A bold modernization push in Oriental and African studies is underway, bringing a new comprehensive training program that blends academic study with hands-on internships across Eastern and African regions. Vedomosti reports that Valery Falkov, the Minister of Education and Science, outlined a plan aimed at strengthening Russia’s ties with Asian and African partners while enriching the educational experience for students, educators, and researchers alike.
The program mandates practical internships in the countries of study. It’s designed to immerse participants in real-world environments, allowing them to tackle both theoretical questions and tangible challenges that matter to Russia’s economy and its enterprises abroad. The ministry emphasizes that such placements are more than learning experiences; they are strategic opportunities to apply knowledge in political, social, and economic contexts that shape international relations and global markets.
Beyond language instruction, the new approach expands into philology, history, and ethnology. It also includes a robust examination of current developments in the regions, including political dynamics, social change, and economic trends. The goal is to cultivate a generation of scholars who understand not only the languages but the cultures, institutions, and networks that define Eastern and African societies today.
The initiative is a joint effort by the Ministry of Education and Science and leading Asian and African research centers. The plan envisions a steady modernization of the education system through 2030, aligning curriculum, research priorities, and international collaboration with regional partners. As of the current year, around 40 universities in Asia and Africa have established partnerships to host Russian students and faculty for internships, forming a broad footprint across the region.
Falkov has previously signaled an increase in state-funded spots at Russian universities for African students, highlighting a commitment to expanding access and exchange. This expansion aligns with broader strategic aims to diversify the student body, widen academic collaboration, and strengthen Russia’s presence in higher education networks across the continent.
Earlier announcements indicated that the September term would mark the start of the new training for students in Russia’s newly defined regions. This phased rollout supports a gradual, scalable transition toward a fully integrated program that combines classroom study with immersive field experiences, ensuring the next generation of scholars is prepared to engage with the world in a more informed and proactive way.