INRTU's "Study and Work at Baikal" Project for International Students Gains ASI Support

INRTU's "Study and Work at Baikal" project was selected as one of the top 15 projects in the Providing Personnel for Priority Economic Sectors thematic competition by the Agency for Strategic Initiatives (ASI). The collaboration with ASI will provide the University with targeted informational and methodological support, as well as allow for active participation in ASI's initiatives and those of its partners. The competition organizers will facilitate the project's advancement in local and foreign markets and will aid in the search for investors.

The ASI has evaluated proposals focused on achieving the objectives of the new "Human Resources" national project. The selection process was organized around three main areas: the development of additional professional education systems in key sectors of the economy, effective strategies and practices for youth career guidance and professional orientation, and the removal of barriers to the foreign students' integration into the Russian job market.

The list of winners is dominated by projects focused on the development of online platforms and the use of VR technologies. The authors of these initiatives aim to improve the quality and speed of personnel identification and development, prepare the workforce using artificial intelligence, immerse students in engineering professions, and create international competence centers. INRTU deals with the integration of foreign students and graduates into the Irkutsk Region economy.

According to Stepan Bykov, Vice-Rector for International Affairs and project leader, the University hosts more than 1,500 students from 54 countries. With temporary residence permits, these students are able to work alongside Russian citizens and contribute to the regional economy. To facilitate their entry into the job market and help alleviate the shortage of skilled labor in key industries, INRTU is implementing programs to develop language, socio-cultural, and professional skills. A major advantage of the "Study and Work at Baikal" project is its close cooperation with companies in need of engineering resources.

"The project includes a program of business Russian language, along with the opportunity to undergo a professional module, as well as an intensive course for obtaining residence permits. In addition, as part of the project we will introduce foreign students to the culture and traditions of Russia, as well as the basics of its legal system. Students from the third to the sixth year, as well as recent graduates, can look forward to summer events with the university's partner companies. The initiative aims to attract specialists to such key industries as mining, energy, construction, IT and metallurgy. As a result, the Irkutsk Region's job market is expected to become internationally attractive," said Stepan Bykov.

The "Study and Work at Baikal" team consists of the coordinator Konstantin Khobta, Alla Antonova (in the area of Specialized Language Training), Assia Kontrimovich (in Social Integration) and Diana Kopaigorodskaya (in Professional Orientation). Personnel support for the initiative is provided by the staff of the Baikal School of BRICS’ Linguodidactics Department, specialized departments, the Center for International Services, the Career Center, and INRTU Cross-Industry Regional Center for Professional Development and Specialists' Retraining.

With the ASI support, INRTU representatives will develop a targeted dialogue with government agencies involved in education export and will organize events with industrial partners. In addition, INRTU will be integrated into the ASI working groups and participate in acceleration programs, among other initiatives.