An off-site team-building event for activists of South Ural Association of International Students and Alumni, organised by the International Office and AO SZ “Yuzhuralstroyservis”, was held at the Chebarkul recreation centre April 13th through April 14th.
SUSU international students, from such countries as Uzbekistan, China, Iran, Tajikistan, Iraq, India, Kazakhstan, Russia, Indonesia, Ethiopia, and Kyrgyzstan, took part in the event. As part of the program, they learned about local attractions, tasted Arabic coffee, played sport games, and participated in a media contest.
“The event was busy and interesting. First day of the program was dedicated to the Russian culture, students learned how guests had been welcomed in Rus’, took part in a tour round the recreation centre, in street celebrations, watched the starry sky through a telescope. During the second day, they learned about the culture of various countries, made Arabic coffee, learned to write in Chinese in the Devanagari language, cooked real Uzbek pilaf over a fire,” said Dilrabo Tozhikulova, Executive Director of the South Ural Association of International Students and Alumni.
The association team held cultural and creative master classes, which included:
– Chinese Calligraphy;
– Russian Folk Dances;
– Indian Calligraphy.
“The main goal of the event to create a comfortable multicultural environment and maintain interethnic dialogue has been fully achieved. The event was held in a very warm and sincere atmosphere. Students were able to express their leadership qualities, build teamwork, and show excellent results in the final creative project. One person can do many valuable things, but only a strong and united team can achieve significant results,” said Dariia Mikryukova, Head of the International Student Support.
In the evening, participants had a lecture in Astronomy and observed stars through a telescope. Cooking Uzbek pilaf over a fire was a real sensation.
“I visited three cities in Russia: Saint Petersburg, Moscow and Velikiy Novgorod. And this was my first acquaintance with nature, a landmark of the Chelyabinsk Region. The event was wonderful and it helped me expand my thinking horizons. What I liked the most was getting to know our colleagues better, trying my hand in dancing and enjoying the friendly atmosphere,” said Alsabhavi Mortadha Khaled, a student from Iraq.
The association is planning to hold another team-building event on the territory of the Chebarkul recreation centre in autumn.