Festivals of cultures of different nations are regularly held at the Southern Federal University. In the year of the 110th anniversary of the SFedU, the Institute of Management in Economic, Environmental and Social Systems has planned a series of events dedicated to the cultural peculiarities of the countries from which foreign students study in the structural unit.

In April, foreign students learned about Russian traditions, in May, the festival guests went on a virtual trip to Africa, and Chinese culture opened the new academic year.

"More and more foreign students began to come to the Taganrog campus, and we thought of making a common event that unites not only students, but also residents of the city. The festival of Russian culture became the basis for subsequent concerts. And after the largest diaspora, the African one, we moved on to the second one, from China," said Elena Zashchitina, Deputy Director of the SFedU Institute of Management in Economic, Environmental and Social Systems for Social, International and Career Guidance.

The concert was attended by more than 70 students from China, as well as SFedU students and ordinary Taganrog residents. On this day, the audience heard Chinese songs, enjoyed dances, including folk ones, and Qiao Tingting, a graduate student at the SFedU International Institute of Interdisciplinary Education and Ibero-American Studies, gave a short lecture on Chinese writing. Such events are of particular interest to translators who can hone their intercultural communication skills. At the same time, Chinese as a second language is studied at the SFedU Institute of Management in Economic, Environmental and Social Systems in two educational programs: 05/45.01 Translation and Translation Studies and 03/38/06 Trading.

"I came here at the time because Russia and China are world powers and great friends. Southern Federal University has a very long history. I was sure that I would get not only a high-quality education here, but also life skills that would help me in the future.

Since 2012, we have managed to attract 1,500 people to the SFedU, and I give them all the following advice. Knowledge is the key, but by opening the door to it, you must have a plan for the next four years and beyond, after graduation. Pay attention to your development, participate in events, get to know each other, prove yourself. After all, Russia is really a country of opportunities," said Zhang Qingwei, a trusted representative of the SFedU for cooperation with Chinese organizations interested in academic cooperation.

Interactive events in the lobby of the student club complemented the picture of the evening. Anyone could take part in the tea ceremony and a master class in Chinese character calligraphy.

"I like Russian culture, especially music and painting. And there are many people in China who are interested in Russia.

I really enjoyed the concert, I participated in the final mass number, changed into a dragon costume. This is a great opportunity not only to talk about our country and have a good time, but also to make new friends among Russian students," said Xu Kefu, a student of SFedU.

In the future, the Institute of Management in Economic, Environmental and Social Systems plans to continue its successful practice and hold cultural festivals in Latin America and the CIS.