Yanka Kupala
State University of Grodno
A New Day – New Knowledge: The Summer School explores the phenomenon of Ivan Melezh
The Summer School of Belarusian Language and Culture continues to reveal the hidden pages of our heritage to international participants. Today, we focus on the literary block dedicated to a figure without whom classical Belarusian prose is impossible to imagine.
Associate Professor of the Department of Belarusian Philology Sviatlana Tarasava told the students about the talent and legacy of Ivan Melezh, the People's Writer of Belarus. The choice of this topic is natural: February 6 marked the 105th anniversary of the birth of the master of words. This anniversary year is passing under the sign of respect for his work – Melezh is the subject of magazine publications, scientific collections and thematic events. The organizers of the Summer School also wanted to show international guests the uniqueness of the talent of a genius, the likes of whom in terms of scale and depth have not yet appeared in Belarusian prose.
– The uniqueness of Ivan Melezh is explained by the fact that with his Polesie, he essentially rediscovered Belarus for Belarusians. His works are a mini-projection of how different regions of our country live. Despite the fact that every corner has its own distinctive features, the markers that Ivan Melezh highlighted in his "Polesie Chronicle" are the most realistic foundation characteristic of the Belarusian people as a whole, – emphasized Sviatlana Tarasava.
Thanks to such classes, the Summer School students not only expand their vocabulary, but also begin to understand the context of Belarusian culture through the prism of classical works.
"Karaoke in Russian": A musical day at the Russian Language Summer School
Today, August 5, the third day of the Russian Language Summer School was held at Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno. The key event of the day was the creative activity "Karaoke in Russian," which brought together the school participants in a musical communication format.
This year, the Russian Language Summer School is running from August 3 to 22 on the basis of the Faculty of Philology of YKSUG. Its participants include representatives from Xinjiang Normal University (China) and Germany. For them, participation in the project is a unique opportunity to deepen their knowledge of the Russian language, as well as to get acquainted with the culture, history and traditions of Belarus.
It is worth recalling that the school's programme includes daily four-hour Russian language classes, as well as additional 10-hour elective courses. One of them – "Karaoke in Russian" – was in the spotlight today. The participants happily performed famous Russian songs, practicing pronunciation and expanding their vocabulary in a light and playful form.
The event gave participants new knowledge and positive emotions, and once again confirmed that the Russian language is a living, melodic and inspiring world that unites people from different countries. Ahead of the school participants are new classes, exciting excursions and unforgettable impressions.
PHOTO FACT: Summer School of Belarusian Language and Culture continues to introduce guests to the blue-eyed land
Summer School has actively launched its educational programme! The 50 academic hours are distributed as efficiently as possible: the first half of the day is dedicated to classroom sessions, and the day continues with a lively introduction to Belarusian culture and history.
Let us remind you that the Summer School is the "final chord" of the annual competition "Get to Know Belarus with Us!" This year's winners were students of Voronezh State University. The first-degree diploma was awarded to Diana Barabanshchikova; the second-degree diploma to Anastasia Dzhalabadze; and the third-degree diploma to Evgenia Elizarova.
The first classes were devoted to the analysis of the competition tasks, conducted by Mikalai Grynko, Director of the Scientific Library. Afterwards, participants, together with Sviatlana Tarasava, Associate Professor of the Department of Belarusian Philology, delved into the Chernobyl themes of Belarusian literature.
In the evening, the students will get acquainted with one of the main shrines of the royal city – the Kalozha Church. As the guests themselves say with a smile: "In Grodno, there is never too much Kalozha!"
And this is only the beginning! Ahead of the participants are fascinating master classes, off-site excursions and many fruitful classes with true professionals.
Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno expands international academic cooperation: Master's diplomas awarded to graduates from China
On August 4, the Faculty of Psychology of YKSYG hosted a solemn ceremony of awarding Master's diplomas to graduates from the People's Republic of China. Educational documents were received by 13 individuals who successfully completed the programme in the specialization "Psychology." During their studies, the Master's students demonstrated a high level of knowledge and successfully defended their research theses.
The diploma of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno will open up new opportunities for professional growth for the young specialists.
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.
Learning and growing: cultural programme for international students of the Russian Language Summer School
Russian Language Summer School at Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno is gaining momentum. Participants from Xinjiang Normal University (China) and Germany are enthusiastically immersing themselves in the study of the Russian language: mastering grammar, working on pronunciation and practicing conversational skills. Alongside their classes, the students are actively getting to know Belarus – its history, traditions and cultural heritage.
A rich extracurricular programme has been organized for the guests. The participants have already attended an interactive lecture on the history and culture of Belarus, taken part in an evening of introductions, and attended a meeting with volunteers. A special place in the programme is occupied by walks around Grodno: the students study urban sculpture, get acquainted with architectural monuments, and explore ancient structures with great interest. Among the excursions already held are a walk to Kolozhsky Park and a visit to the Kalozha Church, one of the oldest churches on Belarusian soil. The students also visited the Grodno castles, which made a vivid impression on them.
Let us remind you that the school is running from August 3 to 22, 2026. All three weeks of study are dynamic: each day the students combine intensive language classes with new discoveries, excursions and live communication. The introduction to Grodno continues, and many more exciting activities await the participants ahead.
Kupalovtsy, are you ready? The countdown has begun: why this City Day in Grodno will be unforgettable
On September 4 and 5, Grodno will celebrate its 898th birthday. This year, participants of the celebration can expect a rich programme with themed areas and exciting quests that will unfold on the city's central streets.
The festivities will begin on Friday, September 4, with a large-scale eco-race, which will be attended not only by cyclists but also by electric vehicle drivers. On the same day, a commemorative plaque for the film "GDR," which was shot in Grodno in 2022–2023, will be unveiled on Cinema Alley. The first day of the celebration will conclude with an atmospheric Lantern Festival in the Swiss Valley.
The main celebration will take place on September 5 in Zhiliber Park and on Sovetskaya Street. On this day, guests of the celebration will be able to visit interactive theatrical and historical, ethnographic, as well as youth and labour themed areas. Residents and guests of the city will also be able to get acquainted with the achievements of modern Grodno region at a thematic location. A bright part of the celebration will be the traditional Cheese and Flower Festivals "KVETKA-FEST."
The main highlight of this year's celebration will be the "Participant's Passport" – a booklet in which one can get a stamp with the celebration logo at each themed zone. Those who complete all tasks and collect all stamps will receive a commemorative souvenir.
We invite all members of the YKSUG community to become participants in this vibrant celebration!
Safety and legal literacy: a series of meetings with international students was held at the Faculty of History, Communication and Tourism
Timely legal education is a key element in the prevention of offences among students. Insufficient awareness of the legislation of the host country on the part of foreign citizens can lead to a distorted perception of legal norms and, consequently, to the commission of unlawful acts.
At the Faculty of History, Communication and Tourism, special attention is paid to this work. Throughout the academic year, international students regularly participate in meetings with the university administration, staff of citizenship and migration departments, law enforcement agencies and representatives of city services. Legal information is provided both in the format of curator and information hours, and on dialogue platforms in academic buildings and dormitories.
During the holiday period, this tradition continued with a series of preventive events. On July 2, a meeting was held with Ilya Aleshuk, a state traffic inspector of the Grodno Regional Executive Committee Internal Affairs Department, on the topic "Safe Holidays: Know and Observe."
On July 21, Sviatlana Khudarganava, Internationalization coordinator of the Faculty of History, Communication and Tourism, held an information session on the topic "Ignorance of the Law Does Not Excuse from Responsibility: Prevention of Negative Manifestations in the Youth Environment," analyzing with international students the most common schemes and methods of property theft.
On July 28, Alena Antonchyk, Deputy Dean for Ideological and Educational Work of the Faculty of History, Communication and Tourism, discussed with students the topic "Responsible and Safe Behaviour during Summer Holidays."
The main goal of such regular meetings is to form a clear understanding of their rights and responsibilities among international students, as well as to ensure their safety and prevent offences during the summer holidays.
PHOTO FACT: Russian Language Summer School continues at Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno
The Russian Language Summer School at YKSUG is in full swing: the second day of the programme welcomes participants from China and Germany with an engaging lecture on the history and culture of Belarus.
The school began its work on August 3 and will run until August 22, 2026. In addition to daily four-hour Russian language classes, students have 10-hour elective courses available: "Karaoke in Russian," "Linguistic and Cultural Studies," and "Business Russian." Ahead of the participants are equally bright and eventful activities: excursions around Grodno, the Grodno region, and other sights of the country.
The Russian Language Summer School continues to surprise, unite and inspire – after all, the best knowledge is born through travel and live communication!
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"How soon will the whole of Voronezh start speaking Belarusian?" or how the opening of the Summer School of Belarusian Language and Culture went
The Summer School of Belarusian Language and Culture "Under the Bright Name of Kupala" has started at Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno for the sixth time. The atmosphere of the solemn opening resembled a heartfelt meeting of good friends: here they sincerely smiled at those who have been coming to Grodno for more than a year, and welcomed new lovers of the Belarusian word with an open heart. Ahead of the participants are 12 unforgettable days filled with discoveries, language practice and warm human communication.
The cozy meeting was opened by Mikalai Grynko, Director of the Scientific Library and the inspirational leader of this large-scale project:
– It has become a good tradition that the Summer School of Belarusian Language and Culture "Under the Bright Name of Kupala" annually at the beginning of August welcomes its friends within the walls of YKSUG – the university located in the most picturesque and fairy-tale city of Belarus. We sincerely welcome you! We are very glad to see those whom we met last year and the year before, whom we see for the third or even fourth time. And, of course, we are very glad to see our new guests. I hope you are with us for the first time, but by no means the last!
Vice-Rector for Research Natalia Bashun addressed the participants and guests with a welcoming speech:
– Dear participants of the Summer School and guests of our country! On behalf of the Rector of the University Iryna Kiturka and our entire university community, we sincerely welcome you to Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno. Today is a real celebration for us. The School has become a beautiful tradition and opens its doors for the sixth time. Ahead of you are 50 academic hours – and these are not just classroom sessions, but a deep acquaintance with the originality and uniqueness of the Belarusian language. We have 12 days of joint work ahead of us. I believe that they will become a source of inspiration, new creative ideas for everyone and will leave the warmest memories.
After such an inspiring start, Angelina Yankelayt presented a musical gift to those present.
As Mikalai Grynko noted, the Summer School of Belarusian Language and Culture did not appear out of nowhere. It is the final chord of a large-scale annual project of the Scientific Library – the competition "Get to Know Belarus with Us!" Once it started as an initiative only for students of Lomonosov Moscow State University, but over time the geography expanded, and today students of Voronezh State University also actively participate in it. During the solemn and homely warm opening, Natalia Bashun presented diplomas to the winners of this competition.
Next, the floor was taken by Daria Goltsova, Senior Lecturer of the Department of Slavic Philology of Voronezh State University:
– I am very glad that I am attending the opening of the Summer School for the fourth time. The beginning of August for us is always cozy Grodno streets, Belarusian hospitality, wonderful language and, of course, people – library staff who create this fairy tale for us. Our Voronezh delegation is constantly growing: in the first year there were two of us, in the second – immediately seven, in the third – nine, and this year ten participants came! The numbers speak for themselves. We are always sincerely introduced to Grodno, and this year we also decided to introduce you to our hometown: we prepared a video, and also brought a book about Voronezh and delicious Voronezh chocolates as a gift to the hospitable table.
However, the Voronezh delegation was not the only one able to surprise with gifts! For active scientific, educational and cultural cooperation, as well as for the popularization of the Belarusian language, literature and culture, Daria Goltsova was awarded a letter of gratitude from Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno. The guests joked not without reason: with such sincere affection for the Belarusian word on the part of Voronezh students, it is not surprising if soon their efforts will make the whole of Voronezh speak Belarusian!
Ahead of the participants are busy days full of interesting classes, exciting master classes and unforgettable journeys. We wish them success and inspiration! And we will continue to follow the daily life of the Summer School of Belarusian Language and Culture and tell you about the achievements of its students!
Russian Language Summer School begins at Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno
From August 3 to 22, 2026, the Russian Language Summer School is being held at Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno. The project gives participants the opportunity to combine language learning with a comprehensive introduction to modern Belarus, its history, culture and national traditions. The educational programme is designed for both beginners and students wishing to improve their language proficiency.
This year, the participants include representatives from Xinjiang Normal University (China) and Germany. Traditionally, the Summer School is held on the basis of the Faculty of Philology of YKSUG by the Department of Russian Philology.
The school's programme is very rich. It includes daily four-hour Russian language classes (a total of 60 academic hours), as well as 10-hour elective courses: "Karaoke in Russian," "Linguistic and Cultural Studies," and "Business Russian." As part of the training, lectures on the history and culture of Belarus, daily language practice with Belarusian students, as well as cooking and national souvenir-making workshops are organized for participants. In addition, students will enjoy excursions around Grodno, the Grodno region, and other sights of the country. Upon completion of the course, all participants will receive certificates.
The project has been confirming its relevance for several years. It contributes to strengthening international educational ties, promoting the Russian language and Belarusian culture abroad, as well as developing academic mobility and intercultural dialogue.
Vytynanka master class and excursion to the first capital of the GDL: What awaits participants of the Summer School of Belarusian Language and Culture
Next week, the Summer School of Belarusian Language and Culture "Under the Bright Name of Kupala" will open its doors for the sixth time. This is a unique space for those who wish to learn the richness of the Belarusian word and touch the depths of national heritage. What have the organisers prepared for participants this year?
The geography of the project expands every year: traditionally, students from Lomonosov Moscow State University and Voronezh State University come to us. This year, they will be joined by students from Nekrasov Pedagogical College from St. Petersburg and representatives of Moscow State Pedagogical University. In addition, this season the school expects guests from Poland and Spain.
The daily schedule is built as efficiently as possible: the first half is dedicated to intensive classroom sessions, and the second half is devoted to cultural, excursion and creative programmes. In total, students will have 50 academic hours, most of which are devoted to in-depth study of the Belarusian language.
The educational block covers the most interesting sections of linguistics. In orthoepy classes with the meaningful title "Say Something So I Can See You," participants will practice correct pronunciation and euphony of the language. The works of Maria Yakaltsevich, Associate Professor of the Department of Belarusian Philology, dedicated to the image of women in Belarusian paremiology (proverbs and sayings), promise to arouse great interest, which is very symbolic in the Year of the Belarusian Woman.
Special attention will be paid to non-equivalent vocabulary – distinctive Belarusian words that have no direct analogues in other languages and reflect unique folk concepts (for example, buslyanka or znichka). The rich phraseological heritage, which is considered one of the richest in the Slavic world, will be revealed to participants by Iryna Khlusevich, Associate Professor of the Department of Belarusian Philology.
In addition, students will examine the peculiarities of agreement and government in the Belarusian language in comparison with other languages. Practical work with the thematic fields "City" and "Man," where students will process a wide layer of relevant vocabulary, will help consolidate the knowledge gained.
An entertaining block of thematic lectures on Belarusian literature has also been prepared for the school participants. Students will immerse themselves in the world of women's poetry and learn the creative heritage of Ivan Melezh during the lecture "Singer of Polesie." And Sviatlana Tarasova, Associate Professor of the Department of Belarusian Philology, will conduct a class "Chernobyl Themes in Belarusian Literature," where she will introduce participants to both classical works (for example, the novel "Evil Star" by Ivan Shamyakin) and the works of contemporary authors.
Participants of the Summer School will get to know Belarusian culture together with Aleksandr Gorny, Associate Professor of the Department of Belarusian History, Archaeology and Special Historical Disciplines, during classes dedicated to the formation of the national Belarusian idea. And the lecture "And the Hand Weaves, Forgetting" will reveal the secrets of the famous Slutsk belts. There will also be interactive elements. Participants can expect a traditional Belarusian cuisine master class "Taste It – Delicious!" and a lively Belarusian karaoke, which is always very active.
However, the Summer School programme is not limited to classroom sessions.
– Of course, we have prepared sightseeing tours of Grodno for participants, with a mandatory visit to the Kalozha Church. Those who come to us for the third or fourth time say with a smile: "There is never too much Kalozha in Grodno!" Also, on Sunday, August 9, we have a Museum Day planned. In addition, we have developed two excursion day programmes. On Friday, we will head to Novogrudok – the first capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. There, participants will be treated to a master class on vytynanka (paper cutting) and vybivanka (fabric printing) by a folk master. By the way, Belarusian vytynanka was recently included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Next, in Raitse, we will see one of the most interesting churches – the Church of St. Barbara – and try our hand at straw weaving. The second excursion day is dedicated to a trip to the Augustów Canal and Sapotskin, where participants will awaken their creative inspiration at a master class on Belarusian pysanka (Easter egg decoration), – Nikolay Grinko, Director of the Scientific Library, spoke about the rich programme.
On the last day, Self-Government Day will traditionally take place. Every year its theme is updated: previously, participants created a "Museum of Myself," a "Museum of the Group," and on the fifth anniversary year – a "Museum of the Summer School." This year, the concept was formulated quite affirmatively: "Where Can One Be Happy? In Grodno!!!"
Diploma ceremony for Master's students from China held at the Faculty of Pedagogy of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno
Another 24 specialists have joined the international community of graduates of YKSUG. The Faculty of Pedagogy hosted a solemn diploma ceremony for Master's graduates from China who studied in the "Educational Management" programme.
This cohort has gone down in the faculty's history with an impressive result: more than half of the group – 15 students – graduated with honours.
Dean of the Faculty of Pedagogy Yury Hniazdouski addressed the graduates with words of farewell:
– First of all, I want to sincerely congratulate you on successfully graduating from Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno! I hope that the time spent at the Faculty of Pedagogy will remain in your memory as a period of bright discoveries and warmest memories. Our teaching team tried to pass on to you the best experience so that you could master important professional competencies. During this year, you not only studied but also got acquainted with the culture and traditions of Belarus. May the knowledge gained within the university walls become a reliable support in your future career!
A particularly touching moment was the address of Natalia Mikhailova, Associate Professor of the Department of Pedagogy and Social Work, who congratulated the graduates in their native Chinese language:
– Dear friends, colleagues, graduates! Today is a special and very exciting day. Just yesterday you were students, and today you are qualified Master's graduates. We are truly proud of your achievements and believe that throughout this year you felt our care and support. We saw how diligently you worked and know that this path was not easy, but you passed it with honour. Folk wisdom says: after every rain, the sun always comes out. I wish you fair winds in all your endeavours, so that any tasks are solved easily and confidently. Dare, strive for new heights and boldly move forward!
After the moving diploma ceremony, the graduates themselves took the floor. Zhao Yilin shared her sincere impressions of life in Belarus and deep gratitude to her teachers:
– I fell in love with this country and beautiful Grodno with all my heart. I really hope that more and more Chinese students will come here to study, and Belarusian students will be able to discover China. I want to express my great gratitude to the teachers of our faculty. They are all incredibly sensitive and inspiring women. They passed on to us not only valuable knowledge but also showed by their own example how successful, strong and charming women can be in their profession. From the bottom of my heart, I wish each of you happiness, health and good luck! I believe that cooperation and cultural ties between China and Belarus in the field of education will only strengthen.
Ahead of the young specialists lies their return home and the start of a career in a new status. Confidence in their own abilities was given to them by the experience gained within the walls of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno and the support of mentors who walked this eventful, sometimes difficult, but endlessly happy path together with the students.
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Higher education in the Republic of Belarus
