Foreign students portray their cultures and traditions

Every year, as a tradition, the Belgorod Branch of the Association of Foreign Students in the Russian Federation (AFS) and the international department of the university officially organise various social and cultural activities to bring and welcome into the general student community foreign students. This type of activities makes the students feel more at home, paves the way for them to successfully integrate into a completely different cultural, social environment and weather conditions.

This academic year brought us very interesting activities like the celebration of the 50th anniversary the independence of the Republic of Ghana on the 6th March, and the African Day on the 25th May for the African students and the opening of the Regional artifacts exhibitions. Fortunately for the students the independence celebration also fell on the date of the opening of these Regional artifacts exhibitions.

Foreign students were glad and grateful to organise their exhibition of folklore arts together with the Regional artifacts exhibitions. Though it has been a long standing tradition, there is always some sort of anxiety and nervousness when such an occasion is organised. First of all, because it is a period for students to set and portray their traditions in the best light for the community to understand. Secondly, it is a serious step which requires the students to really show and portray what they consider as a forgone issue. Thirdly, it is a celebration and a period of acquaintances and therefore it has to be done to attract and involve the local university population.

The university authorities have always been very help not only offering the necessary support for the organisation but also practically and actively participating. This shows the degree of interest attached to such activities by the university authorities. It makes foreign nationals to be at ease in the complex and different society.

Written by Dr. Ray M. K. Atitsogbui

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