Foreign students of the Institute of International Education Honor the Memory of Great Patriotic War Heroes

In the lead-up to May 9 – one of Russia’s most important holidays – foreign students of the Institute of International Education participated in a series of events dedicated to honoring the heroes of the Great Patriotic War. To gain a deeper understanding of the heroic victory of the Soviet people, students from various countries visited museum exhibitions, attended the Red Square parade in Moscow, and took part in a themed evening organized by the IIE Department of Russian as a Foreign Language.

As part of a longstanding tradition, students from the RTU MIREA Institute of International Education visited the Great Patriotic War Museum on Poklonnaya Hill. These tours offer international students a unique perspective on why Victory Day holds such profound meaning for millions of Russians. The museum’s exhibits left a lasting impression, particularly a temporary exhibition devoted to the children of Donetsk. Photographs of young residents of Donbass, whose childhoods were scarred by war, prompted many students to reflect on the value of peace. “I could not hold back my tears while looking at these pictures,” shared Azim Batyrjanov, a student from Turkmenistan. “Now I understand better why this holiday is so important for Russia. World War II is a tragedy that touched every family.”

In the Hall of Fame, Turkmen students learned that their compatriots were among the Heroes of the Soviet Union. “I am proud that my fellow countrymen also contributed to our shared Victory,” said Said Batyrjanov.

A themed evening, “Turkmenistan during the Great Patriotic War,” was held for the first-year IIE students. Student speakers delivered presentations on the Turkmen SSR’s contribution to the struggle against the Nazi invaders. Baimyrat Berdiyev, Akmyrat Geldijanov, Maral Gylyjova, Ezizkhan Sopyev spoke about the bravery of soldiers at the front and the heroic work efforts of those on the home front. They shared archival photos of Turkmen Red Army soldiers in national dress, which sparked great interest among the audience. Kadyrberdi Arazmedov dedicated his presentation to Saparmet Khodjaev, a Hero of the Soviet Union from Turkmenisan, who worked as a teacher after the war.

Foreign students also shared their impressions of the festive events. “I was near Red Square during the parade, watching the participants, listening to the music and to President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin’s speech – it was grand! When I studied in Vietnam, we attended school plays about the Vietnam War, and it was always very moving,” said Nguyen Tien Duc Anh from Vietnam.

Foreign students were also deeply impressed by the monument to General Mikhail Skobelev, located near the Academy of the General Staff of the Russian Federation Armed Forces in Moscow. The four-meter equestrian bronze statue, unveiled on December 9, 2014, stands on a granite pedestal. The students learned that its creator, sculptor Alexander Rukavishnikov, is a People’s Artist of Russia and a full member of the Russian Academy of Arts. They also heard the inspiring life story of General Mikhail Skobelev, a true Russian patriot.

The memory of Russian people’s courage, unity and strength of spirit is cherished not only in Russia, but also abroad, as it is passed on to future generations.