This is for the fourth time that this event has been held at South Ural State University.
The Chelyabinsk International Students Forum is a youth event for those who want to learn languages, explore foreign cultures, and strengthen international friendships.
Anastasiia Lapo, Vice Rector for Student and Social Affairs, addressed the participants with the following words of encouragement:
"On behalf of SUSU, I would like to welcome you to this wonderful event, which marks a new chapter in your lives. You have all gathered here to become a little better, to gain new knowledge and skills, and to gain new social experiences. We will strive to make your stay here as interesting and rewarding as possible. I feel confident that your student years will be unforgettable. Let us give you a boost!"
At the start of the forum, international students had the opportunity to participate in the "Time of Opportunities" interactive platforms organized by the South Ural Institute of Information Systems and Water Resources, "National Unity Centre" Autonomous Nonprofit Organization, Alabuga Special Economic Zone, and the SUSU Centre for Sociocultural Adaptation. They also received pleasant gifts.
Dariia Korotkikh, Head of the International Student Support, welcomed the international students:
"I'm glad to see each of you at our university for the most exciting international event of this autumn. Our forum is a unique platform that brings together talented young people from dozens of countries. Our forum is for you and about you!"
The event is an initiative of the South Ural Association of International Students and Alumni (AISA). Dilrabo Todzhikulova, AISA Executive Director, said:
"Every year the Association strives to create a unique platform for intercultural exchange for like-minded international and Russian students. It is only the Association team who understands how challenging it can be for an international student to live in Russia. We are holding this forum so you can discover a new Russia and new opportunities."
The organizers prepared a variety of useful and engaging activities for international students. Immediately following the grand opening, a discussion was held on the "Legal Standards. Rules for Employment during Studies, Obtaining a Voluntary Health Insurance Policy, and a Russian SIM Card for Communications" hosted by the Centre for Sociocultural Adaptation under the Government of the Chelyabinsk Region. During the discussion, forum participants learned about the penalties for non-compliance with the immigration laws, the basic rules of conduct in the Russian Federation, and how to obtain the necessary documents for a comfortable life.
AISA President Diyerbek Rakhimov addressed the forum participants:
"It is a great honour for me to address you for the first time as President of the Association of International Students at this forum. Our strength lies in unity, and the friendship of nations is not just fine words, but a future built together. By holding events like these, the Association gives us the opportunity to share experiences and explore new ideas."
The forum included a roundtable discussion called "International Dialogue: From Theory to Practice" held for representatives of Chelyabinsk universities' international offices, led by the SUSU International Office. Students also participated in an interactive lecture on "Russia Is a Land of Opportunities", presented by the Znanie (Knowledge) Russian Society, and a consultation under the title "Build a Career".
SUSU student from Sri Lanka Tharindu Devinda shared his impressions of the forum:
"I have been living in Russia for five years now, and this is my third time participating in the forum. I really like it here. It is helpful for me to meet other international students because we can share our experiences of life in Russia!"
In addition, the forum participants had an opportunity to share experiences in a case game "Making the Ural Region International: A Student Ideas Lab" and the quiz "South Ural Region: Discover the Region Where You Live".
The forum concluded with a summing up of its results and an awards ceremony.