Nadezhda Khakimova, 'It is difficult, but it's worth it'

– Nadezhda, how did you become the head of the department, tell us the background of your appointment?

I started my career at the University as the head of the international department at the Institute of Distance Education, and then my department was transferred to the University Admission Committee. Now I feel like this is where I belong. I have been working at the |University for almost twenty years.

– How many and from which CIS countries are students? Has the situation of recent months affected them?

The number of foreign students, as well as the availability of comfortable living conditions, conditions for educational activities and leisure are success rates. UTMN smoothly and effeciently conducts vocational work in the CIS countries, attracts talented applicants for full-time study. As an example, I would mention our graduate Otabek Anzor ugli Arzykulov, who successfully completed his master's degree in Conceptual engineering of oil and gas fields, also became the winner of the All-Russian Olympiad. Now Otabek is a postgraduate student at UTMN.

Most of the international students are from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. Today there are about 1.5 thousand of them at the University.

As for the situation in recent months, there are no mass departures from Russia among UTMN students. The guys continue to study, lead an ordinary student life. We believe that science, education, and culture are the areas that should be apolitical.

– Describe the admission procedure for students from CIS countries, how does it differ from the procedure for Russian citizens?

Foreign citizens and stateless persons can, of their choice, enter the University based on the results of university entrance tests or on the results of the Unified State Exam. Entrance tests are conducted face to face and (or) using remote technologies. Therefore, foreign applicants should not worry about how they will get to Tyumen to take exams, where they will live, and so on.

– How many students from CIS countries study online after the COVID-19 abatement? What part of them has returned to Tyumen after waves of the virus?

After the abatement of the pandemic, according to the approved algorithm for the international students’ entry of to Russia, the children began to return to Tyumen and gradually get involved in educational process in traditional format. For students who could not come to Russia for different documented reasons, conditions for distance learning including individual curricula, additional classes and other solutions are provided. They allow them to get a quality education.

– What are the living conditions for students from CIS countries at our University? What benefits are provided for these students at UTMN?

For a comfortable stay in the dormitories there are one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments that meet all safety requirements. Each apartment has a kitchen-dining room with all necessary appliances and Wi-Fi network.

– How do students from CIS countries spend their leisure time, probably, they celebrate national holidays together? Are they supported by Tyumen diasporas? Do you help them make contact, or do they find a circle of friends themselves?

Our students participate actively in socially significant events. They are engaged in volunteering, and live life to the fullest.

Favorite and traditional events are the "Navruz" international holiday, the "Friendship Bridge" event, "Festival of National Cultures", etc.

We also conversed with three students from Tajikistan, who talked about their lives, studies and interaction with the department of the Center.

Abdurakhmon, Institute of Physics and Technology, 3rd year student

I came to Tyumen, thanks to Nadezhda and my brother, who graduated from this institute. To be honest, the first year here was difficult. I missed my mom, dad, and relatives. But now everything is fine. I work as a Tajik students’ coordinator, help other guys. Recently I took part in the holding of the Navruz holiday: I did everything there – I sang and danced, and, of course, got very vivid impressions!

Nilufar, Institute of State and Law, 3rd year student:

I really enjoy studying at UTMN. It took me a while to adapt, buddies helped me to do it, I got a lot of positive emotions. My goal now is to get a master's degree here. I am grateful to the university for giving us the opportunity, motivating us, for friendship with representatives of different countries. We participated in a flash mob in support of the President of the Russian Federation, which also united us. Moreover, I am grateful to our first-year students and Tajikistan Consul General for their attention and aid.

Mavlonali, Institute of Mathematics and Computer Science, 1st year student:

The beginning of my studies was difficult: I was even ill several times, and had to see a psychologist. But the staff of the Center always helped me. There were also difficulties with studying. But I managed to complete the first term, this is a very great achievement for me. I always found UTMN the most prestigious of all the universities where I submitted documents. I knew that the best attitude to students from the CIS countries was here.