From Attachés to Speakers: HSE University–Nizhny Novgorod Students Take Part in World Youth Festival Assembly
In September 2025, Nizhny Novgorod became the centre of the international youth movement, hosting around 2,000 participants from 120 regions of Russia and abroad at the World Youth Festival Assembly. Students of HSE University–Nizhny Novgorod’s Foreign Languages and Intercultural Business Communication, Fundamental and Applied Linguistics, and International Bachelor’s in Business and Economics programmes were involved in the event in a variety of roles, from attachés and volunteers to performers and speakers.
As attachés, students of Foreign Languages and Intercultural Business Communication, Fundamental and Applied Linguistics, and the International Bachelor’s in Business and Economics were responsible for accompanying a delegation of 30 participants from Colombia, Pakistan, Chile, Zambia, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Syria, Serbia, India, Armenia, Algeria, Argentina, Egypt, Estonia, and the USA, taking part in the Entrepreneurship, Media, and Creative Industries tracks. They helped with the guests’ cultural adaptation, handled organisational matters, managed logistics, and provided linguistic support in English, French, and Chinese.
Academic Supervisor of the Foreign Languages and Intercultural Business Communication programme
Participating in the World Youth Festival Assembly was an excellent opportunity for our students to put into practice the knowledge they have gained at university. We are proud that the organisers recognised their high level of foreign language proficiency and their deep understanding of intercultural communication principles, which enabled them to represent Russia successfully on the international stage. The students not only acted as a link between organisers and participants but also as ambassadors of Russian culture, immersing international guests in the dynamic life of our city.
Valeria Kozak
Third-year student of the Foreign Languages and Intercultural Business Communication programme
The event was memorable for the incredible number of talented and motivated young people and for its warm, inclusive atmosphere. I plan to stay in touch with many of the delegates. People from completely different parts of the world are now inviting me to take part in events in their own countries. The festival was held at the highest level, and the participants left with a wealth of new acquaintances and a powerful boost of motivation for the year ahead.
Valeria Mamchich
Third-year student of the Foreign Languages and Intercultural Business Communication programme
The World Youth Festival Assembly is all about opportunities—for personal and professional growth, networking with people from different countries, and finding inspiration. As an attaché, I gained a deeper understanding of the nuances of intercultural communication and took my first confident steps towards my future career. The festival is about love, openness, and people—and I am now completely convinced that the real strength lies in them.
Karina Samoilova
Third-year student of the Foreign Languages and Intercultural Business Communication programme
For me, taking part in the assembly was a unique opportunity to practise my intercultural communication skills and enhance my professional competencies in team building, leadership, and mediation. The incredibly friendly atmosphere, experienced guest speakers and, above all, the participants themselves turned every moment of the event into an unforgettable experience.
Anna Evgrafova
Third-year student of the Fundamental and Applied Linguistics programme
At the assembly, I worked as an attaché: I informed my group of 32 participants about the event schedule and any changes to it, solved any issues that arose, and oversaw their accommodation and check-out at the end of the festival. There was a lot of registration work and communication over the five days. It was exhausting but extremely useful for developing self-organisation, patience, and negotiation skills. My ability to communicate confidently—including in English—with senior and more experienced participants was a great help and something that I have strengthened over two years at HSE. My brightest memories of the assembly are of the people—all from different fields, open-minded, well-educated, and sincere.
The HSE Dancing Crew performed in an immersive show dedicated to the history of Russia organised as part of the festival.
Sofia Mazaeva
Third-year student of the International Bachelor’s in Business and Economics
We presented the history of our country—from Ancient Rus’ to the future—through dance and performance. It was incredible to see foreign guests joining Russian circle dances with enthusiasm and teaching us their traditional dances in return. Being part of such a large-scale festival was truly an invaluable experience.
Ekaterina Portnaya
Third-year student of the International Bachelor’s in Business and Economics, speaker at the Your Move Project events
We debated, argued our points, and put on a real debate show! It was an exciting experience filled with new connections and strong emotions.
Participation in the World Youth Festival Assembly was a valuable experience for HSE University–Nizhny Novgorod students, helping them develop their communication skills and build connections with young people from all over the world.