Higher Education in the Ivanovo Region Through the Eyes of Students: An Expedition Took Place
The expedition involved 11 participants representing the Institute of Education, the Faculty of Humanities, and the Faculty of Urban and Regional Development. The expedition was led by Ksenia Romanenko, an expert from the University Development Project Laboratory, and Ekaterina Maslova, a research intern from the same laboratory.
The expedition team visited the largest universities in the region, including Ivanovo State University, Ivanovo State University of Chemistry and Technology, Ivanovo State Polytechnic University, and the Upper Volga State Agricultural and Biotechnological University. In addition, they conducted 91 interviews with students, faculty, and administrators, who shared their perspectives on education in Ivanovo, career and professional trajectories, the interuniversity campus project, and more.
Key Theme: The Interuniversity Campus Project
The central topic of the expedition was the interuniversity student campus project, which aims to unite six major universities in the Ivanovo Region under one roof. The team found that the project is widely supported by both students and university staff. On one hand, the campus is envisioned as a hub for attracting students from across Russia and abroad. On the other, it aims to consolidate resources and expertise to promote the sustainable development of universities and the regional economy. However, the project is still in the planning stages and requires further detailed work.
Career and Professional Trajectories of Ivanovo Students
The team also studied the career paths of students at Ivanovo’s universities. Despite being surrounded by strong regional education systems in Moscow, Nizhny Novgorod, and Vladimir, Ivanovo retains high-caliber applicants, particularly in its traditional industries. Students generally have a positive outlook on their career prospects and believe there are opportunities for professional growth. Moreover, the city offers a wide variety of academic programs, allowing students to pursue almost any specialty they desire.
Cultural Immersion
Like any research expedition, cultural immersion played a significant role. The participants attended numerous cultural events, observed academic processes, and engaged with local students and faculty. This allowed the researchers to deeply explore the student environment and learn more about their peers in Ivanovo. The team noted that Ivanovo boasts an active extracurricular culture, including social projects, mentorship initiatives, and other enriching activities.
Participant Reflections
Yulia Agarkova, 2nd-year History undergraduate student:
“The expedition provided me with valuable research experience and improved my interviewing skills. It also offered a wonderful opportunity to learn from more experienced colleagues and develop crucial skills like analytical thinking, proactivity, self-organization, and teamwork. The intensive week in Ivanovo not only deepened my understanding of the local higher education system but also introduced me to inspiring individuals and gave me a great boost of motivation to keep learning.”
Maria Mitrofanova, 4th-year Urban Planning undergraduate student:
“Before this expedition, I knew very little about its topic, but participating in the research significantly broadened my knowledge of education. Interacting with students and faculty enhanced my interviewing skills. Although conducting several interviews daily was exhausting, the experience and knowledge gained made it completely worthwhile!”
Marina Pacaleu, 1st-year Evidence-Based Education Development master’s student:
“This was my first expedition! I experienced an array of emotions while exploring a new city and its student community. Ivanovo’s universities pleasantly surprised me with their warm relationships between students and professors, and the local residents’ dedication to developing their region. I truly believe the interuniversity campus project will give a fresh start to student life in Ivanovo!”