For several years the traditional lesson-concert "Let's meet each other", which is also the Day of the Department of Philology, has been held in our university in early December. And now a cozy and solemnly dressed Assembly Hall of the University welcomed the young people who came to Kharkiv to learn Russian and Ukrainian, then to become students of KhNAHU and many other prestigious national universities. Representatives of Morocco and Tunisia, Lebanon and Turkey, Palestine and Israel, Iran and Jordan, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan, Mongolia and Guinea, Ivory Coast and Cameroon, Vietnam and China, France and Canada participated in the performance to present themselves and their friends, meet with teachers and tutors, to demonstrate their talent, and, of course, to show that they are able to speak a bit of Russian, despite the fact that some groups began to work less than a month ago.

According to a long-lasting tradition, vice-rector of International Relations prof. H.I.Tohtar, the dean, Assoc. Prof. O.H.Storchak and the Head of Philology Dept. Assoc. Prof. L.S.Bezkorovayna were invited for welcoming words. They heartily welcomed this year's students within the walls of our university, wished every success and achievements, but also reminded of the importance of honesty and responsible approach to education, which is the key to a successful future.

It is always interesting to watch the emotions of international students in their first performance at the Ukrainian scene. These are the excitement and anxiety, and a gust that lights bright flames in the eyes and hearts of the young. On a cold winter day these lights were special: blazing, warm and inspiring.

So different and still the same, our foreign students once again proved that all our huge, multinational, multicultural world is one big family. But all man-made limits and boundaries can sometimes be overcome with an open sincere smile.

With a hand, friendly extended.

With a heart, open to love and communication.