"Highly likely, welcome back" or in Russian — "Welcome back", with a postscript of "very likely." This is an appeal to Russian students abroad and at the same time the name of a Rossotrudnichestvo project. The phrase "highly likely" in the subheading of the initiative is partly a joke, but also serious because it was used by the British authorities when they accused Russia of the attempted murder of Sergei Skripal. But in addition to humor, students are encouraged to take the issue of their safety seriously. Especially in those countries that have recently become more than unfriendly.
So, provocations and political pressure are possible. Now there are more than 60 thousand Russians sitting behind student desks abroad. But, of course, the appeal of "it's time to go home" refers, first and foremost, to those who are in the UK. The proposal isn't unfounded: MGIMO is preparing a platform at the Faculty of Management and Politics for the emergency evacuation of students. There's even a program being offered for English speakers of Russian as a second language. Simply said, there's a place to go back to. But the obvious question is — are there any willing?
We will get the answer from Anton Podkovenko.
In MGIMO they hope to assemble the whole course by the summer. Teachers spent time with them in vain, according to Rossotrudnichestvo. The offer for Russian students studying at foreign universities to return to the homeland has already been accepted.
Olga Evko, Rossotrudnichestvo: "Frankly, I didn't just get calls from the UK. I've already received calls from a number of European countries as well as former Soviet republics. It's good to be prepared, right? We must take preventive measures to ensure that our compatriots don't find themselves in a situation where, within 30 days of a visa expiring, a visa they can't renew, it will be necessary to look for a place where they can continue their education".
Evgenia Dedyukina, a student in London: "Is it good to be ready in advance? I think, yes. We know that the situation in the world is quite unstable. And we know that some people in some places aren't fond of us".
It's clear to everyone how Britain is treating Russia these days. So the fears about provocations in the student environment and the influence of Russophobic sentiments can't be called empty.
Stanislav Byoshok, analyst from the CIS-EMO International Monitoring Organization: "From a security point of view, for example, and this is perhaps one of the most important components of a high quality of life in the modern world, of course, Russia, and even more so, Russian capitals, Russian large cities, have a leg up on many Western cities now — and this is one of the reasons for returning".
One of the humanities faculties of MGIMO can accept hundreds of new students who are ready to move. Even an accelerated application process has been prepared.
Henry Sardaryan, Dean of the Faculty of Management and Politics of MGIMO: "They will be able to apply for one of the master's programs in the shortest possible time and even specify which industry they would like to work in. And they will receive a response in the form of a corresponding offer."
Graduates will have enough work — from Moscow to the Far East. There's a particularly high demand for IT specialists and economists. Alexander Demachev graduated from the University of Exeter. But it isn't easy for a foreigner to find a job in London. There were difficulties with a work visa. He returned and graduated from a Russian university. Now Alexander is a successful trader.
Alexander Demachev: "Both in English universities and in Russian ones there are similar courses on financial markets. All colleagues with whom I work now have received an education at Russian universities. And I honestly can't say that I surpass them in anything".
Of course, the world of studying abroad isn't limited to the United Kingdom. France has Sorbonne, the US has Harvard and Stanford. In many foreign universities, a credit system is in place, and they indicate which courses have been taken. For example, after studying a year in France, you can continue your education at Shanghai University. Likewise, upon returning to Russia, you would get credit for courses taken abroad.
Henry Sardaryan: "The university is part of the Bologna Process, and the mechanisms that operate in British and European universities are also valid for us. Since yesterday, over a 24 hour period, we have already received several applications from students who are in the UK, and we can assume that this number will increase before summer".
In Rossotrudnichestvo there is no debate about which diploma is better — British or Russian. It's about safety and the fact that it is quite possible to finish your education at home if it becomes uncomfortable abroad due to the whole "Novichok" story.
That was Anton Podkovenko talking about those who have to go home now.
