Russia offers scholarships for degree courses in Moscow |24 October 2009

There are five scholarships on offer every year at the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, but at the moment only four Seychellois are now studying there, covering several years’ intake.

Russian ambassador Mikhail Kalinin said this in an interview, adding that the Seychellois students are Diana Renaud, Carroll Cassime, Salifa Magnan and Sharon Stravens, who are following courses in journalism, public relations and accounts and sociology.

Miss Renaud is in her first year doing preparatory studies before starting her sociology degree course, Miss Cassime has finished her first year in public relations, Miss Magnan has completed her first year as a trainee journalist, and Miss Stravens is studying accountancy.

All the students’ expenses will be met by the Russian government except for a small sum for insurance, which the Seychellois will pay.

“This kind of cooperation has been going on since the days of the Soviet Union and since Seychelles gained independence,” said Mr Kalinin.

“So far, a total of 140 Seychellois have studied in Russia including a number who now hold prominent positions in government.”

The Seychellois who are in Russia have mingled well with the population and, as one of the pictures published here shows, they recently took part in a competition where they showed off our artistic talents.

“They were very popular because they performed beautifully in colourful dresses,” said Mr Kalinin.

He said successful applicants can leave soon to start language course in January and mainstream university studies in September.

The university has 30 faculties and offers degrees in such fields as science, engineering, medicine, agriculture, economics, humanities and social sciences, philosophy, law and ecology.

It also offers courses in hotel business and tourism, foreign languages and also distance learning courses.
It draws students from 138 European, Asian, African and Latin American countries.

● Anyone interested in applying for a Russian scholarship should telephone 515057 before December 15.