#StudentTourism - 2023. Kazan is the most innovative millionaire city in Russia. Impressions from UMTE students

For the second time, the Saint Petersburg University of Management Technologies and Economics is taking part in the #StudentTourism program. As part of the educational visit, the students travelled to the city of Kazan, which claims to be the third capital of Russia.

On the first day, the group went on a sightseeing tour around Kazan. The program was quite rich and full of interesting facts about the city and its history. The trip included visits to the famous symbols of the city: The Kazan Kremlin, the "falling" tower of Syuyumbike, the puppet theatre "Ekiyat", the family centre "Kazan", as well as less popular places. Therefore, only a few people know about the existence of the Echpochmak monument and why Shurale spirit’s tickling can be dangerous for your life.
The second day was dedicated to exploring modern Kazan. The city is known as "Russia's most innovative millionaire city".

Egor Tsevelev says: "Kazan is a youthful and modern city! And it can be felt from the very beginning of our journey. There are lots of universities, sports complexes and young people...".

Students were immersed in the subject of innovation at the Kazan Innovation University named after V.G. Timiryasov. It should be noted that on March 1, 2023 a cooperation agreement was signed between the Saint Petersburg University of Management Technologies and Economics and the Kazan Innovation University named after V.G. Timiryasov. The other half of the day was spent in the city of Innopolis. "Innopolis" is the city with robots on the streets, unmanned taxis and the biggest IT companies in Russia. A university student spoke about the opportunities for living and studying in this city…

The third day was unforgettable because of the diversity of Kazan's culture. The excursion took place in Sviyazhsk and Raif, with a stop at the Temple of All Religions to consolidate information about religious specificities. 

Yana Topchiu says: "It is an amazing city that united the East and the West together. Mosques and Orthodox churches, people of different nationalities and religions, European styled streets and chak-chak stores all side by side is what you can see here. It’s a very beautiful and vibrant city!". 

Not to be left out, the students were able to take a Ferry ride that day. It was their first experience, but it wasn't the only thing that turned out to be special. One of the students shared her story:

Anastasia Behler said: "The trip to Kazan was filled with incredible emotions. It was the first time I took a part in the Student Tourism program and also the first time I took a flight. A very comprehensive excursion program let me see a huge number of sights and attractions of this city in just 4 days. I am grateful to the university for giving me the opportunity to get to know my country.”

The final day was not less eventful than the previous ones. TISBI University warmly welcomed us and shared the specifics of working with students. Our activists emphasized what they've learned and are ready to make our University even better. It should be noted that within the context of the UMTE delegation visit to Kazan to get acquainted with the universities of the Republic of Tatarstan and to establish long-term partnership relations with them, a cooperation agreement was signed with the TISBI University of Management on February 28, 2023. 

Egor Tsevelev said: "...We learned about scientific, voluntary, cultural and other non-academic activities of Kazan students. We had a look at the administration and the student councils work. And most importantly, we analyzed educational programs and the possibility of cooperation between the universities".

The farewell to the city took place in the territory of the Old Tatar Sloboda. The students got to know the history and had a taste of national sweets. "Kazan didn't want to let us go, and we also didn't want to let it go," students said. 

Anita Bratus said: "This trip was very intense, but we still didn't have time to see all of Kazan, I hope to come back here again".