International activity BSTU named after V.G. Shukhov

Regional Resource Center of French and German languages

In accordance with the agreement between the Belgorod State Technological University and the Embassy of France in the Russian Federation, the Resource Center of the French language was established in our university.

In February 2007, in order to expand the educational space of the university, the university management agreed to reorganize the Center into the Regional Resource Center of French and German languages.

The main tasks of the Regional Resource Center of French and German are:

Assisting students with foreign languages learning;
Strengthening the process of learning French and German languages, culture and advancement among university students, study opportunities in France and Germany;
Informing students and professors about the opportunities for studying abroad;
Development of partnership relations between BSTU named after V.G. Shukhov and universities of the German-French-speaking countries;
Establishment of bilateral cooperation with French and German universities in order to develop curricula and exchange programs aimed at improving knowledge, skills and greater intercultural openness of Russian and foreign students;
Organization of language courses (French, German, English)
Setting up and operation of clubs; their activities focus on the development of the sociocultural competence of those learning foreign languages, as well as increasing the motivation for studying these languages. Carrying out activities of various levels;
Familiarization of professors and students with information about language and cultural events held by the Embassies of Germany and France in Russia.

The directions of the Resource Center are:

Dissemination of knowledge and ideas about foreign cultures;
Organization of foreign language courses for students and employees of the University;
Establishment of contacts with language centers in Russia and abroad for the purpose of exchange of experience, implementation of innovative programs (Language Center named after Goethe in Volzhsky, DID-Deutsch Institut Frankfurt, Germany);
Development of curricula, contracts, programs and agreements for the implementation of language courses, clubs and circles;
Development of documentation necessary to reflect the sequence of stages and learning outcomes of each resource center student.

Currently, the Resource Center actively cooperates with France in the following five areas:

1). The Ecole des Mines d'Ales (France)

Starting from February 9, 2011, the Resource Center and BSTU named afterV.G. Shukhov fruitfully cooperate with the Ecole des Mines d'Ales. Over the past year, the universities held three official meetings (one in France: September 2011, two in BSTU: February 2011 and February 2012). Our universities outlined the prospects for research cooperation, as well as cooperation on a double degree diploma program. From October to December 2011, a graduate student from the department of building materials science, products and structures completed an internship in the laboratories of the Ecole des Mines d'Ales.

2). Sophia Antipolis UNIVERSITY OF NICE (France)

Since 2011, the Resource Center, as well as the Institute of Economics and Management, have begun to cooperate with the Sophia Antipolis UNIVERSITY OF NICE. Currently, there are negotiations on a double degree diploma program. Also in the summer of 2012, Students from the Institute of Economics and Management will have a language internship in the summer language school of the University.

3). Association "Slavantures" in Nancy (France)

Since 2007, the Resource Center has been actively and successfully cooperating with the Association "Slavantures", which helps to find a French speaking assistant among students of French universities. Since that moment, 5 assistants / trainees underwent internship in the Resource Center. During the year the assistant teaches students French language, conducts cultural and educational activities, and also has the opportunity to improve the level of the Russian language. Thus, students and all comers can communicate with native speakers of French, tighten the level of a foreign language and prove themselves with creative approach in different types of activities. "French Café" and "Cinema Club" are organized in the Center for those who like French language and culture, who like to talk, meet new people and just have a good Friday night.

4). Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Strasbourg (France)

Since 2011, the Resource Center has been cooperating with the Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Strasbourg. And already in July 2011, the delegation of 10 French students who came for the Russian language summer school visited BSTU named after V.G. Shukhov. The visit of French students are also expected in July of this year.

5). Embassy of France in the Russian Federation

From the day the Resource Center was opened, and to this day, the work is ongoing. The Embassy informs our university about different scholarships and grants, internships, cultural events and contests related to the French language.

In agreement with the German Embassy in the Russian Federation, the Resource Center receives video-audio materials, tutorials, monthly magazine editions in German language.

There have been considerable efforts to involve technical universities and language centers in Germany for cooperation with our university.

There is a translation agency that provides translation services with notarization of German and French languages.

Thus, the Resource Center is a unified and multilateral cultural structure, which is aimed at enriching the educational, social and cultural system of the University.