The Association of International Graduates and Students of Belgorod Region (AIGSB) Celebrates Its Second Anniversary (2025)

The Association of International Graduates and Students of Belgorod Region (AIGSB) Celebrates Its Second Anniversary

On September 1, 2025, the Association of International Graduates and Students of Belgorod Region (AIGSB) celebrates its second anniversary.

Over the past two years, the Association has become a welcoming community for students and graduates from Eastern Europe and Asia, the Middle East and North Africa, Africa, and Latin America. It brings together people of different cultures, languages and traditions, fostering an atmosphere of friendship, mutual understanding and intercultural dialogue.

Today, AIGSB serves as one of the key platforms for bringing together international students and graduates from different countries who study and reside in the Belgorod Region.

Key Achievements and Initiatives, 2023–2025

Over the 2023–2025 period, the Association’s team successfully implemented a range of international, educational, cultural and social initiatives.

1. Representing the Belgorod Region on the International Stage

October 2024 — AIGSB participated in the International Graduates Forum in Astana, Kazakhstan. The Association’s delegation presented its experience and best practices, exchanged expertise with organizations from CIS countries, and discussed prospects for joint educational and cultural initiatives.

September 2023 — AIGSB took part in regional and nationwide meetings addressing the integration and adaptation of international students.

August 2024 — With the support and facilitation of AIGSB, a cooperation agreement was signed with universities in Iraq.

August 2025 — Iraqi students arrived in Belgorod to undertake a language internship at Belgorod State University (BelSU).

May 2025 — AIGSB organized a large-scale international patriotic campaign that brought together participants in Russia and abroad.

2. Implementation of a Grant-Funded Project

February 2025 — AIGSB won a competitive grant awarded by the Government of the Belgorod Region.

March 2025 — The Association launched an online information portal dedicated to cultural, educational and international events and opportunities for international students and graduates. The portal serves as a centralized source of announcements, news and opportunities to participate in the social and cultural life of the region.

3. Engagement at the Federal Level

April 2025 — An AIGSB delegation visited the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation.

During the meeting, the participants discussed the role of international students in promoting a positive image of Russia abroad, as well as proposals for strengthening cooperation between universities and student associations.

May 2025 — AIGSB was awarded a commemorative medal by the “We Are Russians” public movement in recognition of its significant contribution to preserving, developing and promoting the culture, ideals and values of Russia’s multinational civilization.

4. Cultural and Educational Initiatives

The Association has organized and participated in a wide range of cultural and educational initiatives, including:

• meetings and adaptation programmes for international first-year students;
• festivals celebrating the national cultures of the Belgorod Region;
• the international festival “Our Home — Planet Earth” at V.G. Shukhov Belgorod State Technological University;
• March 2025 — the President and active members of AIGSB attended the Maslenitsa celebration at Belgorod State Institute of Arts and Culture, joining international students in experiencing the traditions and atmosphere of one of Russia’s most distinctive cultural celebrations.

5. Volunteer Activities of International Students

International students and graduates affiliated with the Association actively contribute to volunteer initiatives. They assist at temporary accommodation centers, participate in the unloading and distribution of essential supplies, and support social initiatives throughout the Belgorod Region.

This work serves as further evidence that international students contribute to the development of the region not only through education and cultural exchange, but also through active engagement in the everyday life of local communities.

Our Plans for the Future

Looking ahead, AIGSB plans to:

• expand international cooperation with graduate associations in other regions and countries;
• launch an annual International Students Forum of the Belgorod Region;
• further develop the Association’s media platforms, including the creation of dedicated projects and resources for international students.

Perhaps our most important achievement is the opportunity to demonstrate that different countries, languages and cultures can come together in pursuit of a shared future.

AIGSB is more than an organization. It is a community where every student can become part of a truly international family.

And there are new horizons ahead — new projects, new opportunities and new friends from around the world.

Today, the Belgorod Region already resonates in the hearts of students across continents.

Follow AIGSB through our official channels on Telegram and VK to stay informed about our latest news, discover inspiring stories from international graduates, and join students from around the world in creating new opportunities for friendship, cooperation and intercultural dialogue.