Russian Club opened at the Institute of International Relations

Language practice clubs are planned for opening at other institutes as well.

In her greeting, Deputy Director for International Affairs of the Institute of International Relations Albina Imamutdinova noted, “About 1,000 foreign students from more than 50 countries study here. Of course, we understand that many of you encounter certain difficulties and problems when learning Russian as a foreign language. If we remember that at our Institute students study two or three foreign languages, then it is very difficult to study Russian on one’s own. That is why our institute decided to establish such a club.”

The classes are scheduled weekly, and there are different planned formats, including lectures about national and local culture and history. Upon completion the students will receive certificates of Russian as a foreign language.

Professor Tatyana Bochina then presented her lecture Russian Language – Key to Understanding the Russian Culture. Among the listeners were young people from Zambia, Sri Lanka, Chad, Turkmenistan, Indonesia, Ecuador, Venezuela, Colombia, and many other countries.

According to Bochina, the Russian Club aims to teach international students practical communication skills, familiarize them with Russian culture, and help them understand basic techniques of communication, such as agreement, discussion, or rebuttal.

“We don’t want to limit ourselves to the speaking club format, because the Preparatory School gave them the basic knowledge, and students can learn conversation on the streets or in the dormitory. Our goal is to teach the art of communication, to explain how language and culture are interconnected, so our club will have not only lectures but also interactive classes in which foreign students will communicate with each other, and Russian students will act as consultants,” added the Professor.

The club participants will be able to prepare for a Russian as a foreign language test during the Total Dictation, and there will also be thematic holiday events and movie screenings at the Russian Club as well.