University of Tyumen–South Africa Cooperation Gains Momentum
University of Tyumen–South Africa Cooperation Gains Momentum
In December, the University of Tyumen is completing work on the international project “Methodological Support for the Introduction of the Russian Language as a Foreign Language into Educational Programmes”, implemented under a tripartite agreement with the University of South Africa (UNISA) and the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia named after Patrice Lumumba (RUDN University).
Throughout November, faculty members from the University of Tyumen and RUDN were based in Pretoria (Republic of South Africa), where they delivered daily instruction in basic Russian communicative skills to students of the country’s largest university. This distinctive pedagogical experience, as well as the specifics of introducing UNISA students to Russian culture through language instruction, were the focus of a strategic session held at the University of Tyumen entitled “Implementing Hybrid Formats in Teaching Russian as a Foreign Language and Ethnoculturally Oriented Instruction in Russian Phonetics, Vocabulary, and Grammar for Students of Higher Education Institutions in the Republic of South Africa.”
The session aimed to facilitate the exchange of best practices in hybrid delivery and ethnoculturally oriented approaches to teaching Russian as a foreign language, as well as to discuss a roadmap for the further development of cooperation within the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding among the three universities. At the second round table, faculty members of the Preparatory Department, Anna Dolinger and Polina Golovastaya, presented an analytical report on the Russian language course delivered by the University of Tyumen and RUDN at UNISA in November 2025, along with a presentation of a teaching and learning package specifically developed by the Preparatory Department for South African students. According to Natalia Dzida, Head of the Preparatory Department for International Students, the positive outcomes of the intensive course are attributable, among other factors, to the systematic consideration of ethnocultural specificity within the contemporary paradigm of teaching Russian as a foreign language in African countries. The round table concluded with a presentation by Dr Letsoalo Napyadi, Head of the Department of Linguistics and Modern Languages at UNISA, entitled “Ethnoculturally Oriented Instruction and Best Hybrid Practices at UNISA.”
The discussions resulted in agreements to expand cooperation beyond linguistics to include artificial intelligence policy and expertise, the digitalisation of education, media communication, modern agriculture, biosecurity, and related fields. Significant interest from international partners was also expressed in foundational disciplines such as psychology, journalism, international relations, and fine arts education.
According to the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, the project has received institutional support and will be continued in 2026.
The session aimed to facilitate the exchange of best practices in hybrid delivery and ethnoculturally oriented approaches to teaching Russian as a foreign language, as well as to discuss a roadmap for the further development of cooperation within the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding among the three universities. At the second round table, faculty members of the Preparatory Department, Anna Dolinger and Polina Golovastaya, presented an analytical report on the Russian language course delivered by the University of Tyumen and RUDN at UNISA in November 2025, along with a presentation of a teaching and learning package specifically developed by the Preparatory Department for South African students. According to Natalia Dzida, Head of the Preparatory Department for International Students, the positive outcomes of the intensive course are attributable, among other factors, to the systematic consideration of ethnocultural specificity within the contemporary paradigm of teaching Russian as a foreign language in African countries. The round table concluded with a presentation by Dr Letsoalo Napyadi, Head of the Department of Linguistics and Modern Languages at UNISA, entitled “Ethnoculturally Oriented Instruction and Best Hybrid Practices at UNISA.”
The discussions resulted in agreements to expand cooperation beyond linguistics to include artificial intelligence policy and expertise, the digitalisation of education, media communication, modern agriculture, biosecurity, and related fields. Significant interest from international partners was also expressed in foundational disciplines such as psychology, journalism, international relations, and fine arts education.
According to the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, the project has received institutional support and will be continued in 2026.