MGIMO International

Revisiting the best moments of MGIMO Days in Changchun and Dalian! 🌐 MGIMO International (ENG) | МГИМО для иностранцев (RUS)

⚡️ Qualifying Stage of the MGIMO International School Olympiad for Foreign Citizens Registration for the MGIMO International School Olympiad closed on October 31. This month, participants will take on the first stage of the competition — the qualifying stage. We publish you the schedule: Olympiad in English: 🗓️ November 23 — English language November 24 — Interdisciplinary component ⏰ The starting time depends on the participant’s country: 13:00 — Group 1: Mongolia, India 15:00 — Group 2: ASEAN countries 17:00 — Group 3: African countries, Iran, and Serbia 22:00 — Group 4: Latin American countries *Time is given in Moscow time (MSK) Olympiad in Russian: 🗓️ November 25 — Russian language November 26 — English language November 27 — Interdisciplinary component ⏰ The starting time also depends on the participant’s country: 15:00 — Group 1: Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan 17:00 — Group 2: Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Belarus *Time is given in Moscow time (MSK) ➡️ Each test consists of 50 questions, each worth 2 points. Participants have 1 hour from the scheduled start time to complete the test. 👆 Learn more about the Olympiad — https://int-olymp-mgimo.com/news/44 Good luck to all participants! Learn more about MGIMO on our website. 🌐 МГИМО для иностранцев (RUS) / MGIMO International (ENG)

The 5th International Relations Week Festival: best shots 🌐 MGIMO International (ENG) | МГИМО для иностранцев (RUS)

Preparing for the Qualifying Round of the MGIMO International School Olympiad 📅 On November 5, a master class on preparing for the MGIMO International School Olympiad for Foreign Citizens was held for members of the MGIMO International Applicants Club. The Qualifying Round is just around the corner for those who have registered for the Olympiad. The Club members had a unique opportunity to learn about the upcoming tests firsthand from the authors of the Olympiad tasks. 📖 The experts introduced participants to the test structure and shared practical tips and recommendations to help make preparation more effective. ✅ Russian Language Session Anna Apostolidi, Senior Lecturer at the Department of the Russian Language, explained the structure of the Russian language test, outlined the main types of tasks, and highlighted the language rules that require particular attention during preparation. ✅ English Language Session Alfiya Lyasnikova, Lecturer at the Department of English Language, introduced participants to the test format and the specific features of tasks designed to assess their knowledge of English vocabulary and grammar. ✅ Interdisciplinary Section Session Alexander Nyankin, MGIMO graduate and Olympiad question developer, spoke about the key subject areas covered by the testing, including international relations, history, geography, law, and other disciplines. We thank the experts for their insightful sessions and for giving participants the opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge of the upcoming testing! ➡️ If you want to become a member of the MGIMO International Applicants Club and take part in its events, join us! Learn more about MGIMO on our website. 🌐 MGIMO International (ENG) | МГИМО для иностранцев (RUS)

Who Is a Diplomat and How Can You Become One? 🗓 On October 27, the MGIMO International Applicant Club hosted an online lecture “Who Is a Diplomat and How Can You Become One?” Roman Reinhardt, PhD in Economics, Associate Professor, Deputy Head of the Department of Diplomacy, MGIMO University, spoke to international applicants about the main areas of diplomatic work and the finer points of the profession. We are sharing the key takeaways from the lecture. 🌐 Love for one’s country and patriotism are fundamental values that shape a diplomat’s professional outlook and approach to their work. Representing their country on the international stage, diplomats must firmly and responsibly defend its interests while remaining true to their principles and showing respect for the history, cultural heritage and values of other nations. 📕 A diplomat’s professional skills extend far beyond foreign language proficiency. They must also understand the historical, cultural and social context of other countries. Equally important is a strong command of one’s native language, which is essential for effective professional communication. 🖥 Digital technologies and artificial intelligence are opening up new opportunities for information processing, analytical work and communication with international audiences. However, their use requires a critical approach: ▪️ Assessing sensitive information and complex international developments require a professional insight. ▪️ AI can assist in preparing materials, but it cannot replace human expertise in conducting in-depth analysis and drawing conclusions. ▪️ Diplomacy is still grounded on human interaction, a deep understanding of the international landscape and the ability to find common ground. 👥 During the lecture, Roman Reinhardt also spoke about the wide range of diplomatic activities and highlighted the importance of diplomatic protocol. We thank Roman Reinhardt for an insightful and engaging lecture and for giving our participants a closer look at the diplomatic profession! We hope the knowledge gained will help future students make more informed decisions about their studies and future careers. ➡️ Would you like to take part in our events and learn more about admission to MGIMO University? Join the MGIMO International Applicants Club! Learn more about MGIMO on our website. 🌐 MGIMO International (ENG) | МГИМО для иностранцев (RUS)

🇷🇺 Happy National Unity Day! Getting to know Russia—its history, culture and traditions—begins even before you arrive to study here. National holidays offer insight into the historical events that continue to shape society and the ways in which a country’s understanding of itself is passed down through generations. On 4 November, Russia celebrates National Unity Day—a celebration of the solidarity of its diverse peoples, their devotion to their country and the spiritual values they share amid a rich variety of cultures and traditions. Historical background In the early 17th century, Russia experienced the Time of Troubles—a prolonged crisis marked by struggles for the throne, internal strife and foreign intervention. Central authority had weakened, and a Polish-Lithuanian garrison occupied the Moscow Kremlin. In Nizhny Novgorod, Kuzma Minin, elected head of the local community, appealed for funds to raise a volunteer army under the military command of Prince Dmitry Pozharsky. People from different social classes, regions and ethnic backgrounds joined its ranks. The liberation of Moscow in the autumn of 1612 and the election of Mikhail Romanov as tsar in 1613 by the Zemsky Sobor—an assembly representing different social groups and regions—were decisive steps towards overcoming the crisis and restoring state authority. A monument to Minin and Pozharsky by the sculptor Ivan Martos stands in Red Square. Unveiled in 1818 and funded by donations from across the country, it was Moscow’s first sculptural monument. Its inscription reads: “To Citizen Minin and Prince Pozharsky, from a grateful Russia.” These words honour the leaders of the volunteer army who united their compatriots in defence of their country. The pairing of “Citizen” with a princely title underscores the contribution of people of different social backgrounds to a common cause. This tradition of solidarity—of overcoming divisions and taking shared responsibility for the country’s future—lies at the heart of National Unity Day. 2026 has been declared the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia, dedicated to strengthening harmony among more than 190 ethnic groups that call Russia home. Over the centuries, their languages, cultures and traditions have developed through close interaction, retaining their distinctive character while forming part of a shared historical heritage. This year, with the support of the Federal Agency for Ethnic Affairs (FADN Russia), the University launched the Unity of the Peoples of Russia Student Project Office. Its primary mission is to bring together students from all 89 regions of the Russian Federation, foster a space for intercultural dialogue, strengthen bonds of friendship among representatives of Russia’s diverse peoples. Through the Telegram channel “MGIMO for Unity”, project participants share insights into the rich history, cultural heritage, and distinctive traditions of the peoples of Russia. 🌐 MGIMO brings together students from across Russia and 96 countries worldwide, with 56 languages taught at the university. Learning about other cultures and traditions is an integral part of life here. Studying together and collaborating on research and creative projects allow students to deepen their understanding of one another’s cultures and discover shared interests despite differences in background, outlook and experience. In varietate concordia—“Unity in Diversity”—is the motto of MGIMO’s Council of Regional Student Associations. Understanding different perspectives and finding common ground while respecting differences are essential skills for future international affairs professionals. These skills develop throughout their university years, through discussion, collaboration and friendships that often endure across borders for decades. Happy National Unity Day to all our students, applicants, colleagues and friends! We hope you enjoy discovering the richness and diversity of Russia’s history, culture and traditions! ❤ 🌐 MGIMO International (ENG) | МГИМО для иностранцев (RUS)

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Guangzhou: The Final Stop on MGIMO’s China Tour! 🇷🇺🇨🇳 On 30-31 October, the MGIMO delegation wrapped up its visit to China in one of the country’s most dynamic and futuristic cities — Guangzhou. ⚡️The final day brought together several key events: the International School Olympiad, a presentation of MGIMO for prospective students, a lecture for university students and a meeting with potential academic partners. ✒️ Over 50 students from the Experimental School of Foreign Languages in Guangzhou took part in the MGIMO International School Olympiad. Anna Chernova, Third Secretary of the Consulate General of Russia in Guangzhou, welcomed the participants, shared some useful advice and wished them every success in the competition. ➡️Over 120 Chinese school students took part, testing their knowledge of English and international relations and competing for the opportunity to study at MGIMO tuition-free. 📚 The programme continued with MGIMO Day, giving schoolchildren a closer look at university life and the opportunities available to them in Russia. The programme featured: ✔Elizaveta Rudenko, Head of MGIMO’s International Marketing, who introduced the students to the university and its academic programmes; ✔Arina Khabieva, a third-year student at the School of International Economic Relations, who hosted an interactive quiz on Russian-Chinese relations in Chinese; ✔Boris Brednikov, a third-year student at the Institute of International Trade and Sustainable Development, who delivered a lecture on the Russian-Chinese partnership in today’s world. The same day, the MGIMO delegation visited Guangdong University of Foreign Studies. ➖During a meeting with university representatives, the parties discussed prospects for academic cooperation. ➖Maria Utkina, Deputy Dean for Master’s Programmes at the School of Governance and Politics, also delivered a lecture to students entitled "The Role of Russia and China in Building a Multipolar World." This brought MGIMO’s China tour to a close. The visit formed part of the university’s broader efforts to strengthen Russian-Chinese educational cooperation during the Cross Years of Education between Russia and China. The tour covered six cities and Olympiad events, four MGIMO Days, and visits to four schools and three universities. Over 1,000 schoolchildren, students, academics and other guests took part in the events! Every meeting brought new connections, every lecture sparked interest in Russia, and every conversation opened up opportunities for future cooperation. Most importantly, hundreds of young people now know MGIMO a little better — and some may one day become part of our university community ❤️ MGIMO would like to thank the Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Guangzhou, the leadership and staff of the Experimental School of Foreign Languages in Guangzhou and Guangdong University of Foreign Studies for their assistance in organising the events and for their warm welcome. We also extend our gratitude to Russian Railways (RZD) for supporting the University’s international educational initiatives. Thank you, China! 🐼 🌐 MGIMO International (ENG) | МГИМО для иностранцев (RUS)

Russia–Africa Youth Forum at MGIMO 🌐 MGIMO International (ENG) | МГИМО для иностранцев (RUS)

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🇷🇺🌍 Russia–Africa Youth Forum at MGIMO On October 28–29, MGIMO hosted the Russia–Africa Youth Forum on the sidelines of the Third Russia–Africa Summit. The forum brought together senior officials, diplomats, experts and young people from Russia and across Africa to discuss the future of cooperation in education, the economy, politics and culture. Plenary Session The opening ceremony featured Anatoly Torkunov, Rector of MGIMO; Azali Assoumani, President of the Union of the Comoros; Justin Nsengiyumva, Prime Minister of Rwanda; Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah, First Gentleman of Namibia; Leonid Slutsky, head of the LDPR group in the State Duma; Maria Voropaeva, Deputy Speaker of the State Duma and Konstantin Kolpakov, Deputy Head of Rossotrudnichestvo. 🔵Anatoly Torkunov read out a welcome address from Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov,which placed special emphasis on the younger generation: “Young people in our countries will soon take up the baton and carry the Russia–Africa strategic partnership forward.” In his own remarks, the Rector spoke about MGIMO’s growing educational ties with the continent. The university is now home to more than 80 students from 25 African countries, whereas a few decades ago there were only two. 🔵Justin Nsengiyumva highlighted MGIMO’s contribution to training diplomats for Russia and other countries, including African nations. He noted that a university education helps build lasting professional and personal connections that complement relations between states. 🔵Epaphras Denga Ndaitwah recalled studying in the Soviet Union in 1977 and proposed closer cooperation between Russian and Namibian universities. As one promising avenue, he suggested that students in Moscow and Windhoek work together on practical challenges in water supply, energy, healthcare and agriculture. 🔵Leonid Slutsky focused on the responsibility the younger generation will bear for the development of their countries, stressing that the forum’s participants will go on to hold leading positions in politics, public administration and business. ⭐ During the forum, Azali Assoumani received an honorary doctorate from MGIMO, conferred by the university’s Academic Council in recognition of his efforts to strengthen dialogue between Russia and African countries. 👥 The key outcome of the forum was the establishment of the Russian-African Youth Union, which will become part of the secretariat of the Russia–Africa Partnership Forum under the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Eighteen organizations from the Gambia, Mali, Mozambique, South Sudan, Rwanda and other countries have confirmed their membership, and the union remains open to new members. 📎 Beyond the plenary session, the forum’s program spanned several interconnected tracks: economy and entrepreneurship, expert dialogue, politics and security, education and people-to-people ties, and cultural exchange. 💙 Special attention was given to the everyday experience of African students at Russian universities. In an open-mic session, participants discussed adapting to the academic and cultural environment, opportunities to realize their potential, and building friendships with their Russian peers. 🌐 MGIMO International (ENG) | МГИМО для иностранцев (RUS)

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“MGIMO Day” in Dalian 🇷🇺🇨🇳 The MGIMO team continues its work in China: on October 28, the delegation visited Dalian, where it held talks with the leadership of Dalian University of Foreign Languages (DUFL), met with students, and introduced Chinese schoolchildren to the educational opportunities MGIMO offers. 🤝 One of the key events of the visit was a meeting between representatives of MGIMO and the Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Shenyang and DUFL Vice President Li Chunmei and the Head of the Russian Language Center. In 2027, MGIMO and DUFL will celebrate the 20th anniversary of their cooperation. The partnership is built on active academic collaboration. Currently, seven DUFL students and two faculty members are studying at MGIMO on exchange programmes, while seven MGIMO students are undertaking language training in Dalian. 📩 During the talks, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation and discussed expanding academic exchanges, organizing joint student competitions and olympiads, and developing research collaboration. 🩶🩶 As part of the visit, Maria Utkina, Deputy Dean for Master’s Programmes at the School of Governance and Politics, delivered a lecture to DUFL students entitled “The Role of Russia and China in Building a Multipolar World”. The lecture sparked keen interest, with students actively asking questions, including in Russian. 📍 The MGIMO delegation also visited Huaxia Sun Valley School, where it gave a presentation about the University and the MGIMO International School Olympiad. The meeting provided an opportunity to introduce schoolchildren to the prospects that studying at MGIMO can offer international students. We thank Dalian University of Foreign Languages and Huaxia Sun Valley School for their warm welcome, and the Consulate General of Russia in Shenyang for its assistance in organizing the events! MGIMO continues to open its doors to the next generation of international applicants! 🐼 🌐 MGIMO International (ENG) | МГИМО для иностранцев (RUS)

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MGIMO in Guangzhou! 🇷🇺🇨🇳 On 30 October, Guangzhou Experimental Foreign Language School will host two events offering students a chance to discover MGIMO and explore its study opportunities! ⏰ 9:00 AM — MGIMO International School Olympiad ➡️ For the first time, Chinese school students can take part in the MGIMO International School Olympiad for international applicants in person! ➡️ The Olympiad features two sections: ⚪English language test; ⚪An interdisciplinary section in Chinese covering geography, world history and international relations. 🏆 Winners will have the opportunity to study at MGIMO tuition-free, while runners-up will receive priority consideration for fee-paying places. 🔗 Register for the Olympiad: https://p.baominggongju.com/detail?eid=6acb5da18c1f467abcc8d6ac 🎓 11:00 AM — MGIMO Day After the Olympiad, join us to learn more about MGIMO! The programme includes: ⚪A presentation of MGIMO and an admissions masterclass; ⚪A lecture by a MGIMO student; ⚪An interactive quiz on Russia, China and international cooperation. The event will be held in English. A detailed program can be found in attachment 👇 📍 See you in Guangzhou on 30 October! Your journey to MGIMO might begin right here! 🐼 🌐 MGIMO International (ENG) | МГИМО для иностранцев (RUS)

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MGIMO Hosts Events for School Students in Changchun! 🇷🇺🇨🇳 The MGIMO team continues its work in China as part of the 2026–2027 Cross Years of Education between Russia and China. On 28 October, the team visited Changchun Foreign Languages School to introduce Chinese students and their parents to MGIMO, its academic programmes and the opportunities it offers. 🤝The day began with a meeting with the school’s leadership, headed by Ji Shaokun, Secretary of the School’s CPC Committee. The two sides discussed ongoing joint projects and prospects for further cooperation. ✒️ Changchun Foreign Languages School was among the first educational institutions in the region to introduce Russian into its curriculum. Today, 316 students study Russian at the school. Its alumni include ten diplomats who went on to become Chinese ambassadors, five of whom served in Russia. 📚The next event was the MGIMO International School Olympiad. ➖43 high school students tested their knowledge of English, the history of international relations and geography. Olympiad winners have the opportunity to study at MGIMO tuition-free — an excellent first step towards an international career! The in-person competition was held with the financial support of Russian Railways (RZD). 🏳️The highlight of the day was MGIMO Day, which brought together more than 400 Changchun school students and their parents! The event opened with welcoming remarks from Ji Shaokun, Secretary of the School’s CPC Committee. He stressed that quality education and a broad outlook are both essential to students’ development, helping them discover new horizons. MGIMO offers opportunities to develop both. Vladimir Tsvetkov, Vice-Consul at the Consulate General of Russia in Shenyang, also welcomed the students and their parents and shared his personal experience of studying at MGIMO: “MGIMO offers outstanding language training, a strong academic foundation and a unique atmosphere where students learn from their first year to think broadly, responsibly and professionally. I studied at MGIMO myself and remember our professors saying, ‘MGIMO is a passport to life.’ At the time, those words sounded grand, but over the years, you begin to understand their true meaning. MGIMO gives you more than knowledge and a profession. It broadens your horizons, builds discipline and confidence, helps you make lifelong friends and gives you a sense of being part of something bigger in international affairs.” ✅ Yulia Popel, analyst at MGIMO’s International Marketing Group, introduced the university, covering its history, academic programmes, student life and distinguished alumni. The students also took part in an interactive quiz on Russian–Chinese relations, with prizes awarded for correct answers and active participation. 🎥 A series of videos about MGIMO, specially translated into Chinese, added to the experience and gave participants a closer look at the university and a feel for student life. 📚 The programme concluded with an online lecture in Chinese entitled “Russia–China Comprehensive Partnership in a New Era”, delivered by Dmitry Pryzhkov, a second-year student at MGIMO’s School of Governance and Politics. He discussed key areas of Russia–China cooperation and prospects for its future development. We thank Changchun Foreign Languages School for its warm welcome, the Consulate General of Russia in Shenyang for its assistance in organising the events, and all the students and parents for their keen interest, enthusiasm and curiosity! See you next time! 🐼 🌐 MGIMO International (ENG) | МГИМО для иностранцев (RUS)

Highlights from MGIMO in Beijing! 🌐 MGIMO International (ENG) | МГИМО для иностранцев (RUS)

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Changchun, MGIMO is coming! 🇷🇺🇨🇳 MGIMO continues to introduce Chinese school and university students to the opportunities offered by Russian education. A University delegation will visit Changchun, where students can test their knowledge in an academic competition, learn more about studying at MGIMO and discuss Russia–China relations. 🗓️28 October 📍Changchun Foreign Languages School 📚 13:30 — MGIMO International School Olympiad Participants will complete two sections: 🔵 an English language test; 🔵 Chinese-language tasks on geography, world history and international relations. Winners will have the opportunity to study at MGIMO tuition-free, while runners-up will receive priority consideration for fee-paying places. 🔗 Register: https://p.baominggongju.com/detail?eid=6acb5da18c1f467abcc8d6ac 🏢 16:00 — MGIMO Day How can you apply to MGIMO? What opportunities are available to international students? And what roles do Russia and China play in shaping a multipolar world? Join us to explore MGIMO and the opportunities it offers to students from abroad. Programme: ⚪ a presentation of MGIMO and an admissions masterclass; ⚪ a lecture by a MGIMO student: “Russia and China: Partnership for a Multipolar World”; ⚪an interactive quiz on Russia, China and international cooperation. A detailed programme — in the attachment 👇 Registration: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/QoGBrNjStUpFwsK0tPk-Tg All events will be held in English. See you in Changchun on 28 October! For some, this could be the first step towards a future at MGIMO. 🐼 🌐 MGIMO International (ENG) | МГИМО для иностранцев (RUS)

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MGIMO Olympiad and MGIMO Day in Beijing: Beginning Our Journey in China! 🌐 🇨🇳 On October 25, the Russian Cultural Centre in Beijing hosted the first MGIMO events in a series of meetings across China: the MGIMO International School Olympiad and MGIMO Day. ➡️Chinese school students had the opportunity to test their knowledge, get to know MGIMO University, and discover the opportunities it offers to international students. MGIMO International School Olympiad ⚪Over 30 Chinese school students took part in the Olympiad for the first time. ⚪Participants completed English-language tasks and tested their knowledge of geography, world history, and international relations in an interdisciplinary section conducted in Chinese. MGIMO Day: Discovering the University First-Hand ⚪Over 50 guests joined the event to learn more about one of Russia’s leading universities specializing in international affairs and explore its educational opportunities. The programme opened with remarks by Alexander Guptor, a representative of Rossotrudnichestvo. “Today, school students have a unique opportunity not simply to read about a university online, but to experience it first-hand. International relations is a truly fascinating field. It means travelling, learning languages, meeting people from different countries, and understanding how the world works. This journey often begins with a single conversation, a single meeting, or a question asked at just the right moment. And today is precisely such a day,” Alexander Guptor noted. 🌱 Elizaveta Rudenko, Head of MGIMO’s International Marketing, then introduced the University, sharing its history and values, academic programmes, and admission opportunities for international applicants. 🩶🩶Maria Utkina, Deputy Dean for Master’s Programmes at the School of Governance and Politics, offered Chinese school students a glimpse into academic life at MGIMO. During her lecture, “Artificial Intelligence in 21st-Century Politics,” participants explored how emerging technologies are transforming the political landscape. 📕 Another highlight was a lecture delivered in Chinese and prepared by MGIMO student Valeria Ivanova. Participants discussed Russian-Chinese relations and the role of the two countries in shaping the contemporary world order. At a quiz on Russia, China, and international cooperation, hosted by Yulia Popel, analyst at MGIMO’s International Marketing Group, guests had the chance to put their knowledge to the test, learn something new, and win MGIMO souvenirs. 🤝 Behind the Scenes: The MGIMO Student Team Special recognition goes to the MGIMO students undertaking internships in Beijing: ⚪Valeria Ivanova (International Relations, second-year master’s student) ⚪Andrey Vyrodov (International Relations, fourth-year undergraduate student) ⚪Arina Selivanova (International Relations, fourth-year undergraduate student) ⚪Elizaveta Shcherba (International Journalism, second-year master’s student) The students provided organisational and language support, helping ensure that the events were welcoming, engaging, and enjoyable for all participants. Their professionalism was yet another testament to the high standard of education and training at MGIMO! 💙 A heartfelt thank-you to the Russian Cultural Centre in Beijing for its support and assistance in organising these events, as well as OJSC “Russian Railways” for its traditional financial support of the MGIMO International School Olympiad for Foreign Citizens. We continue to bring MGIMO to the world and build bridges between countries and cultures! 🐼 🌐 MGIMO International (ENG) | МГИМО для иностранцев (RUS)

Zhao Zibo, a first-year student at MGIMO’s School of International Relations, on what he learns from MGIMO professors, the university’s Guinness World Record, and what it’s like to attend lectures by prominent diplomats. 🌐 MGIMO International (ENG) | МГИМО для иностранцев (RUS)

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Autumn Starostat 2026: “Decode Russia Together” 🇷🇺 From October 16 to 18, the Ethnomir Ethnographic Park hosted Autumn Starostat 2026 under the theme “Decode Russia Together.” The event brought together 170 first-year students, including 11 international freshmen from Belarus, Italy, Kazakhstan, the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and France. The opening ceremony featured welcoming remarks from Igor Loginov, Advisor to the Rector's Office; Anastasia Puzochkina, Head of the Department of Student Affairs; and Victoria Medved, Director of the Center for Student Organizations. In their addresses, the speakers emphasized the importance of belonging to the university community, taking responsibility for shared goals, and carrying forward the traditions that unite generations of MGIMO students. Particular attention was given to mutual respect and openness to other cultures — values that form the foundation of unity both within the country and across the MGIMO family. The Starostat program featured: ➡ Exploring MGIMO's Core Values During the workshop “The Cultural Code of Unity: Shared Values and the MGIMO Family,” led by Inga Dreval and Natalia Chukhrova, first-year students reflected on what it means to be part of MGIMO, why choosing the University was such a significant milestone in their lives, and how they envision its future. Working in six teams, participants created an interactive exhibition highlighting the core values of the university community: responsibility, respect for human dignity, continuity between generations, patriotism, and a commitment to peace. ➡ Passing the Torch: A Dialogue Between Generations Yaroslav Skvortsov, Dean of the School of International Journalism, joined students for one of Starostat's traditional gatherings. He shared memories of his own university years, offered insights into MGIMO's history, and spoke about the traditions that continue to connect generations of MGIMO students and alumni. ➡ Team Challenges and Immersive Quests One of the program's highlights was “Keys to Forgotten Names,” an immersive quest that challenged participants to demonstrate teamwork, creativity, resourcefulness, and the ability to work toward a common goal. Another memorable experience was MGIMO SECRET, a detective-style quest that immersed first-year students in an interactive, theatrical mystery. ➡ Creativity, Entertainment, and Intellectual Challenges Students introduced their teams through creative video presentations and prepared a variety of performances, with the much-anticipated Starostat Concert becoming the highlight of the second day. The program concluded with an intellectual quiz, “Who Wants to Earn an A100?”, giving freshmen the opportunity to put their knowledge of MGIMO's history, traditions, and contemporary university life to the test. Cultural Diversity, Shared Traditions, One MGIMO Family At the closing ceremony, Stanislav Surovtsev, Vice-Rector for International Ties, Youth and Social Policy, described Starostat as a reflection of MGIMO itself. He highlighted the values shared by Ethnomir and the University: respect for cultural diversity, openness to dialogue, and the ability to find common ground while preserving each culture's unique identity. Today, MGIMO is home to students from 96 countries and every region of Russia. Each student brings their own traditions, perspectives, and cultural experiences, enriching university life and strengthening the bonds that unite the MGIMO community. Events like Starostat offer first-year students an opportunity to connect beyond the classroom, build lasting friendships, and discover what it truly means to belong to the MGIMO family. Dear first-year students, may your years at MGIMO be filled with exciting discoveries, bold ideas, unforgettable experiences, and remarkable achievements. And may the connections you made at Starostat grow into lifelong friendships! 💙 🌐 MGIMO International (ENG) | МГИМО для иностранцев (RUS)

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