Yanka Kupala
State University of Grodno
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!
"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.
International Students from China Received Master's Diplomas at Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno
The third graduation of Master's students from the People's Republic of China took place at the Department of Journalism of the Faculty of History, Communication and Tourism. Today, our 11 students officially completed their studies in the specialty "Journalism" with a profile in "Media Management." Seven of them confirmed their high level of knowledge and received well-deserved diplomas with honours. This festive day marked a bright conclusion to an important stage in their professional development.
The graduates were congratulated on conquering a new academic milestone by Viktar Belazarovich, Dean of the Faculty of History, Communication and Tourism:
– Today is a significant day, and I want to congratulate you on this celebration on behalf of the entire teaching staff and students of our university. A whole year of study in Belarus is behind you. You didn't just live here – you mastered new competencies, learned the intricacies of journalism, made friends with our students, lived our life, and we helped you and lived with your interests. The year flew by unnoticed. Today, you are receiving Master's diplomas, which confirm that we have before us accomplished specialists. And I hope that the knowledge gained at YKSUG will help you successfully realize yourselves in your native People's Republic of China. May the warmth and kindness that warmed you in Belarus forever remain in your hearts. And may this year become an important start for your future career. Bon voyage, dear graduates!
Particularly touching were the words of the teachers – those who daily shared their experience, helped students grow professionally, and expanded their horizons. Inna Minchuk, Head of the Department of Journalism, addressed the graduates with sincere wishes:
– Today is a wonderful day. A celebration for us, for you, and for your parents. Obtaining a diploma from Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno is an important step that will change your life. I want to wish you three main things. First: love your profession and be true journalists. Second: love your homeland. And third: do not forget Belarus, which has become your second home. Be happy!
Anastasia Zezyulevich, Associate Professor of the Department of Journalism, added that at YKSUG, it is not customary to let graduates go without gifts. Therefore, each Master's student received a personal congratulation from their supervisor. These messages contained not only sincere wishes and wise advice, but also subtly highlighted the unique character traits of each graduate, as well as vivid thoughts related to their scientific interests.
What do the Master's students themselves think about their studies at Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno?
– I believe that Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno was an excellent choice for me. I studied and enjoyed every moment spent here. All the teachers were very kind and friendly. At this university, I was able to broaden my horizons and get to know a completely different way of life. I really liked this year, – Chen Yihan shared his emotions with joy.
The festive mood was also supported by Xu Yufang:
– It is a great honour and joy for me to study in Grodno. All my teachers are very professional and attentive to us. I hope that I will have the opportunity to become a university professor just like them!
New heights and discoveries await the graduates ahead. And the knowledge and skills acquired within the walls of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno will help them achieve their goals. Bon voyage, graduates!
Developing dialogue and legal education: international students of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno visited the Embassy of Turkmenistan
Today, July 30, international students of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno visited the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Belarus, where a guided tour and an official meeting with Nazarkuly Shagulyyev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Belarus, were organised for them. The event was timed to coincide with the celebration of the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Independence, as well as the motto of 2026 – "Independent, Neutral Turkmenistan – the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses." The focus was on issues of legal literacy, adaptation of young people in the host country, as well as the values of family and gender education.
The delegation of YKSUG, which brought together more than 50 international students, began its visit with a fascinating tour of the embassy halls. Nazarkuly Shagulyyev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Belarus, personally welcomed his compatriots and noted that the current year occupies a special place in the modern chronicle of the country – Turkmenistan is celebrating the 35th anniversary of the acquisition of sovereignty.
– Over three and a half decades, independence has become not only the foundation of national identity and state sovereignty, but also an effective mechanism for increasing regional cooperation, strengthening stability and security. Special attention was paid to the consistent work under the leadership of the Honourable President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov to promote Turkmen initiatives in the fields of science, education and cultural-humanitarian ties, which are built on the principles of trust and mutually beneficial partnership, – emphasized the head of the diplomatic mission.
The guests were shown unique exhibits, including ancient tableware, picturesque paintings and rare book editions reflecting the rich cultural heritage. The thematic photo exhibition located in the winter garden of the diplomatic mission, as well as rare items from the embassy's museum collection, evoked a lively response among those present. The exhibition combined photographs of ancient historical monuments and images of modern majestic architecture, reflecting the dynamics of the country's development under the leadership of the Honourable President Serdar Berdimuhamedov.
The students admitted that the excursion made a great impression on them. Anahan Akhmetjanova, a 3rd-year student of the Faculty of History, Communication and Tourism, was particularly impressed by the exhibits and the atmosphere of the diplomatic mission.
– The embassy building is stunning, incredibly beautiful inside! I was deeply impressed by the interior: luxurious chandeliers, an abundance of greenery and flowers – everything is decorated with taste. But the most vivid moment was the appearance of the ambassador himself, who personally greeted us. All the staff were polite, friendly and hospitable. For us, this is a great honour, because we are the first students to receive such an invitation, – shared Anahan.
The visit continued with an official meeting between Ambassador Nazarkuly Shagulyyev and our students. The focus was on key aspects of legal literacy and the adaptation of young people in the Republic of Belarus. The head of the diplomatic mission held an in-depth explanatory conversation with the international students on the importance of strict compliance with Belarusian legislation and rules of conduct in the host country. Mr. Nazarkuly Shagulyyev supported his words with examples and current official statistics on offences. Special attention during the dialogue was also paid to spiritual and moral values – issues of traditional family and gender education.
Nazarkuly Shagulyyev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to the Republic of Belarus, also noted that on September 23, 2026, the next meeting of the highest representative body of people's power – the Khalk Maslakhaty – will be held in Ashgabat at the "Maslahat köşgi" Palace under the chairmanship of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. It will consider key areas of socio-economic development aimed at ensuring further growth in the well-being of citizens. The decisions taken during this meeting will create a reliable foundation for the implementation of long-term state programmes.
During the conversation, a video was shown to the students telling about the power of modern Turkmenistan – a state that carefully preserves its centuries-old traditions and confidently paves the way to the future. Vivid footage capturing large-scale transformations, innovative projects and a prosperous life in the era of the Renaissance of the new era of a mighty power evoked sincere pride and emotional uplift among the young people.
This format of open communication found a lively response among the students. After the main part of the meeting, the students actively asked questions and received clear answers from the head of the embassy. Dzhumanazar Baltayev, a student of the Faculty of Physical Education, shares his impressions:
– The Embassy of Turkmenistan amazed me with its oriental aesthetics: white marble, national ornaments, and a unique exhibition of carpets and costumes. The meeting itself was incredibly productive, lively and interesting. We had the rare opportunity to ask questions to the ambassador in person, and the sincerity, openness and warmth with which he answered them evoked our great respect, – noted Dzhumanazar.
The visit of our students to the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Belarus not only broadened their horizons, but also became an excellent platform for open communication between young people and high-ranking diplomats.
International students of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno get acquainted with the history of Grodno
On July 29, Master's students from the People's Republic of China enrolled in the "Educational Management" programme at the Faculty of Pedagogy of YKSUG visited the Old Castle. The professional training programme for international students, scheduled from June 1 to September 30, 2026, includes not only lectures but also immersion in the history and culture of Belarus.
The future educational leaders familiarized themselves in detail with the rich exhibitions of the Old Castle, located in eight exhibition halls. The Master's students studied the key stages of the development of Castle Hill – from the 11th–12th century fortified settlement and Vytautas' Gothic castle to the Renaissance palace of Stefan Batory and the reconstructions of subsequent centuries. The guests saw unique archaeological finds, weapons, ancient household items, and precise historical reconstructions of battle banners.
The students noted that the traditional exhibition format was harmoniously combined with cutting-edge technologies: interactive display cases, multimedia kiosks, and 3D mapping, through which the first graphic depiction of Grodno – the famous Adelhauser-Zündt engraving – "came to life" on the walls of the tower.
The excursion concluded with a visit to the observation deck of the Old Castle, from which the guests enjoyed picturesque views of the Neman River, the ancient Kalozha Church, and the New Castle standing nearby. The final chord of the meeting was a commemorative photo session.
Delegation of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno discussed prospects for international cooperation with heads of diplomatic missions
Today, July 29, a meeting of representatives of Belarusian organizations with heads of diplomatic missions of the Republic of Belarus on issues of work in foreign markets was held in Minsk. The event was attended by Viachaslau Ramanenka, Vice-Rector of Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno, and Alena Belakoz, Head of the Internationalization Education Centre.
The annual consultations of heads of diplomatic missions of the Republic of Belarus with representatives of Belarusian enterprises have taken interaction to a qualitatively new level. The individual negotiation format made it possible to examine in detail the specifics of work in target foreign markets, resolve problematic issues, and adjust strategies for promoting their services abroad.
Representatives of YKSUG had the opportunity to hold substantive talks with Stanislau Chepurny, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to Turkmenistan. During the dialogue, the parties discussed in detail tools and recommendations for attracting Turkmen citizens to study at Belarusian universities. YKSUG representatives paid special attention to the prospects for developing inter-university cooperation, analyzing the degree of interest of the Turkmen side in joint research, academic exchanges of staff and students, as well as in the implementation of network educational programmes.
The diplomatic dialogue continued with a meeting between the university delegation and Aleksandr Chervyakou, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to the People's Republic of China. During the conversation, university representatives expressed deep gratitude for the comprehensive support of scientific and educational projects implemented along the Chinese track. The parties placed special emphasis on the successful development of the joint initiative of YKSUG and Xinjiang Normal University to establish a Confucius Institute in Grodno, which has become a vivid example of effective international partnership.
The international cooperation of YKSUG also continued along the Azerbaijani track. During the meeting with Dzmitry Pinevich, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to the Republic of Azerbaijan, the parties summarized the results of joint work, the main outcomes of which were the successful establishment and development of academic and scientific contacts with Azerbaijan University of Languages. In addition, the meeting participants highly appreciated the achieved successes in the export of educational services, expressed in the active attraction of Azerbaijani citizens to study at YKSUG.
An equally important vector of the university's international activity was the strengthening of ties with Southeast Asian countries, which was confirmed by the meeting with Uladzimir Baravikou, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and concurrently to the Kingdom of Thailand, the Kingdom of Cambodia, the Lao People's Democratic Republic, and the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. Our representatives turned to the head of the diplomatic mission with a request for assistance in establishing direct contacts with Vietnamese universities where Russian philology is studied. The parties discussed in detail the prospects for organizing academic exchanges that would allow foreign students to undergo specialized training in Grodno for 1–2 semesters.
During meetings with Aleksandr Agarodnikau, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to the Republic of Uzbekistan, as well as with Andrei Dapkyunas, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to the Republic of Austria and the Slovak Republic, university representatives expressed sincere gratitude to the heads of both diplomatic missions. Our representatives highly appreciated the comprehensive assistance provided by the diplomats in implementing the initiatives of YKSUG, which made it possible to increase the export of educational services and strengthen the international image of the educational institution on the world stage.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Viachaslau Ramanenka and Alena Belakoz invited the diplomats to take part in the annual large-scale event "Kupala Dictation" and the events of the creative lounge "Belarus – a Crossroads of National Cultures," which are designed to unite representatives of different countries around the values of friendship and intercultural dialogue.
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Guests from abroad to study Russian at Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno
From August 3 to 22, Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno will open its doors to participants of the 2026 Russian Language Summer School. The educational project will bring together students from Xinjiang Normal University (People's Republic of China) and Germany. The project is traditionally implemented on the basis of the Faculty of Philology, and its initiator and organizer is the Department of Russian Philology of YKSUG.
This year, participants will enjoy a rich three-week programme that will harmoniously combine study and leisure. Participants will attend daily Russian language classes with experienced teachers, lectures on the culture and history of Belarus, as well as a unique course "Karaoke in Russian." The Summer School programme is designed for deep immersion in the language environment and familiarization with modern Belarus, its rich culture and national traditions. International guests will enjoy exciting excursions around the Grodno region and the whole country, culinary and creative workshops. The plans also include vibrant musical evenings and, of course, constant live communication with our students.
It is worth noting that the school's programme is adapted to any level of language proficiency. This allows both beginners and advanced learners to significantly expand their vocabulary, overcome the language barrier and put their knowledge into practice.
Participation in the Summer School is an excellent opportunity for international students to improve their language skills and get to know the history and culture of our country more closely. We are confident that the Russian Language Summer School will become not only a platform for academic growth, but also a space for strengthening international dialogue and friendship.
Series of Master's Thesis defences by students from China continues at Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno
On the second day of the final qualifying thesis defences, 12 graduates of the "Educational Management" programme successfully crossed their main professional milestone.
The distinctive feature of the "Educational Management" programme is the combination of two different study formats. One of them is an experimental programme under which 81 students study during the holiday period. They come to the university three times during their studies, after which they complete the course with the defence of their Master's theses.
Full-time students, on the other hand, stay in Belarus throughout the year. Today, the most important and long-awaited day has arrived for them – the defence of their Master's theses. This graduation has already gone down in the history of the faculty due to a record number of honours students: for the first time, 15 students are eligible for diplomas with honours. Yesterday, seven Master's students already successfully confirmed their high status; today, the defence and confirmation of eight more "red" diplomas are on the agenda.
Alena Jukh, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Pedagogy, Associate Professor of the Department of Natural Sciences and Linguistic Disciplines and Methods of Their Teaching, shared her view on the level of training of Master's students and the specifics of their work:
– The topics of our graduates are quite serious and deep, all related to the field of educational management. The distinguishing feature of this cohort is the professional experience of the Master's students themselves. These are already established individuals: current lecturers and staff of Chinese universities with 5 to 7 years of work experience, who need a Master's degree for further career advancement. It is noteworthy that among our students there are many professional choreographers who teach at universities or run their own dance schools.
The topics of the research cover management in preschool institutions, primary and secondary schools, as well as management in higher education. Of particular interest are works devoted to changes in the management of the education system in the People's Republic of China. Since 2019, China has entered a new period associated with the active introduction of artificial intelligence. A large-scale reorganization of the educational process is currently underway there, and our Master's students are analyzing these changes in detail.
Alena Jukh also noted that another important block of topics is devoted to the preservation of cultural identity in the era of globalization and the cultural and aesthetic education of schoolchildren. A significant number of works are also related to subject-specific methodologies. For example, yesterday the committee heard a study on the methodology of teaching mathematics and natural sciences.
The degrees and diplomas obtained will open up new career prospects for the specialists and allow them to implement advanced educational practices in their home country. We are confident that this graduation will become another important step in strengthening academic dialogue and friendship between Belarus and China.
An Experimental Project, or How a Comprehensive Final Thesis Was Defended for the First Time at Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno
Today, July 28, the Faculty of History, Communication and Tourism hosted the defence of Master's theses by students from the People's Republic of China. The graduates successfully completed the educational programme in the specialisation "Journalism" with a profile in "Media Management" in English. The main innovation of this year was the defence of a comprehensive final thesis.
Three Chinese students – Chen Yihan, Zhou Lin, and Yang Fan – worked together throughout the academic year on one common problem: "The Blogosphere in the Chinese Internet Segment: Specifics of Media Platforms, Blog Concepts, Blogger Types, and Audiovisual Design." It is worth noting that such an experience of collaborative research with the participation of international students was the first not only for the Faculty of History, Communication and Tourism, but for the entire Kupala University as well.
The research supervisors were Inna Minchuk, Head of the Department of Journalism, and Anastasia Zezyulevich, Associate Professor of the Department of Journalism.
Inna Minchuk explained the specificity and uniqueness of this format of graduation thesis:
– The Master's students prepared individual studies within the framework of one common problem. While the methodology and analysis tools are uniform, each student has their own research platforms, practical material, observations, and conclusions. The work is aimed at identifying the specifics of the blogosphere in China on three different national media platforms. To develop a strategy for solving the common problem, each student explored their own thematic area: music blogs, cooking blogs, and travel blogs.
The reviewer of the comprehensive study was Viktor Belozorovich, Dean of the Faculty of History, Communication and Tourism. In his assessment, he emphasised that the value of such work lies not only in the final result, but also in the process itself: it is an excellent opportunity for students and teachers to unite to solve one complex problem and improve their teamwork skills.
The advantages of the new format of research work were also highlighted by Inna Minchuk, Head of the Department of Journalism:
– Firstly, by interacting with each other and coming together to solve one common problem, students immerse themselves in the research deeply and thoroughly. Secondly, during discussions of the topic with their supervisors – and regular consultations were held for the joint thesis – students get constant practice in English, which is a foreign language for both students and teachers. And thirdly, when several people come together to solve one problem, the results are more substantial. This is truly an interesting and useful experimental project that will allow us in the future to avoid a formal approach to comprehensive Master's research.
The State Examination Commission, chaired by Yuri Karnevich, Director of the Grodno Television and Radio Company, highly appreciated the results of the fruitful teamwork. The experts noted the relevance of the chosen topics, the depth of analysis, the scientific novelty, and, most importantly, the applied nature of the results.
PHOTO FACT: Defence of Master's Theses by students from China starts at Yanka Kupala State University of Grodno
The final state certification for international students from China has begun at YKSUG. Over the course of the year, the young researchers have been continuously staying in Belarus, fully immersed in the educational and research environment of the university. A total of 24 Master's students enrolled in the "Educational Management" programme are defending their final qualifying theses. The defence takes place from July 27 to 28, 2026.
The first day of the certification was held at a high level and brought excellent results. Twelve Master's students successfully defended their projects, with 7 of them receiving diplomas with honours. The topics of the Master's theses were distinguished by their depth, relevance, and practical significance for the modern education system. The young researchers focused on issues of strategic management, modernization of education, and implementation of innovations. The Master's students presented unique projects to the expert committee on topics such as improving the efficiency of music education in China, developing a ballroom dance association in China, optimizing the educational process in Chinese schools, the impact of modern pedagogical practices in vocational colleges, innovations in the dance education system, and many others.
We congratulate the Master's students on their successful thesis defence! We wish them the realization of all their plans and professional growth!
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Higher education in the Republic of Belarus
