Master class on painting matryoshka dolls. In the center is the Chairman of the International Students Council Antonia Angelova

The second semester of the 2024/25 academic year continued the traditional meetings of the Russian Conversation Club (RCC), organized by the SPbGASU International Students Council (ISC). Classes are held at the Kirpich Student Creativity Club on Fontanka, 123, under the leadership of the Deputy Chairman of the ISC, Sabrinakhon Solehzoda.

The Russian Conversation Club brings together foreign students to study Russian language and culture. Its uniqueness lies in the combination of language practice and familiarization with cultural and historical aspects of Russia. The club also provides foreign students with adaptation assistance. The meetings are held in an informal and friendly atmosphere, which allows each participant to feel comfortable.

Since 2020, more than 400 students from different countries have become members of the club. Students from other universities (St Petersburg State University, Baltic State Technical University, St Petersburg State Marine Technical University, Russian State Pedagogical University), as well as employees of the St Petersburg Youth House and the Admiralty Youth Center, also participated in the RCC.

The current academic semester included events dedicated to the Maslenitsa and Martenitsa feasts, as well as a creative workshop where students immersed themselves in a creative atmosphere, painting the symbol of Russia – the matryoshka doll. On the back of the matryoshka dolls, participants encrypted wishes for future students using the Glagolitic alphabet – the ancient Slavic alphabet. These messages will be waiting for new students to inspire them to study the language and culture.

Antonia Angelova, Chairperson of the ISC, says: “The Russian Conversation Club, created in 2020, has already held more than 120 meetings. Unlike traditional language courses, our club includes elements of cultural events, which makes the learning process more exciting and multifaceted. Taking into account our own experience of participating in conversation clubs, we have developed our own approach, which is effective in developing communication and adaptation skills in international students.”

The International Students Council welcomes everyone to the meetings of the Russian Conversation Club, where participants immerse themselves in the culture of different nations, meet like-minded people and discuss interesting topics. Join us!

Russian conversation club VKontakte