The winter holidays of foreign students at Euphrosyne Polotskaya State University of Polotsk were filled with lively communication, rich experiences, and positive impressions. Despite the harsh winter frost, the students eagerly took part in events that deepened their knowledge of Belarusian culture and traditions.
Workshops at the Center of Crafts and Traditional Culture in Novopolotsk
During a workshop at the Center of Crafts and Traditional Culture in Novopolotsk, the students handmade textile New Year’s souvenirs featuring the symbol of 2026. The next step in their introduction to Belarusian culture was a ceramics workshop. The students learned the basics of working with clay and created memorable souvenirs, gaining valuable hands-on experience.
Workshops at the Center of Crafts and Traditional Culture in Novopolotsk
The culmination of the cultural exchange was a meeting between students from China and students of Gymnasium № 1 in Novopolotsk, during which the Chinese students introduced the schoolchildren to the culture and traditions of their native region.
Meeting participants
An important part of the winter holidays programme consisted of sports events. Throughout the week, international students took part in a series of matches during the first mini-football tournament “WINTER CUP PSU”. Meanwhile, students from various university dormitories organized friendly volleyball matches.
Winners and participants of the mini-football tournament "WINTER CUP PSU"
At the exhibition “Skrabnitsa maisterstva” students learned about Belarusian folk art and cultural heritage. The exhibition featured replicas and reconstructions of rural women’s and men’s costumes worn in Belarus from the late 19th century to the first half of the 20th century. The students also became acquainted with Belarusian folk songs performed by the archaic singing folk group “Knyazhych”.
Foreign students and the archaic singing folk group "Knyazhych"
For international students, the winter holidays became a time of active recreation, cultural exchange, and intellectual discovery. Participation in creative, sports, and educational activities helped students gain a deeper understanding of Belarusian culture and traditions. This allowed them to adapt more smoothly to the multicultural university environment.
