School of Foreign Languages Took Part in International Summer University 2020

In summer of 2020, students and teachers of the FLAIC programme took part in the International Summer University for the second time. The project gives students an opportunity to enrich their educational experience outside of the classroom by solving real intercultural problems through English.

Students feel empowered when they use their knowledge and skills to solve real-life problems.

Ekaterina Kolesnikova
Head, School of Foreign Languages

During the Summer University, HSE students provide support for foreign students who are participating in the programme. Throughout the international students’ entire stay in Moscow, our students serve as ‘buddies’, facilitating the process of adapting to the Russian cultural environment. Every week HSE students hold orientation meetings for newcomers and organize multiple socio-cultural events that allow the visitors to learn more about Russia and HSE.

Students of FLAIC also help their foreign counterparts overcome the language barrier, through special Russian language classes. These classes are called the Russian Language Crash Hour, and give participants the chance to experience various real-life communicative situations, as well as learn essential vocabulary, slang, and the authentic speech of Russian citizens.
This summer was especially difficult for our team because we were worried that foreign students would not be able to enjoy the Summer University in its online format at its fullest because of the time difference and lack of face-to-face communication. However, it turned out that despite being far from each other, we can still do the Uno dance in front of our computers and discuss some of the peculiarities of Russian culture while sipping tea in online discussion bars.
On September 10, the Summer University team, represented by tutors Alina Budnikova and Red Bushetara and a third-year student Anastasia Melnik, took part in Brand New HSE Day and spoke about their contribution to the project. Ekaterina Kolesnikova, the Head of the School of Foreign Languages, noted how valuable it is for the School of Foreign Languages to collaborate with such a promising international project. Like the International Summer University 2020, Brand New HSE Day was held online, which was an unusual but positive experience for the members of the team. You can watch a full version of the interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tUh7YqcrNI.
Authors: Alina Budnikova, Red Bushetara