- 21.11.2025 11:35
All flags hurry to visit us for the 20th time!
The 20th Anniversary International Forum and Festival of International and Russian Students "We welcome all the flags!", dedicated to the 95th anniversary of Tula State University, took place on November 21.
The event was held in two stages. In the morning, participants were able to showcase their knowledge and developments at an international multi-conference on the preservation and development of languages and cultures. It consisted of two tracks:
Track 1: III International Student Scientific and Practical Conference "The Russian Language Through the Eyes of Foreigners"
Track 2: V International Scientific and Practical Conference on the Preservation of UNESCO World Heritage Sites
The conference was attended by key representatives of our university's international education: Olesya Yevgenyevna Labadze, Vice-Rector for International and Project Activities at Tula State University; Olga Dmitriyevna Gladkova, Director of the Institute of International Education at Tula State University; and Irina Marselyevna Lagun, Head of the Department of General Theoretical Disciplines and Russian as a Foreign Language at Tula State University.
The celebration continued with a gala concert, where participants demonstrated their talents, and a food fair featuring cuisines from around the world, where everyone could immerse themselves in the gastronomic art of various nationalities. Everyone had the opportunity to taste national dishes from over ten countries—from appetizers and treats to a full meal. It was more than just food, but a tradition, a ritual, a bond not only between nations but also between generations. The dishes made a tremendous impression on everyone present. Products from local "Made in Tula" producers were also on display at the exhibition.
"We have a class right now, but we decided to come here anyway—it was an event we couldn't miss. We were amazed by the friendliness and responsiveness of the participants: everyone goes out of their way to feed us and is open to conversation. We're glad we came here," said first-year Design students.
"Everything was great. Thank you for the celebration," shared Abdul, a first-year IT student from Tanzania.
The artists performing on the stage of the Tula State University Concert Hall included both Tula State University students and representatives of international institutions from the Central Federal District. In addition to students and teachers, the event was attended by representatives of the embassies of the Kingdom of Cambodia, the Republic of Sierra Leone, and the Republic of India. Also in attendance were representatives of the Tula Region government and Darya Nikolayevna Medvedeva, head of the Export Support Center of the Tula Regional Foundation "Entrepreneurship Support Center."
Olesya Yevgenyevna Labadze, Vice-Rector for International and Project Activities, greeted the guests from the stage: "It's incredibly rewarding to see so many completely different and unique people in this hall. Every year, for 20 years now, we have been investing great meaning in this event—bringing together people from all over the world. On this day, we can immerse ourselves in the culture and creativity of international students not only of our university, but also of our invited guests. Let's continue to unite people from different countries and continents!"
The event was filled with vibrant music and energetic dancing from students from Africa, Cambodia, India, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and many other countries. An atmosphere of ethnic diversity and friendship illuminated the celebration.
Marina Elmanovna Kalinina, Deputy Director of the Institute of International Education at Tula State University, shared her emotions:
"Every year, students display their culture more vividly; they feel genuine support and an atmosphere of unity. The event allows them to express themselves and showcase their culture through dance and national cuisine. New students came to support their peers and connect with others. They will be inspired and excited to represent their country next year."
Panha Pichkhun, Representative of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Cambodia:
"This is not only a unique platform for talented young people to connect with each other, but also an opportunity for the city to become better acquainted with other cultures. Young people are the future of the country; they are the most active and creative part of society. I hope the university remains a prestigious institution for the entire world, a place where it's exciting to study and where memories will last a lifetime. I wish Tula State University every success!"
Mustafa, a first-year doctoral student in the Oncology Department, is originally from Iraq:
"Events like these are incredibly important. We all come from different countries, we have our own traditions and languages, but Russian serves as a unifying language. We come from all corners of the world, but we've gathered here at Tula State University. We connect through culture and get to know each other even better. It's here that we reveal our different side, remember our traditions, our roots."
This is the twentieth festival in the history of Tula State University. The deeper its roots in the university's history, the more united its multinational staff becomes. The festival emphasizes that Tula State University is not just a university in Tula, but a university of the world, and that education is much broader than a single geographical point on the map. Nations of the world do not break away of their roots, preserving memories of their homeland which the festival helps them relive.
Photo by Yelena Gorbachyova, Media Center students
