Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Since 2023, RUDN University has been implementing a project that allows children from across Russia without parental care to study foreign languages for free. 417 schoolchildren from 53 regions of the country have already participated. The latest graduation ceremony for the language education program took place on January 24.
An idea that united half the country
The initiative was born as part of RUDN's multilingual development program and received the personal support of Rector Oleg Yastrebov. The project is a response to the university's social mission and is aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals for education.
"For us, this is more than just an educational project. It's a contribution to the development of Russian civic identity through the study of other cultures. We help children understand Russia's place in the modern world and develop responsibility and respect for other cultures," says Anastasia Atabekova, RUDN University Vice-Rector for Multilingual Development.
The Russian Ministry of Education actively supports the initiative, assisting with the organization and selection of participating regions. The project's momentum is impressive:
2023: 269 children from 40 regions began their studies, and were able to study four languages (English, French, Spanish, and German); January 2025: The first graduating class—48 children received certificates of completion; 2025: 383 children from 53 regions participated in the program (including new students), with Chinese added to the list of languages studied; January 2026: The second graduating class—229 students, with 140 students continuing their studies.
The total number of students and graduates during the project implementation period was 417 people.
"Of course, it's a shame that not all students complete their studies due to personal circumstances, health issues, and a heavy workload at school. We strive to accommodate each child's needs: choosing the language they're interested in, a group based on their level, and convenient class times. Enrollment for new groups opened in November 2025 and will continue until the end of January," said Anastasia Atabekova.
How the training is organized
The "Explore the Modern World by Learning a Foreign Language" program offers four levels of preparation, from beginner (A0) to basic (B1). Each course lasts 128 academic hours and includes four thematic modules:
Me and the world today. Russia is our common home. The country of the language we study. Preparing for the final exam.
In 2025, the curriculum format became more intensive: classes are held twice a week for two academic hours. At the end of each semester, students take a test to confirm their progress.
The soul of the project is teachers
The children are taught by highly qualified teachers from various RUDN University institutes, from the Engineering Academy to the Medical Institute. The teachers note the exceptional dedication of their students.
"I joined the project from the very beginning. When I heard about this initiative at a department meeting, I immediately said that if there was a Spanish group, I wanted to teach them. I taught my first lesson on February 22, 2023. I'll never forget that day. I was very excited and read as much specialized literature as I could find. Before the first lesson, I spoke with the students' guardians. It was important for me to know, if possible, the background of each student so I could understand how to conduct myself appropriately, avoid offending them, support them, and engage them effectively. These are amazing and wonderful students! Very sincere and grateful!" — Aksinya Malenkova.
According to Aksinya, there are many talented students among her students. For example, one girl from Tolyatti writes wonderful poetry. She dedicated one of her pieces to her teacher. Here are the lines from the poem:
We value the work that we do every day
In the year you committed,
So that for everyone and everything, both we and you
They shone with their knowledge of Spanish.
Where do you get your willpower from?
To sit late in the evening
And smiling incessantly,
Besides knowledge, can you see talents in us?
Aksinya notes that she's proud to work on this project and tells the children a lot about her studies and teaching at RUDN University. Several children enjoyed these stories so much that they plan to attend our university after high school.
Italian Matteo Sanesi has also been involved in the project from the very beginning. He says one of his students has become so interested in languages that he's now studying Italian and Spanish in addition to English. Several students are already planning to apply to RUDN University, which makes the teacher very happy.
"I'm pleased to see that many of the students look forward to my classes. The students are attentive, homework is almost always completed on time, and deadlines are met. I have nothing to complain about!" — Matteo Sanesi.
Congratulations and puzzles
Another teacher on the project, Roza Kharisova, adds that students learn the language through games; her students especially enjoy solving puzzles and adore wishing each other happy birthdays in English.
"Sometimes they do something funny. They wish each other, 'Don't be stubborn, don't be whiny, be honest and generous.' We also sing songs with the kids. For example, when we were celebrating the New Year with the group last year, one student wanted to play the guitar himself, and we sang together. Our project involves the kindest, most wonderful, generous, and open children!" — Roza Kharisova.
The students themselves also speak highly of their teachers, noting that they explain the material in an engaging and understandable manner. Thanks to this, their grades are improving, and some are already making plans for the future. For example, one of the girls wants to enroll at RUDN University—in the law school or the foreign languages department.
"The project allowed our children to develop through languages rarely taught in schools and gave them the opportunity to gain knowledge from such a good, knowledgeable, and strong team. Thank you for being with us for all three years, and for us being with you. And for helping our children become a little better, gain more knowledge, skills, and get to know each other through this project," said Svetlana Gavrilova, a representative of the program's alumni.
"I thank the university for this program! We really enjoyed it; it was interesting, and our child understood everything. We've already chosen the department at RUDN where we'd like to enroll. Thank you so much for the knowledge!" — Tatyana Kabeleva, representative of a program graduate.
Arabic is in the plans
Over three years, RUDN University has invested over 18 million rubles in the project, and it continues to grow. Plans include adding an Arabic language module, attracting children from new regions of Russia, and collaborating with the "Children of the Whole Country" Association of Orphanage Graduates.
Despite technical and organizational challenges—time zone differences, coordinating schedules with school activities—the project team finds opportunities for every child.
The program proves that education truly can change lives. And sometimes, all it takes is opening a window to the world through learning a foreign language.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.