A year has flown by, and here we are again in December. That means it's time for Olesya Yevgenyevna Labadze, Vice Rector for International and Project Activities, to meet informally with activists from the Institute of International Education at Tula State University.

Such meetings are always welcome, filled with a special warmth and soft light. When representatives of different countries, cultures, and faiths gather, it's a good sign. These people have much to talk about and discuss, they have many common plans and interesting ideas and this is certainly worth it!

That's what happened on December 26th.

Olesya Yevgenyevna immediately admitted to the international students that she always looks forward to this day. It's crucial for their families and friends that they receive a good education in Russia and become highly qualified specialists. For Tula State University, it's important not only to provide international students with a good education but also to enrich their student life. This is why the university hosts cultural and sporting events, competitions, and olympiads. The results of this extensive work are of great importance to the students, as it is through productive, intense activity that personal development truly takes place.

Olga Dmitriyevna Gladkova, Director of the Institute of International Education, warmly thanked the students for finding the time to come and interact during the busy period of tests and exams.

IIE students, she emphasized, are the face of Tula State University. International students are always at the center of the information and media space. Their successes and ideas are rightfully considered a significant contribution to our university's overall achievements.

Aсcording to tradition, a video report on the completed work was presented to the visitors. Olga Dmitriyevna cautioned that it did not fully represent the activities carried out by the international students. Otherwise, the film would have required several hours of viewing...

A highlight of each pre-New Year's gathering are the video greetings from Tula State University graduates. This year, they were sent by four doctors: Mahmudul Hasan from the People's Republic of Bangladesh, Advisor to the Minister of Health and Family Welfare; Angulo Macias José Pablo and Pascuales Zambrano Claudia Elizabeth, a married couple from the Republic of Ecuador; and Manawalan Prince from the Republic of India.

How many kind words they said about Tula State University!

The graduates shared that their years at the university were a valuable learning experience. It was here that they acquired not only a profession but also self-confidence.

"While studying at Tula State University, I never felt like I was far from home," Manavalan Prince emphasized in his address. "And now you see me wearing the very same sweater I bought in Tula. It's of excellent quality! I received the same quality of education at Tula State University! I thank all my teachers for their profound knowledge, kindness, and patience!"

Meanwhile, the summing up of the results continued. The students had achieved so many successes over the year that it was simply impossible not to share them. The IV Summer Linguistic School for Young Researchers "Dive into Science!", the Intercultural Dialogue Space "Cultural Code," and the International Students' Media Space "IMO News"—all of these projects are cause for celebration.

Another highlight of these meetings is the awards ceremony. The students worked hard and deservedly earned their awards.

This year, the following were awarded Acknowledgement:

— Abdelnaim Mohamed Hassan Elsayed and Mohamed Gamal Osama Ibrahim Gomaa (Arab Republic of Egypt) for their active support to the International Student Adaptation Department of the Institute of International Education;

— Abdulhalem Mustafa Mohamed Abdulhalem (Republic of Iraq) for his significant contribution to the IV Summer Linguistic School for Young Researchers "Dive into Science!" and for promoting the university's positive image in the multicultural and multilingual information space;

— Ahmed Ahmed Abubakar (United Republic of Tanzania) for his participation in socially significant projects and events dedicated to building bridges between peoples at the regional and national levels;

— Balde Boubacar (Republic of Guinea-Bissau), Yildiz Gadamova and Merjen Kurbanova (Turkmenistan), Mahamat Sakin Ibrahim (Republic of Chad), Sinha Achal (Republic of India) — for excellent academic performance and active participation in the events of the Institute of International Education;

— Bui Hai Long and Nguyen Thi Tu Anh (Socialist Republic of Vietnam) — for successful academic performance and the preservation of traditional family values;

— Zangi Yuriy Afrikano Ventura (Republic of Angola) — for successful academic performance and active work to develop and strengthen the Angolan community;

— Tasneen Rifah (People's Republic of Bangladesh) — for active participation in the events of the Institute of International Education;

— Somonjon Toshev (Republic of Tajikistan) — for active participation in the preparation of the 20th Anniversary Forum-Festival of International and Russian Students "We welcome all the flags!!", dedicated to the 95th anniversary of Tula State University;

— Tri Kimsorng (Kingdom of Cambodia) — for academic achievements and the development and strengthening of the Cambodian community;

— Danila Usov (Republic of Moldova) — for excellent academic performance, research, and active participation in the life of the Institute of International Education;

— Shahboz Khayalov (Republic of Tajikistan) — for preserving national traditions and active participation in the life of the Institute of International Education;

— Chanta Panha (Kingdom of Cambodia) — for academic achievements and assistance to the International Student Adaptation Department of the Institute of International Education;

— Sharma Anjali (Republic of India) — for academic achievements and active participation in the events of the Institute of International Education;

— Andrey Yusupov (Republic of Uzbekistan) — for impeccable knowledge, commitment to self-improvement, and excellent academic performance.

After the ceremony, a heartfelt conversation followed.

Olesya Yevgenyevna remembered her student days. These golden years, she told the students, should be spent to the fullest and be sure to develop their talents.

Abdulkhalem Mustafa Muhammad Abdulkhalem, a future surgical oncologist, spoke about his residency training.

Each of those present shared their ideas and impressions.

The meeting concluded with a special ritual, which celebrated its fifth anniversary this year. Students marked their countries with coins on a special "World Without Borders" map.

The final chord of this kind event was a group photo. A lasting memory!

Tatyana Krikunkova

Photo by Mikhail Gindin