On April, 29-30 the 7th Annual Junior Researches Conference «European and National Dimension in Research» took place at Polotsk State University. The unique trait of this traditional event is the use of English as a working language of the conference.
As usual, students, postgraduates of Polotsk State University, representatives from other Belarusian and Russian universities were interested in the conference. This year many respected foreign guests took part in the Junior researches conference making this event an international one.
The visit of the Ambassador of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland in the Republic of Belarus, Bruce Bucknell, can be considered as a sign of respect to our university.
The 7th Annual Junior Researches Conference «European and National Dimension in Research» was traditionally opened by the rector of PSU, Dmitry Lazovsky who presented to the audience his welcoming speech.
The first part of the plenary session was opened by Bruce Bucknell who presented a report «The English language in the era of digital technologies».
The head of International office of Polotsk State University Sergey Peshkun presented a report «The possibilities of using programmes sponsored by the European Union for Belarusian students».
The lecturer of German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Almut Myuller told about the activity of the organization and possibilities of getting scholarship for studying in Germany.
After the first part of the plenary session all the participants and guests of the conference had a chance to talk during a coffee-break.
The second part of the plenary session was devoted to one more respected foreign guest. Nikolay Markevich, a doctor of economic science of Mykolas Romeris University (Vilnius, Lithuania) presented a theoretical model of the regional cooperation between Lithuania and Belarus.
Several junior researches also presented their reports during the second part of the plenary session.
On April, 30, the conference continued its work in the following sections:
A1. Linguistics, Literature, Philology.
A2. Pedagogy, Sociology, Jurisprudence.
A3. History, Culturology, Tourism, Sport.
A4. Economics.
B1. Architecture and Civil Engineering.
B2. Technology, Machine Building, Geodesy.
B3. Information Technologies, Electronics, Programming.
Our correspondent Polina Tkachenko had a unique possibility to have a short interview with the ambassador of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland in the Republic of Belarus, Bruce Bucknell.
The Correspondent: Good morning, Mr. Ambassador, my name is Polina Tkachenko, I’m a fourth-year student of the speciality «The English language». Can you share your impressions about the conference and its organization?
Bruce Bucknell: I’ve come recently. Maybe, it’s quite early to speak about my impressions, but such conferences, which attract participants from different countries and give a chance to share the results, are very useful! I was asked very good questions. It’s very important that English is a working language at this conference. I was asked a question: «Is it possible to invite more British students to study in Belarus?» I would like more British to come and speak English here. But it’s more important that many of you study English. You should speak English with each other, because many Belarusian students often go abroad…. At present, there are many web-sites where you can log in and start a conversation with different people with the use of Skype or some other digital technologies. Now there are so many possibilities for learning foreign languages! As I said in my report, I have been studying Russian with a teacher in Skype. She made me speak slower, more accurate. Those classes were very useful!
The Correspondent: What’re your impressions from our students?
B. Bucknell: I was asked very good questions about the British system of education! Your students, evidently, are well-informed. Their questions were not simple. Actually, our system of education is in the process of dimensioned changes. At the moment, not all aspects are completed, especially at universities. In the sphere of higher education we are moving to more specialized study. But, as we’ve heard from our German colleague, a special attention is paid to getting skills and abilities. Researches play an important role in education. It is necessary to be able to imagine the results of your scientific work. Here the English language is on benefit, because it’s a popular means of communication. But that’s not all. Such events give a chance to develop other necessary skills and abilities.
The Correspondent: In my opinion, it’s better to learn English in the United Kingdom. But it’s uneasy to get a visa and come to your country.
B. Bucknell: You just think that it’s uneasy! Of course, we have a new system right now. The British Visa Application Centre, which is situated in Minsk, is private, but all decisions about visas are made in Moscow. Consideration of an application and issue of a visa take some time. Current mechanisms are not so simple. But, more than 95% of those who apply for a visa get it without any problems. There is nothing complicated in getting visa. You only need to do all necessary requirements.
The Correspondent: Thank you for the interview, Mister Ambassador!
Vladimir Philipenko, the correspondent