Yanka Kupala
State University of Grodno
PHOTO FACT: the last week of studies for international students at the Russian Language Summer School at Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno
For the third week, the lecture halls of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno have been resonating with different languages: Chinese, German and, of course, Russian. The students from China and Germany are busy with their studies. Every day they attend four-hour classes, and the organizers have prepared a rich programme that allows international students to get acquainted with Belarusian traditions, learn interesting facts about the country and immerse themselves in the language environment.
Particular delight among participants is caused by "Karaoke in Russian." Here, music becomes a bridge between cultures: the students enthusiastically perform famous Russian hits, practice pronunciation through songs, and simply have a good time in the company of new friends.
Let us remind you that the Russian Language Summer School started on August 3 and will continue until August 22, 2026. During this time, participants have not only improved their language skills but also gained a deeper understanding of Belarus. They attend lectures on the country's history and culture, communicate with local students daily for practice, and take part in master classes on cooking and making national souvenirs. By the way, today a workshop was held for the international guests, where they were introduced to folk traditions.
The programme also includes getting to know Grodno itself. International students actively participate in city tours, explore its main attractions and soak up the atmosphere of its ancient streets. Ahead of them lies the official closing ceremony of the project. Each participant will receive a certificate confirming successful completion of the course, as well as unforgettable emotions that will stay with them long after returning home.
Tears of Farewell and Sincere Smiles at the Closing of the VI Summer School of Belarusian Language and Culture
Two intense weeks of the Summer School have come to an end – it was a bright time of language practice and getting acquainted with Belarusian culture! At the homely and cozy closing ceremony, sincere smiles of joy intertwined with light tears of sadness, because saying goodbye to Grodno is always difficult. Twelve participants, who over these days became one family, will take home not just certificates and souvenirs, but unforgettable impressions, new knowledge, and a piece of the Belarusian soul in their hearts.
Mikalai Hrynko, Director of the Scientific Library and the inspirational leader of the project, reflected on the results of the work and the main valuable acquisition of the school:
– Time is a thing that flies extremely fast. And today we have gathered to take stock. I can say with full confidence: Summer School 2026 has taken place! And it took place primarily because we had participants who sincerely worked in it. Throughout all classes, master classes and excursions, I did not see indifferent eyes among you – everyone was eager to learn something new. You came to us to see Belarus, and I very much hope that you will take a piece of it home with you. You will take it to tell and show how beautiful, interesting and, most importantly, what kind of people live in our country.
Vice-Rector for Research Natalia Bashun addressed the participants with warm words of farewell:
– Today we have another celebration, but a slightly sad one, because today is the closing of our Summer School. These 12 days have passed so quickly, but during this time they have become a true source of inspiration, new knowledge and ideas. On behalf of the Rector of YKSUG Iryna Kiturka and the entire university community, I express my sincere gratitude to all students, teachers and organizers who put their hearts into this project. We are always waiting for you within the walls of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno, in hospitable Grodno region. See you at the VII Summer School!
Summer School participant Elena Dmitrieva shared her vivid impressions:
– I am immensely impressed by your hospitality, the university, the excellent library, the high professionalism of the specialists and, undoubtedly, the Belarusian culture, which is simply unparalleled in the world. This was a unique and very valuable experience. I will be very happy to encourage my students to come to you in Grodno!
Daria Goltsova, Senior Lecturer of the Department of Slavic Philology of Voronezh State University, also shared her feelings:
– Time flew by unnoticed, as it always does in Grodno. For me, the Summer School is a place for wonderful relaxation and at the same time enormous professional growth. This is my "place of power," where I recharge my energy for the entire next year. But I did not come alone, but with my students. These two weeks I watched them and saw how different they are, but each of them found something of their own in the school: something that touched, interested and impressed him or her personally. I think this is the main meaning of the project. Many thanks to the organizers, especially to Mikalai Hrynko, without whose drive none of this would have happened. See you next year!
A significant part of the event was the presentation of certificates confirming successful participation in the Summer School "Under the Bright Name of Kupala." And since every good journey should end with pleasant surprises, the organizers prepared special gifts for the guests – Grodno gingerbreads with the image of the university and the Kalozha Church.
– May the image of our university and the holy Kalozha be in your hearts and thoughts, and the gingerbread itself – in your stomachs! – Mikalai Hrynko joked sincerely in farewell.
Next, the students were treated to their favourite Self-Government Day under the symbolic name "Where Can One Be Happy? In Grodno!!!" According to the idea, each prepared a short story about themselves and their impressions, as well as a creative gift.
The first to speak was school participant Arina Novikova:
– What is happiness? Happiness is the people who are next to you. But how to convey happiness in Grodno? The task is difficult, because the choice of impressions is simply limitless! I can draw a little, so I decided to create portraits of our participants and teachers.
Arina's drawings not only reflected her admiration for Belarusian culture, costume and crafts, but became a true artistic chronicle of the VI Summer School.
And that's not all! Over two weeks of shared life, the participants developed their own signature local jokes: about the "level of trasianka – C2," about the phrase "there is a question," and about the fact that "I will have to listen about Grodno all my life." A special place was occupied by practicing the pronunciation of the favourite sound [ch] – always hard!
As we have already mentioned, the delegation from Voronezh State University is growing every year, so remembering all the participants' names is quite a challenge. But Mikalai Hrynko handled it brilliantly, although he did not escape good-natured jokes. And the students have already promised: next year they will come with a team of 20 people, so the library director will have to try again!
No one wanted to say goodbye to the Summer School: neither the participants, nor the organizers, who over this time had become one big and friendly family. But that is precisely why such moments acquire special value – because they pass quickly. But we do not say "goodbye!" to our guests, only a sincere and warm "see you later!" See you at the VII Summer School of Belarusian Language and Culture "Under the Bright Name of Kupala"! To new discoveries and bright meetings!
Dialogue of cultures in Russian: participants of the Summer School took part in an international evening
The 13th day of training at the Russian Language Summer School of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno has arrived. In addition to traditional classes, participants enjoyed a fascinating introduction to the culture and traditional dishes of other countries.
As part of the International Evening, the students were given an interesting task. Representatives of China, Germany and Belarus randomly drew the name of one of the other two countries represented at the Summer School and had to present it in the form of a presentation. The main feature was that the presentation had to be delivered in Russian. The audience listened with interest to presentations about the culture of other countries, learned about their history, features and traditions, and also tasted national dishes prepared by the participants.
The final and most enjoyable part of the event was the tasting of treats. The International Evening became an important part of the Russian Language Summer School programme. It allowed participants not only to get to know each other's cultures better but also to practice their Russian speaking skills.
Certificates awarded to participants of interactive seminars on creativity research using artificial intelligence at Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno
On August 13, a solemn closing ceremony of the interactive research-oriented seminars "Exploring Creative Thinking of the Individual through Experimental AI-Assisted Projective Techniques" was held at Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno. Certificates were awarded to ten students from the People's Republic of China.
"Exploring Individual Creative Thinking through Experimental Projective Techniques Using Artificial Intelligence" is an innovative project successfully organized by the Department of Philosophy of the Faculty of Pedagogy under the expert guidance of Doctor of Philosophical Sciences, Professor Snezhana Semiarnik. It has become a place that combines advanced psychological and pedagogical approaches with modern digital technologies, as well as a significant step in the development of international scientific dialogue.
Natalia Bashun, Vice-Rector for Research, addressed those present. She congratulated the international students on completing the seminar series and wished them success and future scientific achievements. After that, Natalia Bashun personally presented certificates to each of the ten participants.
Throughout the course, the international students actively familiarized themselves with the methodological tools of the latest technologies for researching creative thinking. They not only studied the theoretical framework but also conducted a full diagnostic assessment of creative thinking using experimental AI-assisted projective techniques.
Meeting with Representative of the Boyan Recruitment and Support Centre for International Students held at Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno
Today, August 13, Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno welcomed Wang Zhang, General Director of the Boyan Recruitment and Support Centre for International Students LLC. The main topic of the talks was further cooperation.
YKSUG side was represented by Liavontsi Paulau, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs; Alena Belakoz, Head of the for Internationalization Education Centre; Iryna Hlaunitskaya, Head of the Recruitment and Registration of International Citizens Department; Alexandra Zhuk, Head of the International Projects and Academic Mobility Department; Alesia Belko, Deputy Head of the Internationalization Education Centre; Andrei Pranevich, Dean of the Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics; Volha Yanchurevich, Dean of the Faculty of Biology and Ecology; and Dzmitry Buyanouskiy, Lecturer of the General Military Disciplines Cycle.
At the beginning of the meeting, Liavontsi Paulau expressed gratitude to the representative of the Recruitment and Support Centre for International Students for active cooperation and assistance in the implementation of joint educational programmes. Representatives of YKSUG then presented a video about the university, its achievements and international activities.
The parties then proceeded to discuss issues of further cooperation. The meeting participants considered the prospects for joint cooperation within the framework of the Joint Institute of Intelligent Sciences and Engineering of YKSUG and Qilu Normal University, and also outlined new possible areas of development.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Liavontsi Paulau thanked his colleague for the open dialogue and expressed hope for fruitful cooperation.
PHOTO FACT: students of the Russian Language Summer School continue to learn the language and get acquainted with Belarusian Culture
The training at the Russian Language Summer School is in full swing! International students are diligently studying not only the Russian language but also the culture of Belarus.
Yesterday, August 12, an excursion was organized for the participants to one of Grodno's main landmarks – the Cathedral of St. Francis Xavier. The students not only learned about the rich history of the Cathedral but also saw with their own eyes one of its main attractions – the ancient organ – and admired the incredible beauty of the building. The day ended with the performance of Russian songs.
Today, August 13, the participants of the Summer School continued to master the nuances of the Russian language with teachers from YKSUG and got acquainted with traditional national dishes at a culinary master class. The students will also experience a Belarusian evening, which will allow them to learn more about Belarusian culture.
PHOTO FACT: International students of the Russian Language Summer School continue their studies at Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno
From August 3 to 22, the Russian Language Summer School is being held at Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno. The training is in full swing: half of the programme has already been successfully completed by participants from China and Germany.
Yesterday, at the "Learning from Each Other" meeting, student volunteers organized a creative skills exchange: they taught the international guests how to knit, and also introduced them to Belarusian folk crafts. In addition, the participants visited the Museum of the History of YKSUG, where they learned about the university's rich heritage and its origins.
Sightseeing tours of Grodno have also been organized for the international guests, allowing them to explore the architecture of the ancient city and take part in cultural and entertainment events.
It is worth noting that the Russian Language Summer School is becoming not only an educational platform for international students, but also a true bridge of friendship between cultures. In addition to classes and creative meetings, each day brings the participants new discoveries, bright emotions and unforgettable impressions, and the warm atmosphere of our hospitality will long remain in the hearts of the guests from China and Germany.
From Historical Discoveries to National Cuisine at the Summer School
History, heritage and treats – at the Summer School of Belarusian Language and Culture, every day holds new discoveries. The students followed the paths of the classics, learned about the origins of the Belarusian nation, and learned how to prepare masterpieces of traditional cuisine.
The busy weekend passed, but even on sunny days of rest, the Summer School participants did not stop their drive to explore Belarusian culture. At the Maksim Bahdanovich Museum, the guests learned about the poet's childhood in the Grodno region, at the Eliza Orzeszko House-Museum they heard about the creation of her famous works in the city on the Neman, and also visited the famous Grodno State Museum of the History of Religion.
The historical excursion continued with the start of the new week. Associate Professor of the Department of Belarusian History, Archaeology and Special Historical Disciplines Aleksandr Hornyi delivered a lecture to the students on the formation of the Belarusian nation, the origins of the national idea and the difficult path of the formation of Belarusian statehood. In previous years, Aleksandr Hornyi introduced guests to the city during excursions, but this year he gained lecturing experience:
– I believe that this topic is very useful for school participants. They need to understand how the Belarusian language developed in its historical context, how it acquired its social, cultural and intellectual features. Such lectures significantly expand the students' knowledge. The reaction of the students was extremely positive: many realized that the history of Belarus is a complex, tragic and at the same time heroic path.
Next, the students were treated to the most delicious master class on Belarusian cuisine – "Taste It – Delicious!" The menu immediately evoked such vivid images that it was hard to hold back one's appetite: babka (potato casserole) with meat and mushrooms, raisin buns, baked apples with honey, and a refreshing mint drink.
Under the guidance of experienced hostesses, the cooking process was easy, fun and useful. After all, how else can you feel the spirit of the country and learn its culture one hundred percent without tasting national dishes and, most importantly, without learning how to cook them with your own hands?
This is how another day at the Summer School ended appetizingly, freely and with homely warmth. And ahead of the participants await many more bright discoveries and unforgettable moments!
Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno at the Centre of Intercultural Dialogue: Russian Language Summer School in Full Swing
The Russian Language Summer School continues at Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno – an annual educational project that introduces international students to the history and culture of Belarus in an interactive format.
Over the course of three weeks, the participants are intensively studying the Russian language under the guidance of experienced teachers from the Department of Russian Philology, improving their conversational skills and deepening their knowledge of grammar. In addition to classroom sessions, students go on sightseeing tours of Grodno, learn about the history and architecture of the ancient city, and take part in cultural and entertainment events. A particular favourite among participants is the "Karaoke in Russian" project, where they not only practice pronunciation but also perform famous Russian songs in a friendly atmosphere.
Let us remind you that the Summer School is attended by international students from China and Germany. The classes are organized on the basis of the Faculty of Philology of YKSUG and will continue until August 22 inclusive.
The project has become a good tradition of YKSUG, opening up the richness of the Russian language to international students and creating a space for lively intercultural communication.
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Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno Student Tsimur Siuko – Silver Medalist at the III International Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence
The Belarusian national team made its debut at the III International Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence, which was held from August 2 to 8 in Astana, Kazakhstan. A silver medal was brought to the team's collection by Tsimur Siuko, a 1st-year student of the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno.
Tsimur, a recent graduate of Gymnasium No. 1 named after Academician E.F. Karski, joined the national team alongside three school students.
It is worth noting that the path to success began long before the final. First, the young man passed the regional selection, then the republican stage, where the composition of the national team was determined. "Half of the tasks were unfamiliar to me," Tsimur admits. "But that was precisely the main challenge. I had to figure things out on the fly, look for unconventional approaches and test my hypotheses."
According to the first-year student, the preparation and participation themselves became an invaluable experience for him. "To be honest, everything was held together by enthusiasm – both mine and that of our mentors. We were not afraid to try new things, learn from our rivals, and step outside the familiar. It was a great period that gave me much more than just an award," the first-year student shares his impressions.
The debut performance of the Belarusian team at such a prestigious international arena ended successfully, which became a vivid testament to the high level of youth training in the field of artificial intelligence.
We congratulate Tsimur and wish him new victories on the path to great discoveries!
How the Summer School Felt the Magic of Folk Crafts
Today, the participants of the Summer School of Belarusian Language and Culture exchanged the cozy walls of the main building library for the picturesque landscapes of the Navahrudak region and the historic corners of the Karelichy region. While throughout the week teachers and staff had been bringing Belarus closer to the students in the classrooms, today they set out on a real journey!
The first stop was the Crafts Department of the Navahrudak District Centre of Culture and Folk Creativity. The guests were given a tour of the museum exhibition, which features unique examples of embroidery, fabric, clay and metal products carefully preserved in local villages. The students also saw contemporary works by young students of the centre, who continue to create in accordance with artistic traditions. A craftswoman demonstrated the work of a loom and noted the specifics of weaving characteristic of the Navahrudak region.
Next, the participants enjoyed a fascinating master class on Navahrudak vytsinanka-vybivanka (paper cutting and embossing). This is a distinctive technique where a pattern is embossed on paper using special tools or metal tubes, with a diamond-shaped grid serving as the basis of the composition. In the past, such openwork paper decorations adorned houses – they created towels for icons and curtains with flowers, stars and birds. The main keeper of this intangible heritage today is Natalia Klimko, a folk master of Belarus.
After a sightseeing tour of the iconic places of Navahrudak, the travellers headed to the agricultural town of Raitse in the Karelichy District, where they visited the historic manor of the Rajetski-Putkamer family. The manor house in the classicist style and the remains of the old park preserve the memory of Marylya Putkamer – the beloved of Adam Mickiewicz. Here, another creative master class awaited the students – on straw weaving, led by craftswoman Vera Saldatava.
At the end of the day, the guests visited the local shrine – the Church of St. Barbara, which was originally built as a Catholic church and later reconsecrated as an Orthodox church. Its rich history was told to the students by Priest Alexei Shyshkir.
The day turned out to be exceptionally rich and emotional. We hope we managed to convey at least a part of that unforgettable atmosphere and valuable knowledge that filled the hearts of the Summer School participants today!
International students continue to study Russian language and Culture of Belarus at Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno
The students are intensively studying the Russian language and immersing themselves in the language environment through interactive classes and communication with teachers. The curriculum is designed to combine academic classes with creative formats: students learn the language through music, songs and interactive exercises.
In addition to classroom sessions, sightseeing tours of Grodno have been organized for the school participants, during which they get acquainted with the history and architecture of the city, learn about the cultural traditions of Belarus, and apply their acquired language skills in real-life situations.
From the wisdom of proverbs to Slutsk belts: another eventful day at the Summer School
Associate Professor of the Department of Belarusian Philology Maria Yakaltsevich delivered a fascinating lecture for the Summer School participants on the image of women in Belarusian paremiology – proverbs and sayings. The choice of this topic became very symbolic in the Year of the Belarusian Woman.
The lecture aroused great interest among project participant Piotr Fedosov:
– This is not the first time I have come to the Summer School, so I have heard Maria Antonovna's lectures before. This deep linguistic approach to the analysis of proverbs is truly a unique experience that I have not encountered elsewhere. Most of the meeting was devoted precisely to the image of women. I especially remembered a very warm proverb: "There is no shop where mothers are sold." It is wonderful, because mother is always about boundless love.
The lecture was followed by a talk by Library Director Mikalai Grynko, "And the Hand Weaves, Forgetting..." He told the students about the history of the Slutsk manufactories and the world-famous Slutsk belts.
The participants delved into the study of the traditional Belarusian costume, paying special attention to headwear and the distinctive features of the festive attire with its wide aprons, lace and rich embroidery. The students learned about the sacred content of the ornament: in the past, embroidery could determine a person's social status, the number of children in the family, and even the skill of the hosts! And the first belt in every Belarusian's life was a thin twisted ribbon of three threads, which was put on a child immediately after birth.
Anna Pykhtina, School student, shared her impressions:
– It was extremely interesting to learn so much about the Belarusian costume. We not only discovered the history of belts but also touched the rich world of folk culture as a whole. I really liked how these themes intersect with literature, as I sincerely love Belarusian poetry and prose. A particular pleasure was examining the many bright illustrations in various artistic styles.
A distinctive conclusion to the day was a weaving master class, where every participant could try their hand at the craft.
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Higher education in the Republic of Belarus
