The Institute of Foreign Languages ​​and International Tourism (IFLIT) hosted a vibrant festival titled "We Are All Different, Yet We Are Together," held in celebration of the Day of Friendship Among Peoples.

The Institute—part of Pyatigorsk State University (PSU)—held its traditional festival dedicated to the Day of Friendship Among Peoples. The event proved to be a true celebration of culture, creativity, and unity.

Students treated the audience to lively dance and musical performances, while guest ensembles helped create a unique and memorable atmosphere.

PSU will host two masterclasses by Maria Vladimirovna Zakharova-Sarovskaya, Candidate of Philological Sciences and Associate Professor in the Department of Foreign Languages ​​and Linguodidactics at the Siberian Institute of Management (a branch of RANEPA) and the Department of Social Sciences at the Novosibirsk Law Institute (a branch of Tomsk State University).

October 29 | 14:00–15:00

"Public Speaking in English and Russian: Fundamentals of Rhetoric"

How can you make a presentation persuasive and keep your audience engaged? Participants will explore techniques for effective public communication and the nuances of speaking in both English and Russian.

October 30 | 10:30–11:30

"Psycholinguistic Experiments in the Study of Modern Naming"

How are brand and product names created, and what associations do they evoke? Participants will learn about experimental methods used to study language and contemporary naming practices.

Venue: Conference Hall No. 1 (Blue Hall), PSU.

We invite undergraduate and graduate students, PhD candidates, faculty members, and anyone with an interest in language, communication, and linguistic research to attend!

These two masterclasses offer new insights, practical tools, and an opportunity to explore language from various perspectives.

A meeting with representatives of the Vladimir Potanin Foundation took place at PSU.

Welcoming remarks were addressed to the master’s students by Professor Elvira Dmitrievna Kondrakova, Advisor to the Rector for Educational Work and Youth Policy, and Professor Oleg Alimuradovich Alimuradov, Vice-Rector for Research and Development of Intellectual Potential.

Representatives of the Vladimir Potanin Foundation briefed the participants on the Foundation’s current opportunities, the specifics of the application process, and how to prepare projects for various competitions.

The master’s students learned about the prospects for receiving support to implement their own initiatives and were provided with practical recommendations.

The meeting served as another step toward fostering a culture of project-based work at PSU and expanding opportunities for its students.

Lecture at the Mashuk Center for Employees of the Federal Bailiff Service

P. N. Baryshnikov, head of the "Digit" Research and Education Center, served as a speaker at a training seminar for federal civil servants of the Federal Bailiff Service (FSSP) of Russia. He delivered a lecture titled "A Brave New World: How Have Machines and Humans Shifted with the Advent of AI?"

The lecture examined in detail the transformation processes currently unfolding within human-computer sociotechnical systems. The seminar was designed to foster active engagement with the audience, encouraging an exchange of views and open discussion.

The high level of competence demonstrated by the attendees facilitated a productive dialogue regarding the role of modern AI models in the daily and professional lives of FSSP civil servants. The discussion also touched upon rapid historical shifts that bring the question of the value of the individual—and humanity in the broadest sense—into sharp focus.

The conversation concluded by reinforcing the case for developing national AI systems—grounded in Russia’s unique cultural and philosophical framework—as an essential component of the nation’s security infrastructure.

Scientific cooperation between PSU (Pyatigorsk State University) and Armenia is evolving from a simple exchange of experience to the joint training of academic and research personnel.

At Yerevan State University (YSU), Zara Samvelovna Ayrapetyan successfully defended her dissertation, titled "Language as a Key to Understanding Legal Discourse," for the degree of Candidate of Philological Sciences.

Professor Irina Mikhailovna Akopyants, Director of the Institute of Foreign Languages ​​and International Tourism at PSU, served as an official opponent for the defense.

The research explores the intersection of linguistics and jurisprudence, with findings that hold significant implications for the development of legal translation and intercultural communication.

This defense marks a major milestone in the collaboration between PSU and YSU—a partnership that is progressing from academic exchanges and joint conferences toward the training of researchers and the implementation of collaborative research projects.

PSU students have been named laureates of the "Student of the Year 2026" award.

The regional stage of the All-Russian "Student of the Year 2026" award for higher education institutions in the Stavropol Territory took place in Stavropol, where students from Pyatigorsk State University (PSU) showcased their achievements.

Applications were received from 178 students representing 32 educational institutions across the Stavropol Territory. From this group, 60 creative and talented participants gathered on stage to compete for the prestigious title of "Student of the Year of the Stavropol Territory."

Following the competition, the PSU students achieved impressive results:

Victoria Vypritskaya, a student at the Higher School of Management, was named a 2nd-degree laureate in the "Media Student of the Year" category;

Ellada Allakhverdova, a student at the Institute of Jurisprudence and Engineering, was named a 2nd-degree laureate in the "Intellect of the Year" category.

Pyatigorsk State University (PSU) at an International Congress at RUDN University.

Representatives from the Center for International Education at Pyatigorsk State University took part in the 10th International Congress for instructors and administrators of preparatory faculties at Russian universities, titled "Pre-university Education in Russia and the World: Language, Adaptation, Society, and Field of Study."

The university was represented by N. M. Kashirina, Deputy Head of the Department for International Cooperation and Educational Programs (DICEP) and Director of the Center for International Education (CIE); A. A. Serdyuk, Deputy Head of the DICEP and a specialist at the CIE; as well as two students from Colombia currently studying at the PSU Center for International Education.

Congress participants discussed key issues regarding the instruction of the Russian language to international students, their sociocultural adaptation, and their integration into the Russian educational environment.

For the students, participating in the event provided an opportunity to share their experiences of studying in Russia and to join an international dialogue on the development of education.

A meeting was held at PSU between students and Nadezhda Nikanorovna Kuznetsova—a practicing tour guide-interpreter and the only certified specialist in the Chinese language within her field.

The event was organized by the Department of Tourism and the Hospitality Industry and the Department of Oriental Languages ​​and Cultures, in collaboration with the travel company "Ladya."

Students from the "Tourism," "Hospitality," and related degree programs learned about the specifics of working with Chinese tourists, analyzed real-world professional scenarios, and discussed why, for a tour guide-interpreter, knowing the language alone is not enough for success—it is equally important to understand the cultural traditions and the mindset of the guests.

Such meetings help students gain an insider’s perspective on the profession and prepare for the practical challenges they will face in their future careers.

Pyatigorsk State University has developed a platform called CorpusTensor—a "digital microscope" designed for analyzing large volumes of text without the need for programming.

The sheer quantity of text—ranging from social media content to archival records—makes manual analysis impossible, while neural networks often yield results that cannot be verified.

The Laboratory for Computational Linguistics and Network Topology of Discourse at Pyatigorsk State University has created an end-to-end pipeline that handles everything from text cleaning to the generation of semantic maps and graphs illustrating the relationships between words. The platform operates entirely within a web browser and requires no coding. It was developed by Associate Professor A. G. Monogarova.

This platform will prove useful for linguistic expert analysis, media monitoring, the evaluation of educational texts, and the training of students in the humanities.

Lecturers and students from the Institute of Foreign Languages ​​and International Tourism at Pyatigorsk State University (PSU) once again set out to conquer the picturesque slopes of Mount Mashuk as part of the traditional autumn cycling event, "Route of Energy."

The participants began their journey at the site of M. Y. Lermontov’s duel and finished in a clearing near the "Mashuk" camp. Vibrant autumn scenery, fresh mountain air, and panoramic views of the Caucasian Mineral Waters region made the outing especially memorable.

"Route of Energy" is not a race, but rather an opportunity to spend time together, enjoy nature, and support one another. After all, what matters most isn't the number of kilometers covered, but the emotions shared, the friendships formed, and a love for an active lifestyle!

The event was organized by N. A. Golik, M. I. Avetisyan, and N. S. Gyurdzhyan—associate professors from the Department of Theoretical Linguistics and Intercultural Communication Practice at the Institute of Foreign Languages ​​and International Tourism.

Students and faculty from the Higher School of Design and Architecture (HSDA) immersed themselves in the world of art at the opening of Alena Darchieva’s exhibition, "Observing Silence," held at the Essentuki Local History Museum.

The paintings and graphic works on display offer a remarkable, wordless dialogue between the artist and the viewer. Vibrant landscapes, rich, deep tones, and a captivating atmosphere invited the audience to reflect on the beauty that surrounds us.

For the students of the Higher School of Design and Architecture at Pyatigorsk State University, this was more than just a museum visit—it was a valuable learning experience. For these aspiring architects and designers, observing how a master artist engages with color and space is particularly instructive.

Superfinal of the V. G. Navodnov Open International Student Internet Olympiad in Mathematics.

The Pyatigorsk State University (PSU) Volunteer Center provides organizational and operational support for this international event, which aims to identify and foster gifted young people.

The Olympiad has been held since 2008 and consists of several stages; its superfinal takes place in an in-person format at Pyatigorsk State University. Winners and top-ranking participants from various international and national mathematics Olympiads are invited to compete in the superfinal.

The Volunteer Center assists with a wide range of organizational tasks to ensure a smooth experience for all participants. This includes providing technical support, coordinating participants across university venues, managing arrivals and registration, directing participants to their assigned rooms, supervising them during the competition, handling logistics and day-to-day needs, and assisting with the organization of ceremonies and group photo sessions.

The Institute of Jurisprudence and Engineering at PSU (Pyatigorsk State University) hosted a lecture-training session titled "Criminal Law Risks in Business and How to Minimize Them," as part of the foresight week "Legal Horizon: Minimizing Legal Risks in an Era of Change."

The speaker was Yuri Petrovich Garmaev—Doctor of Law, professor, and Honored Jurist of Buryatia. Drawing on examples from legal practice, he discussed the prevention of criminal law risks, the protection of entrepreneurs' interests, and the appropriate actions for executives and legal counsel when facing complex situations. The meeting brought together representatives from government authorities, law enforcement and judicial bodies, the legal and business communities, as well as faculty members and students. Participants analyzed practical scenarios, discussed the inspection of companies and how to conduct oneself during a search, and consolidated their knowledge through a business simulation titled "Search in the Office."

This initiative will be followed by a series of training seminars for regional entrepreneurs, hosted at the university.

Students from Colombia represent PSU at an international congress.

Students from the Center for International Education at PSU (Pyatigorsk State University) — Andrés Mateo Castillo Fajardo and Luis Alejandro Arisa Díaz, both from Colombia — are participating in the 10th International Congress for Instructors and Heads of Preparatory Faculties at Russian Universities, currently being held at RUDN University.

Participants are discussing key issues related to teaching Russian as a foreign language, the adaptation of international students, and their integration into the Russian educational environment.

Taking part in the congress offers an opportunity to share personal experiences of studying in Russia, learn about new practices, and engage in an international dialogue on education.

PSU hosted the 23rd recitation contest dedicated to the 212th anniversary of the birth of M. Y. Lermontov.

Participants included students from all PSU institutes and higher schools, schoolchildren from the KMV region and Karachay-Cherkessia, as well as international students from Colombia, Morocco, and Armenia.

Contestants presented works by M. Y. Lermontov, poetry about the Caucasus, and pieces by writers whose anniversaries are being celebrated this year. The event served as an opportunity to demonstrate how the spoken word unites cultures and generations.

The winners were:

Vasilisa Kolodyazhnaya (PSU Higher School of Design and Architecture).

Danila Karamanov (Lyceum No. 20, Pyatigorsk) and Viktoria Rubanova (A. S. Pushkin Secondary School No. 3, Pyatigorsk).

Liya Besshkurova (PSU Institute of Foreign Languages ​​and International Tourism), Valentina Karaseferyan (PSU Institute of Translation Studies, Russian Studies, and Multilingualism), and Safiya Kappusheva (Hero of Russia Kh. A. Chochuev Secondary School No. 5, Tereze village, Karachay-Cherkessia).

The People's Choice Award went to Fatima Ramazanovna Khubieva—a teacher at the Hero of Russia S. K. Magometov Secondary School No. 10 (Krasny Kurgan village, Karachay-Cherkessia), an advisor to the school principal on educational work, and a PSU alumna.

A working meeting took place at the PSU Center for International Education between E. O. Ayvazashvili, a senior lecturer at the Department of Tourism and Hospitality Industry (IIYAMT), and Louis Pagani, a student from Belgium. Following the discussions, a decision was made to launch a conversation club hosted by the "Provence" coffee shop chain.

Participants can look forward to meetings conducted in Russian and French, language practice, engaging discussions, and culinary workshops. Students will have the opportunity to bake traditional French pastries together and exchange recipes from Russia, France, and Belgium. This is a great opportunity to practice a foreign language, get to know new cultures, and make friends from different countries.

PSU has entered the top 15 universities in the Vladimir Potanin Scholarship Program ranking.

Pyatigorsk State University (PSU) ranked 13th out of 75 participants in the annual ranking of universities participating in the Vladimir Potanin Scholarship Program for the 2025/2026 academic year. The university climbed 18 places compared to the previous year!

The ranking evaluates the results of student and faculty participation in the Foundation's competitions and projects, the quality of applications, and the universities' activity in educational events. This year, for the first time, student participation in the Foundation's special events was also taken into account. PSU’s strong performance confirms the university’s systematic efforts to support research, project-based work, and educational activities, as well as to create opportunities for the professional development of students and faculty.

The FANK Science Film Days have kicked off at PSU.

This year, the FANK Science Film Days began with a screening of the anthology film Polyphony (Mnogogolosie).

Polyphony is the first anthropological anthology from the FANK Film Laboratory, created with the support of the Presidential Foundation for Cultural Initiatives. The project brings together films by young directors who traveled to various regions of Russia to tell the stories of small-numbered indigenous peoples. The film screening was opened by O. A. Alimuradov, Vice-Rector for Research and Intellectual Potential Development at Pyatigorsk State University. In his opening remarks, he emphasized the importance of cultural dialogue and the unity of peoples.

The expert panel featured:

Alyona Andreevna Gavrilova, Director of the House of Folk Cultures—an organization uniting Pyatigorsk’s 17 national-cultural autonomies—and Vyacheslav Ivanovich Shulzhenko, Doctor of Philology, literary scholar, and Head of the Department of Linguistics, Literary and Journalism Skills. Following the screening, they answered questions from the audience and shared their thoughts on the film.

FANK came to PSU thanks to the initiative of O. A. Alimuradov, Vice-Rector for Research and Intellectual Potential Development, and the coordinated efforts of the organizers: Associate Professor O. V. Kurskikh and Lecturer I. M. Shubenok.

The project was organized by the House of Folk Cultures (DNK) and the FANK Festival of Contemporary Science Cinema, with grant support from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation.

PSU at the Vladimir Potanin Scholarship Program meeting.

The annual meeting of participants in the Vladimir Potanin Foundation’s scholarship program took place in Moscow. PSU was represented by Professor Elvira Dmitrievna Kondrakova, Advisor to the Rector for Educational Work and Youth Policy.

During the meeting, participants discussed the development of research and educational projects, best practices for supporting faculty and students, and prospects for cooperation between universities and the Foundation. Vadim Radaev, Distinguished Professor at the Higher School of Economics (HSE), delivered a lecture titled "Modern Teaching in Crisis." The Foundation also presented the results of its activities and announced upcoming competitions, with the application period scheduled for October:

A grant competition for faculty members—offering up to 500,000 rubles for project implementation;

A competition for master’s students—awarding a named scholarship of 30,000 rubles per month.

PSU actively participates in the Foundation’s programs. Following the selection process for the 2025/2026 academic year, two university faculty members received grants for their projects, while four master’s students were awarded the Vladimir Potanin named scholarship.

PSU’s participation in the program fosters the development of project-based activities, supports talented students and faculty, and strengthens the university’s partnerships.

The in-person phase of the program "Language and Translation Training in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Value Foundations, Digital Tools, and Methodological Solutions" is currently underway at the Institute for Advanced Training and Professional Competence Development at PSU.

The second day of the program brought participants together to discuss key issues in foreign language and translation training. Experts from MGIMO shared their academic approaches:

M. M. Konkol, Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences, Associate Professor, Department of English No. 3;

O. V. Printsipalova, Candidate of Philological Sciences, Associate Professor, Head of the German Language Department;

E. Yu. E. Müller, Candidate of Philological Sciences, Associate Professor, German Language Department. Participants discussed the role of the foreign language teacher in the age of artificial intelligence, the value of the educator's professional perspective, and the nuances of the dialogue between cultures within foreign language textbooks.

Discussions, the exchange of experience, and the search for new solutions help provide a fresh perspective on the role of the modern educator and the potential of artificial intelligence in language education.

PSU’s Multilevel Innovative Academy of Continuing Education is launching open meetings with students.

Every Wednesday during the long break, you can speak with Academy representatives, learn more about educational programs, admission requirements, and study formats, as well as ask any questions you may have.

PSU Main Hall (9 Kalinina Ave.);

Every Wednesday (October through November);

11:40.