ITMO Culture Fest: Interview With the Organizers

Hello! Thank you both for joining us today. Before we dive into the details of ITMO Culture Fest, could you introduce yourselves?

Polina: Hello, my name is Polina Zvoda, and I am the head of Buddy System, ITMO's support program for international students. I am passionate about learning the culture and traditions of people from different regions of Russia and around the world.

Nguyen: My full name is Bui Dinh Khai Nguyen. I'm from Vietnam and I’m currently a fourth-year Bachelor’s student majoring in robotics and mechatronics. I also serve as a member of the Student Council (ITMO.STUDENTS). I love adventure, discovery, and building connections across the world, and I’m really excited to be one of the main organizers of this year's ITMO Culture Fest.

Can you tell us about the inspiration behind ITMO Culture Fest? How did the idea come about?

Polina: The idea of organizing a cultural festival at ITMO University has been around for a while. During my semester exchanges at top universities in Europe and Asia, I saw large-scale cultural festivals firsthand. So, as soon as the opportunity arose to create such an event here, I immediately agreed to do it.

What is the main goal of this festival? How do you hope it will impact the ITMO community?

Polina: The main goal is to strengthen unity among ITMO students from different countries and cultures while also popularizing cultural traditions from all over the world. Students will be able to exchange experiences and form new social connections.

Nguyen: Exactly! ITMO Culture Fest celebrates the diversity of cultures within our university. We hope it becomes an opportunity for students and staff to connect, learn from one another, and share their unique traditions. Ultimately, our goal is to create a more inclusive, respectful, and globally aware community at ITMO.

That’s fantastic. How many countries and cultures are represented at this year’s festival?

Nguyen: This year, we have 15 participating countries (Vietnam, Bangladesh, Belarus, Afghanistan, Egypt, India, China, Kyrgyzstan, Morocco, Myanmar, Nigeria, Russia, Syria, Ecuador, and Indonesia), each showcasing their rich traditions through varied performances. 

Organizing such a large-scale event must come with its challenges. What were the biggest ones?

Nguyen: The biggest challenge was to ensure that all participating countries received equal representation while managing logistics. Besides, we needed to create a show that appealed to a diverse audience as well as comply with university regulations. It was all quite a task.

How has ITMO supported you in organizing this festival?

Polina: University staff have been incredibly supportive, assisting with many organizational processes. ITMO has also provided financial support, which helped us set up masterclasses and decorate the photo zones.

I’m sure ITMO’s international students play a significant role in this event. How do they contribute?

Nguyen: International students are at the heart of ITMO Culture Fest. They not only bring their cultural heritage to the festival, but also act as ambassadors: they share their traditions, languages, and customs with the ITMO community. Their involvement is what makes this festival authentic and diverse.

As organizers, what are you personally most excited about?

Polina: I’m really looking forward to seeing the joint concert on the big stage. Many participants are preparing incredible creative performances and I can’t wait to see them come to life!

Nguyen: For me, the most exciting part is witnessing people from different backgrounds coming together to create something unique and meaningful. The energy, the performances, and the opportunity to experience new cultures firsthand are what make this event so special.

Looking ahead, how do you see ITMO Culture Fest evolving in the future?

Nguyen: I see it growing even bigger, with more countries and cultures participating. I hope it becomes an annual tradition at ITMO, bringing students closer together year after year.

What would you recommend to people attending ITMO Culture Fest?

Nguyen: I recommend taking the time to explore every part of the festival. Watch the performances, engage in the activities and masterclasses, and step outside of your comfort zone to meet new people. Most importantly, have fun and be open to the experience! After all, we are at ITMO, and our slogan is always: IT’s MOre than a University!

Finally, what message would you like to share with everyone reading this interview?

Polina: Be open and enjoy the event!

Nguyen: Yes! Embrace the experience, connect with people, and celebrate the diversity that makes ITMO such a unique place to study and grow.