In November 2025, in order to implement the Decree of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Tatarstan No. 483 dated July 4, 2025, "On the Government of the Republic of Tatarstan Grant 'Algarysh,'" KIU associate professors Margarita Filatova-Safronova and Nadezhda Vanyukhina represented Tatarstan and KIU named after V.G. Timiryasov during an internship in Hong Kong. This is the first regional program of its kind in Russia, simultaneously addressing two important tasks for the socio-economic development of the Republic of Tatarstan: preparing and developing the republic's human resource potential and meeting the needs of the republic's economy for highly qualified personnel.

In addition to familiarizing themselves with the educational and scientific organizations of the host country, KIU associate professors from the Faculty of Psychology and Pedagogy, Nadezhda Vanyukhina and Margarita Filatova-Safronova, carried out an educational and ambassadorial mission—introducing Hong Kong teachers and students to the activities of the Russian communities "Znaniye," "Liga Prepodavateley Vysshey Shkoly," and our university.

The internship schedule was very intensive: during their stay in Hong Kong, the KIU associate professors visited top universities, colleges, schools, and kindergartens, including: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU - ranked 54th in the world), City University of Hong Kong (CityU - ranked 63rd in the world), The Education University of Hong Kong (EduHK), Early Childhood Learning Centre, Yew Chung College of Early Childhood Education, Law Ting Pong Secondary School (LTPSS school), Tak Oi Secondary School (Catholic girls' school), and others.

The KIU associate professors met with the heads and leading professors of these institutions. They explored opportunities for cooperation. For example, PolyU and CityU found the ideas of student exchange and a summer school attractive, as their students are required to complete a two-week practicum teaching English or Chinese, including abroad, to obtain their diploma. These universities are also ready to accept our students for two weeks. Professors from EduHK and Yew Chung College were interested in the proposal to participate in the Forum on Inclusive Education in 2026.

Our teachers, acting as diplomats, presented memorable souvenirs to the heads of the educational organizations: booklets about KIU, souvenir products with "KIU" branding, sweet treats of chak-chak, "Alenka" chocolate, tubeteika hats, and the book "Shurale" in various languages, including Chinese. Observing local traditions, all gifts were presented with BOTH hands (this is how things are given and received in Hong Kong). The souvenirs evoked positive reactions, interest, and even delight!

Our psychologists also had the opportunity to be in their usual role—the role of teachers. N.V. Vanyukhina shares her impressions: "At LTPSS school, where teaching is conducted in English, we were invited to a class. Moreover, the teacher had given the students homework in advance—to learn a few facts about Russia. The students—typical teenagers aged 14-15—were shy at first. But when I told them about Kazan, the kids perked up and asked questions about bears, alcohol, fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov, and frosts. So we were glad to dispel a few myths and confirm a few facts. The students said they would be happy to attend lectures about the life of young people in Russia, psychology, and architecture. At Tak Oi school, where only girls study, we also talked about Russia and taught them to say: 'I love you. I love you too' (in Cantonese there is a similar word 'tode' - 'thank you,' so we believe they definitely remembered the second part)."

M.A. Filatova-Safronova, as per tradition, taught students at both schools neuropsychological exercises like "Class – okay" and "Goat on a Wire." It was a lot of fun. The kids were delighted when they succeeded. And in that moment, a sense of unity was felt.

It should be noted that all communication in Hong Kong and the presentation of KIU were conducted in English. The associate professors from the Faculty of Psychology and Pedagogy competently spoke about the structure of our university, its faculties, and student life. And Nadezhda Vladimirovna willingly took on the role of translator for the entire Tatarstan delegation.

The internship has ended, but the plans and mutual projects are yet to be realized. Our teachers hope that the seeds sown on Hong Kong soil will definitely sprout and yield remarkable results.