular, it stated: “Consider it necessary to open university in Voronezh using assets and disengaged stuff of the evacuated universities.”
Voronezh State University. Picture: VSU website/Facebook
The issue was referred to the transfer of The University of Yuryev (Dorpat) from Estonia, which under German occupation was transformed into the German institution. Upon these circumstances, Russian academic staff and students had to leave Estonian territory. It was decided to take refuge in Russia, giving rise to the VSU founded by Alexander the First back in 1802.
At the time, the city had only one higher education institution - Agricultural University. Thus, the Voronezh State University opened in the capital of the Central Chernozemye Region 100 years ago.
Today VSU is one of the biggest universities of the region. It comprises 18 departments, 16 research laboratories, 10 teaching and research centers.
Starting working with students from abroad in 1961, this university has become one of the first Soviet institutions available for foreigners.
The Language Learning Center was created at the same time. The future students who had learned Russian in Voronezh, then spreaded over the country's institutions.
Native Language Day, VSU faculty of Philology
Today they have a choice – to continue studies in VSU or move to other Russian universities, the Head of the International Collaboration Оleg Belenov says.
«We prepare newcomers for the university studies. Usually international students come with completely different level of knowledge. We don't only teach Russian, but also train for basic disciplines, such as math, physics, chemistry, biology. At this time our school accommodates 1000 students. Linguistics and Philology are the two most popular specializations. Pretty soon one German company that produces medicines will open in Voronezh. On its request we are going to prepare specialists. For that the professors from Germany will read lectures at the Chemistry faculty,” - says Belenov.
Solid Water Innovation project made by VSU scientists won the Start Contest organized by Facilitating Innovations Foundation. Picture: vsu.ru
Creating acting associations of loyal to their Alma mater graduates abroad is one of the most effective ways to win over foreign students.
Two years ago the university has conducted a special conference for German graduates. Ex-students were invited to visit Voronezh with their families. Many have accepted the invitation with a great pleasure. “They were showing to their family members the university and its premises. While showing places where they met the future spouses, their eyes where shining,” - shares his impressions the Head of the International Collaboration.
Creating acting associations of loyal to their Alma mater graduates abroad is one of the most effective ways to win over foreign students, he thinks. “Parents of the future students, first of all, believe the witnesses, our graduates who's made successful careers. Stories on positive experiences are passed from mouth to mouth. More we work with VSU 'ambassadors', more profit we get.”
By the way, there are some recognized persons among VSU graduates – ministers, high-level officials, university teachers.
As of today, the university has 140 agreements with other colleges and universities around the world. About 14 joint programs mainly in Economics, Linguistics, International Relations fields have been realized.
According to Belenov, the most interesting partnerships were depeloped with Germany, France, Spain, Austria, Sweden. Besides, VSU is involved in active partnership with China – Russian teachers work at their language learning centers, and the fellowship programs are very requested. About 1500 trainees from UK to study at VSU not only Russian language, but all kinds of subjects, from math to liberal sciences.
Professors from Slovakia give lecture at the Department of Medical Biology (in the frames of Erasmus+). Picture: vsu.ru
Today the university plans to attract more foreigners, i.e. to conduct mobile admission examinations at their location. According to the VSU Head of the International Collaboration, for now Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have the highest priority.
The city image is an important point. Voronezh used to have a lurid reputation only some years ago, when several African students were stubbed. Today, according to Belenov, the security issues no more a matter of serious concern for the students. City authorities and the university stuff have managed to solve this problem.
Finally, the Adaptation Program is an important factor for international students. Russian students help their foreign fellows to go through complicated adaptation process. «Foreign students always experience difficulties with language, culture, even food. When three years ago we had implemented this program, it immediately showed positive results. Students gather in groups of about 15, and make tours, sometimes to other cities. The most important thing is to help integrating. Even when some students come from a little Russian town to Voronezh they feel uneasy. No need to mention how foreigners feel,” underlines VSU representative.