The Warm Russian Welcome — Not a Myth

This is the conclusion that Austrian and French students came to following their participation in a Summer School on Russian Language and Culture at HSE Nizhny Novgorod. On their last day in Russia the foreign guests gave their verdict on whether they’d been able to get to grips with the ‘elusive Russian soul.’

In addition to a rich cultural programme, that offered the foreign students the chance to practice their Russian grammar and pronunciation, they enjoyed a tour around Nizhny Novgorod, trips to Kazan and Gorodets. They shared their impressions from the trip in a Russian-language presentation at Nizhny Novgorod HSE.

‘After three weeks in Nizhny Novgorod, our foreign guests’ Russian language ability noticeably improved. They had the unique opportunity to live in Russian families, where they had a chance to really feel what Russian hospitality means. In addition, each day they were accompanied by student volunteers who helped the Austrian and French students in lectures and showed them the city. This was also great experience for our students, in speaking English, German and French, and for the international students – in practicing their Russian,’ said Anastasia Tsvetkova, Deputy Department Head, International Relations.

During their closing speech, the international students thanked their teachers and other students for the rich programme, noting that the three weeks were not quite enough for them to fully grasp the essence of the ‘elusive Russian soul’. They therefore decided to welcome the same international group the following year.

HSE Nizhny Novgorod presented the visiting students with presents and certificates recording their time on the Summer School.