The 8th All-Russian Association of International Students of Russia Congress was held October 15th through October 17th, 2019. Among the event’s participants were 30 state universities of the Russian Federation.
The Association of International Students of Russia Congress is a unique platform, where the international students’ issues of stay, or those on their living conditions, or on how to spend free time are being discussed. Students from Greece, Germany, Belarus, Latin America, Africa, Armenia, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, India, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Tajikistan, Arab countries, Sakha Republic and Bashkortostan, as well as representatives of international students from all around Russia, representatives of universities, public authorities, representatives of diplomatic organisations, accredited in the Russian Federation, and public organisations took part in the event.
The SUSU delegation included: the President of the SUSU Association of International Students Uvindu Wijeweera, SUSU African students’ representative Yaro Аbubakar, Turkmenistan students’ representative Gulnara Khodzhiyeva, and the specialist of the International Student Support Valeria Chachina.
“Today, there are more than 700-800 thousand international students, who study in Russia. Soon, there is going to be a million of them. Russia takes the 1st place in the number of international students,” shared Uvindu Wijeweera. “The main purpose of such events is the discussion of burning issues that international students encounter, and proposals, that will prevent difficulties and facilitate the process of adaptation in Russia. For us, it is a great opportunity to meet the different universities’ representatives from other big cities, who have a wider experience in fulfilment of programmes for international students. By adopting their successful experience, we try to prevent possible mistake.”
At the event, burning issues, regarding the adaptation and international students’ process of study, protection of their rights and interests; and strengthening of intercultural dialogue; popularization of the Russian language, Russian history and culture among international students were discussed.
“Our goal was to take active part in the discussion of the specified issues and adopt the experience of cultural events organization, because we are hosting “URAL FEST” International Students Forum in one month’s time,” shared Valeria Chachina.
As a result of the congress, a Resolution was drawn up. It includes the following proposals: issuing an electronic migration card to international students; developing a simplified procedure for collecting of documents for international students’ work permit on the territory of Russia during the period of study; elaboration of new regulations on organizing and holding of educational and practical training, and internships for international students, who study at universities; consideration of alternative preventive measures, other than deportation for minor administrative offenses for international citizens and other important topics, that will contribute to more a more comfortable stay of international students on the territory of Russia.
This Resolution will be sent for consideration to the President of Russia, the Government of the Russian Federation, ministries, and institutions, responsible for the stay of international students on the territory of our country.