An ambassador – a representative of an organization abroad – is a somewhat exotic concept for Russia. But it’s widely spread in foreign universities and companies. The key objective of their activity is disseminating information about the organization that they represent.
ITMO’s ambassadors are expected to attract foreign students to Russia by telling them about St. Petersburg, work and life here and motivate his friends at home to participate in academic exchange programs.
Informal face-to-face communication can help overcome fears and prejudices about studying in Russia and abroad more effectively than lectures and presentations.
In its turn, ITMO University supplies ambassador with written recommendations for employment and rewards them based on their results upon return.
“The idea to launch this line of work is based on the growing number of trips by our students to partner universities,” said Elena Shumeiko, manager of ITMO University’s Department of International Educational Programs. “We understand that meetings between administrators and ones between students are dramatically different. Therefore, we’ve decide to invest in interpersonal relations between Russian and foreign students, and are hoping to involve our most active students. They have an inside scoop on studying at ITMO and can share what it’s like in an engaging way with their peers as well as share their experiences of studying abroad.”
The first student ambassador of ITMO University is Ivan Butz, a first year Master’s student in the Department of IT and Programming. During the second semester he studied at Lappeenranta Technological University. He has previous experience of extensive travels in Brazil and England, but this is his first exchange program.
“I’ve dreamt about participating in an academic exchange or a double degree program for a long time,” Mr. Butz said. “I think international contacts is what changes the perspective. You find yourself in a different country basically alone and that in itself is a test. My Bachelor’s work was in another university, and I was somewhat surprised that during my first month at ITMO I had an opportunity to study in Finland. Institute for International Development and Partnership helped me with all the paperwork, receiving a scholarship at the partner university, and moving exam dates at home because in Finland the winter semester starts in January. If a university offers a chance to travel to another country you have to use it. An immersive experience will help improve English and offer an opportunity for new knowledge and skills.”
Mr. Butz also notes that Lappeenranta Technological University has strong international ties. Each department has its own international office that works with foreign students and faculty. Ivan studied along with students from Hungary, France, India, Germany and other countries.
“Several of my friends from India and Mauritius that participate in Erasmus program came to St. Petersburg to a conference at ITMO University three weeks ago,” Mr. Butz said. ”Another friend from Hungary that I taught Russian wants to come to ITMO for an internship. International contacts are also an opportunity to find like-minded people in other countries and open new horizons for travels. In August it’s likely that I’ll guide my friend from France that I met in Lappeenranta around St. Petersburg and later visit Paris myself.”
Elena Shumeiko says that every semester the Institute for International Development and Partnership will select three most active students that will be named the University’s official representatives at their place of study. Selection will be based on their fluency in English and a motivational letter
The format for ITMO Student Ambassadors will change depending on the results. Early stages include support through social media, which has proven to be an effective mechanism for the target audience. In the future, the University will consider allocating budget for events on its campus and at partner universities.