In anticipation of the New Year's holidays, Derzhavin University held a large-scale project, "Derzhavin Winter Wonderland," bringing together 1,500 international students. It was organized by the Center of Social Adaptation and Intercultural Communication of International Relations Department.
The "Derzhavin Winter Wonderland" program includes over 20 cultural, educational, and socially significant events. All are aimed at integrating international students into the Russian sociocultural space and introducing them to national New Year's traditions. These events include master classes, concerts, charity events, and excursions.
The international volunteer group "GOODWIN" held the "Visiting Father Frost" event in children's social institutions across the region. Students from Morocco, India, and Egypt organized a celebration with games and gifts for 100 children from the Oreshek orphanage, a boarding school for individuals with disabilities, the Tambov regional branch of the All-Russian Society of Disabled People, and the RDMI organization.
Foreign volunteers supported the Dobroe Serdtse animal shelter.
Students from Congo, India, and Togo organized a festive concert at the Tambov boarding house for war and labor veterans. The students performed creative numbers in their national traditions and presented the veterans with commemorative gifts.
Filled with respect for the history of our country, the Derzhavin residents personally congratulated World War II veteran Vladimir Antonovich Sevryukov on the upcoming New Year and wished him good health. Next year, Vladimir Antonovich will celebrate a significant date – his 100th birthday. The students listened with interest as he recounted the events of the last century. International first-year students enjoyed excursions to the Russian Izba Museum and the TSU Museum and Exhibition Complex. They learned about the region's history and traditions, as well as folk crafts.
Over 100 students from Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, India, Algeria, and Morocco attended cultural events in the city, including the play "Songs of Love. Winter 2025" at the Tambov Youth Theater, a performance by the "Three Snowflakes" puppet theater, and the traditional "Snegurochka" round dance by the "Ivushka" song and dance ensemble.
First-year students took part in a special Russian language flash mob. They signed over 900 Soviet postcards and sent them to friends, faculty, and university staff. This is the second year the event has received a broadly positive response from international students.
International students participated in the "Winter in Russia" photography and video competition. The competition runs until February 1st. The busy New Year's program culminated in a concert featuring students from Lebanon, India, and the Congo.
In 2025, TSU successfully implemented its adaptation, integration, and development program, consisting of over 250 events for the university's international students. Over 60% of international students are involved in active student life. 80% of first-year students have completed their initial social adaptation. Derzhavin University has become a leader in the country in engaging international students in state youth policy. The university is currently among the top three universities in Russia for engaging international students in volunteer activities and among the top two in Russia for best practices in educational outreach.
