BelSU Brings Decades of Intercultural Expertise to New Regional Dialogue Centre

Belgorod State University has joined forces with the Belgorod Regional Public Organisation “Scarlet Sails” to support the project being implemented with a grant from the Belgorod Regional Government.

With its extensive experience in training international students and supporting their sociocultural adaptation, Belgorod National Research University (BelSU) became a natural partner for the initiative. A delegation of BelSU international students, accompanied by Olga Lyutova, Director of the International Information Centre within the Department of International Cooperation, attended the centre’s ceremonial opening.

Nadezhda Rozhkova, Director of the Library, welcomed the guests, emphasising the importance of studying the language and culture of the region in which a person lives, studies and works.

“The Intercultural Dialogue Centre is a space for the development of every international resident who has chosen our region for life and professional activity,” she said.

The centre’s inaugural event was an experimental session titled Living Language, during which library staff demonstrated international students’ familiarity with local linguistic nuances through practical case studies.

“Our university’s international students are fortunate: we have two dedicated venues – the Centre for Intercultural Communication and the Centre for Peoples’ Friendship. Anticipating modern trends, the university administration has created both spaces and conditions for familiarising students with the culture and traditions of Russia, our region, and their countries of origin,” noted Olga Lyutova.”

At these university centres, international students can explore key moments in Russian history, access practical information for navigating daily life, learn effective communication strategies across cultures, and develop their intercultural competence.

The new Intercultural Dialogue Centre extends similar support to international residents beyond the university community, including individuals who have settled in the region for work or family reasons. The project aims to accelerate sociocultural adaptation and reduce the risks associated with integration into a multicultural community. BelSU stands ready to provide methodological support and assistance in organising events.