Saratov State University and Saratov Region Federal Migration Service signed cooperation agreement on Jan. 23. at the meeting “Immigrant Adaptation Courses” completion certificates were awarded to some course participants.

Vice-rector for Educational Work E.G. Elina opened the meeting and welcomed the guests reminding that SSU and FMS have been long-term partners in educational work. For over a year they have been working on a unique project of teaching foreign citizens about Russian language and culture. The project involves Saratov Region government, Saratov Region Civic Chamber, Diocese of Saratov and Volsk, The Spiritual Administration of the Muslims of the Volga region.

“Learning about language and culture of modern Russia makes immigrant adaptation easier”, says Prof. Elina.

SSU Rector, Prof. A.N. Chumachenko mentioned that, founded 105 years ago, the university is proud of its history and achievements in various fields of work. He thinks the cooperation agreement between SSU and Saratov Region FMS is very important as it marks a new stage in their partnership. The undergoing project that involves Institute of Philology and Journalism professors, government and religious institutions is unique to Russia. Sharing their knowledge, university professors help foreign citizens’ acculturation in Saratov and Saratov region.

Head of Saratov Region Federal Migration Service, State Councillor, 2^nd class V.A. Malkov told about main areas of cooperation. Among them are immigrant education and social work, teaching about Russian legal system, administration personnel training and development, FMS-based professional training for SSU students. V.A. Malkov thanked university administration and professors for organizing courses that have already helped 130 foreign citizens.

Head of Saratov Region FMS considers official partnership with one of the oldest universities of Russia very important. In his opinion this new format of relations will allow to get their cooperation to the next level and help Saratov region population.

Vice-rector for educational and theological work of Saratov Orthodox Theological Seminary, protopriest Dmitri Polokhov presented testimonial of Metropolitan of Saratov and Volsk Longin. According to the testimonial the signed agreement is an evidence of necessary and important cooperation work between civil and government institutions on immigration issues. Russian Orthodox Church commits itself to solving these issues. “We believe introducing people who come to Russia to Russian language and culture is the first step in their acculturation”, says the document.

Institute of Philology and Journalism scientific advisor V.V. Prozorov explained the notion of ‘immigrant’ that goes back to Latin and means ‘that who comes across the border’. “Immigration is a global issue that is gaining importance today”, said V.V. Prozorov. “As a Presidential Confidant I am very happy Saratov State University is the first to start this work”. Speaking about adaptation courses he emphasized high level of expertise and eagerness of Institute of Philology and Journalism professor who understand social, cultural and national importance of immigration issues.

At the end of the meeting representatives of the university and FMS together with the director of Institute of Philology and Journalism L.S. Borisova awarded 21 Certificate of completion of “Immigrant Adaptation Courses”. The course ran October, 28 – December, 5 at Institute of Philology and Journalism. Famil Abbasov who had completed the course thanked university professors and V.A. Malkov for their help.

The participants hope the project will continue its work and help better intercultural adaptation of the immigrants of Saratov region.

SSU and Saratov Region FMS have been cooperating in immigrant cultural adaptation for two years. In 2013 the parties decided to sign a cooperation agreement in the fields of higher education, continuing professional education, immigrant adaptation to Russian language and culture, and employment of SSU students and graduates.

As part of the project Saratov Sate University organizes courses on Russian language and culture at Institute of Philology and Journalism. In addition it helps immigrants with various adaptation issues. The course is free.