🇷🇺 How Are International Students Building Connections with Russia? This question was at the heart of a speech delivered by Stanislav Surovtsev, MGIMO Vice-Rector for Youth Policy, Social Work, and International Ties, during the panel discussion “Transmitting Values Abroad: Tools, Practices, and Artifacts” held on June 3 during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF). The discussion brought together: ⚪ Stanislav Surovtsev, Vice-Rector for Youth Policy, Social Work, and International Ties at MGIMO University; ⚪ Irina Kraeva, Rector of Moscow State Linguistic University; ⚪ Sergey Krikalev, Deputy Director General for Manned Space Programs at Roscosmos State Corporation for Space Activities; ⚪ Natalia Tretyak, CEO of the Foundation for the Development of Scientific and Cultural Relations "Vyzov"; ⚪ Boris Khanchalyan, Deputy Director General of Gazprom-Media Holding; ⚪ Viktor Karezin, Director of Educational Programmes, Human Resources Management Department at Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation; ⚪ Oleg Rogov, Head of the Trusted and Secure Intelligent Systems Group at the AIRI Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Associate Professor at MTUCI. ⚪ Austrian conductor Wolfgang Scheidt joined the discussion online. The session was moderated by Maria Matveeva, Director of "Sochi Dialogue" Russian-Austrian Forum. 🌐 Stanislav Surovtsev noted that MGIMO today is not only a recognized training ground for future diplomats, but also one of Russia’s leading centers of expertise in working with international students and applicants. The University is home to approximately 1,500 international students from more than 90 countries, while its global student and alumni community remains one of MGIMO’s greatest strengths. 🔹 According to the Vice-Rector, efforts to engage international students with Russia’s values begin long before enrollment. This is achieved through MGIMO’s positioning as a university that educates future global leaders, as well as through outreach initiatives such as MGIMO Days Abroad and the International Applicants Club. At the same time, it is essential not merely to communicate values, but to create an environment in which students gain their own positive experience of interacting with Russia. This is why international students are actively involved in volunteer, patriotic, educational, and cultural projects. 🤝 Stanislav Surovtsev also emphasized that successful integration is impossible without respect for the cultural identity of international students themselves. At MGIMO, this goal is supported, among other initiatives, by the MGIMO Association of International Students. ❗️Finally, a key role is played by the University’s strong corporate identity — the well-known “MGIMO Family.” Through this community, a student’s connection with the University gradually develops into a lasting connection with Russia. Such personal, professional, and human experiences transform graduates of Russian universities into genuine friends and partners of our country. We thank our colleagues for this insightful discussion. At a time when traditional formats of international engagement are undergoing profound transformation, education remains one of the most reliable channels for dialogue and mutual understanding. 🌐MGIMO International (ENG) / МГИМО для иностранцев (RUS)