Cultural Festivities at BelSU: Students from Around the World Celebrate Old New Year

The event brought together over 40 students from Russia, China, Angola, Nigeria, Egypt, and various Latin American countries.

In a warm, family-like atmosphere that fostered new friendships, the Institute of Cross-cultural Communication and International Relations (ICCIR) at Belgorod National Research University (BelSU) organized this celebration to honour the traditional Russian holiday. The event was coordinated by the Department of Russian Language, Professional Speech, and Intercultural Communication, along with the Department of International Relations, Foreign Regional Studies, and Political Science. Students from various IICIR programs and faculty members actively participated in the festivities.

Olga Prokhorova, Director of ICCIR, delivered a welcoming speech highlighting the significance of learning a foreign language through cultural immersion.

“Language and culture are intertwined; language is embedded in culture, and culture is embedded in language. Misunderstandings arising from cultural differences often lead to conflicts. Our event is a step toward fostering understanding and success in intercultural interactions,” she stated.

The celebration began with an engaging historical overview. Anastasia Strzhalkovskaya, Associate Professor of the Department of Russian Language, Professional Speech, and Intercultural Communication, shared insights into the origins and characteristics of Old New Year celebrations in Russia. Participants enjoyed an interactive game called "Getting Acquainted" and sang both the English song All I Want for Christmas and the Russian song S Novym Godom.

A highlight of the event was a competition in tying traditional Russian headscarves (platki). Participants experimented with different styles – some opting for the classic babushka look while others chose a more modern fashion approach. The vibrant headscarves added colour to the gathering and enhanced the spirit of intercultural exchange.

Students from Africa showcased their rich cultural heritage by performing the lively national dance Kuduro and leading a dance masterclass. Participants immersed themselves in the energetic rhythms and learned basic dance steps alongside the dancers.

An interactive Christmas tree decoration station was also available, where students crafted unique ornaments under the guidance of Daria Kostina, Associate Professor of the Second Foreign Language Department. The celebration was further enlivened by the appearance of Father Frost and the Snow Maiden, who entertained attendees with riddles and encouraged them to recite poems and greetings in both Russian and their native languages. The roles of these traditional Russian characters were performed by ICCIR student Sanou Ibrahim Romuald from Burkina Faso and second-year master’s student Veronika Kobchenko.

Third-year students Oloyede Sylvia Oluwafikayomi and Kaweto Sophia Charmaine Kwayera successfully took on the important role of hosts during the Old New Year celebration. The event served as a shining example of how traditions and interactions can foster trust and connections among representatives of different cultures. For many students, it marked the beginning of new friendships and acquaintances.

“When I'm far from home, I feel like I'm with family here,” remarked Oloyede Sylvia Oluwafikayomi from Nigeria.