Alexei Gromyko Discusses Opening of Russian Centers with representatives of UK Universities

On November 16, Head of European Programs at the Russkiy Mir Foundation Alexei Gromyko visited Durham University to meet its Vice-Chancellor Christopher F. Higgins and other representatives. The parties discussed establishment of a Russian Center at the university premises. This initiative came as a result of a cooperation agreement signed by the two institutions in 2009.

In the frame of this visit Alexei Gromyko and Senior Russian Professor of the Russian Language Department Marianna Kaymanova conducted a seminar for four-year students of the department. In 2009 over 50 first-year students of Durham University decided to specialize in the Russian language.

On November 17 Alexei Gromyko visited The University of Edinburgh, which will see the launch of a Russian Center in spring 2010. This initiative is also being supported by the Russkiy Mir Foundation. At present the Russian language is taught to nearly 70 students of the university.

Here Alexei Gromyko met Vice-Principal for Development Young Dawkins, Head of the Russian Language Department Lara Ryazanova-Clarke and other university officials to discuss joint activities of the university and the Russkiy Mir Foundation for the next year. Among the planned events are a conference of Russian language specialists (April, 2010), a roundtable discussion devoted to the 65th anniversary of the victory in the great Patriotic War. Other events will be conducted at premises of the future Russian Center.

On the same day Alexei Gromyko visited The University of Glasgow, where the Russian language department has existed since 1917. Mr. Gromyko met with the Department’s Head Professor David Smith, Professor of Russian Gender Studies Rebecca Kay and other officials. The parties worked out a framework for joint projects for 2010–2011 and discussed a potential opening of a Russian Center.

In Glazgo Alexei Gromyko also met with representatives of a public organization RCS Haven” headed by Roman Moroz and Nina Ivashinenko, who cooperate with the Russkiy Mir Foundation in the frame of the grant program.