The Fifth Marathon of Russian Language and Culture for international students was recently held at Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University. The marathon opened on May 24, coinciding with the Day of Slavonic Alphabet and Culture, and concluded on Russia Day, June 12. It featured a variety of events designed to help foreign students deepen their understanding of Russian history, traditions, and cultural heritage.
One of the key events, Russian Childhood Day, took place on May 30. The Museum of Soviet Childhood offered international students a glimpse into the past, complete with vintage toys and a reconstruction of a traditional Soviet apartment. The experience continued with a screening of classic Soviet cartoons, which left a lasting impression on all participants.
The eighth Russian Poetry Recital Competition held on June 6 brought together students from Kaliningrad, Samarkand, Bishkek and Hanoi at IKBFU. In addition to poetry, students also competed in a quiz to determine the top expert in Russian traditions, language, folklore, geography, and art. As a reward, the winners were taken on a memorable trip to Russian countryside, where they explored traditional village life, took part in a plein-air watercolor workshop, and enjoyed a genuine Russian tea party with a samovar.
The marathon culminated with the planting of a birch tree in celebration of Russia Day at the Neokampus alley. International students from Belarus, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, China, Colombia, Latvia, and Uzbekistan presented the university with a birch sapling — a gift symbolizing friendship, intercultural connection, and respect for the host country. A time capsule with wishes from international students to the University and future campus residents was buried at the roots of the tree. The birch was also adorned with a handmade bird feeder painted in the traditional Gorodets painting style.
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| Daria Gerber, Director of the International Office: |
| It means a lot to us that each year more and more international students take part in the IKBFU Marathon of Russian Language and Culture. They've become a real part of our University family, enriching both the region and the country. We’re concluding this year’s marathon with the planting of a birch tree — a living symbol of friendship and connection. No matter where their path leads after graduation, international students will always be welcome in Russia. |
| Denis Cherezov, Higher School of Cyber-Physical Systems student, Uzbekistan: |
| Today, in honor of Russia Day, we’re not simply planting a tree — we’re planting a symbol of unity and shared experience. This young birch on the new campus will carry the memory of our time here and serve as a reminder of how deeply nature, culture, and friendship are connected. As it grows, we hope it reflects our own journey. |
| Svetlana Yakovleva, Head of the Botanical Garden: |
| The birch is one of the most iconic and cherished symbols of Russia, rich in meaning. It appears in the masterpieces of great Russian painters, in the verses of poets, and in countless works of folk art. For Russians, a birch grove evokes memories of home and childhood; for those from abroad, it stands as a symbol of beauty and the Russian spirit. Today’s birch planting by IKBFU’s international students in honor of Russia Day is more than a ceremony — it is a heartfelt gesture of unity with the nature and culture of this country. For the students, this tree will become a living symbol of their connection to Russia and a lasting memory of their time at Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University. |
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