Russia is a Country of Opportunities for International Students

At Russian educational institutions you can meet outstanding people and highly qualified specialists. They work for the benefit of their country and serve as a role model for young specialists and students. Their experience plays an important role in educational initiatives as well as international relations. In our interview, Inga Anatolyevna, Associate Professor at the Marketing Department of Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, will share her vision of the development of Russian-African relations and give some advice to international students who want to study in Russia.

Inga Anatolyevna Koryagina

• UNDP Expert for International Development
• Director for International Development of the Russian-African Club of Lomonosov Moscow State University
• Associate Professor at the Marketing Department of Plekhanov Russian University of Economics

Inga Anatolyevna, could you tell us about your professional journey? How do your diverse experience and education influence your career?

My journey is really diverse, and I am proud of it. I started my career as a teacher of English language and History, which helped me understand the cultural characteristics of different countries. Then I deepened my knowledge of international relations, management and marketing and gained practical skills to work in business and international development. Working as an UNDP Expert and Director for International Development of the Russian-African Club of Lomonosov Moscow State University, I participated in initiatives strengthening cooperation between Russia and Africa. These roles allowed me to organize international projects and interact with people from different cultures.

I think that my experience helps me see the bigger picture and find solutions in difficult situations as well as create successful projects and establish long-term international relations.

As Director for International Development of the Russian-African Club, could you tell us what its main mission is?

The Russian-African Club at MSU is seeking to develop cooperation between Russia and Africa, placing the emphasis on education, science, culture, and business to establish sustainable partnership relationships. As a director, I focus on experience exchange initiatives, including forums of rectors of Russian and African universities, joint educational programs, and double degree courses.

Moreover, the club takes an active part in cultural projects such as art, cinema and fashion festivals, creation of the African Culture Museum, and the installation of a monument to Nelson Mandela in Moscow. We work with African expat communities to strengthen social relations.

What prospects for the development of Russian-African relations can you see? How important is cooperation between Russian and African universities?

Today we can observe an increasing interest in strengthening partnership relationships based on equal rights and mutual benefit, especially in education and science. Inter-university cooperation is of strategic importance. Double degree programs, student and teacher exchange, and joint research form a new generation of specialists who are ready to respond to global challenges.

Innovations and technologies are also important. Africa has huge development potential, and Russia’s experience in science can play a key role in power engineering, agriculture, medicine, and ecology.

Cultural interaction strengthens trust and mutual understanding. Festivals, exhibitions, and music and art projects provide the basis for long-term dialogue. Expansion of inter-university cooperation is an investment in the future that allows us to join efforts to solve global tasks and provide conditions for sustainable development.

What advice would you give to international students who want to study in Russia and build a career in international business?

First of all, be open to new opportunities and be actively engaged in the educational and professional process. Russia has unique educational traditions and cultural and economic relations. This offers many prospects for development.

Take full advantage of the opportunities offered by universities. Double degree programs, international projects and research initiatives will help you not only get a high-quality education but also establish important professional contacts. Many students expand their career horizons by participating in international forums.

Be active and proactive. Participate in conferences, internships and international exchanges and come up with ideas. The Russian academic community welcomes people who are ready to take responsibility.

Lastly, develop your cross-cultural communication skills as international business requires the ability to work with people from different cultures. Use available resources, and you will be able to build a successful career in international business.