Bridging Cultures on Knowledge Day: My Experience as an Organizer at HSE
 - Raihanullah Mohmand.JPG "Bridging Cultures on Knowledge Day: My Experience as an Organizer at HSE")
September 2, 2025, will remain one of my most memorable days at HSE University. It was a day that combined the excitement of Knowledge Day with the joy of welcoming a new generation of bachelor’s degree students into our community. As a master’s student in Foreign Languages and Intercultural Communication, I had the privilege to participate as an organizer in an event that symbolized everything I value about HSE: diversity, connection, and shared learning beyond classrooms.
A Celebration of New Beginnings
The event took place at the School of Foreign Languages and was dedicated to greeting the first-year bachelor’s students who had just joined HSE. The campus, filled with music, laughter, and colorful decorations, transformed into a lively space of communication and curiosity. Around the courtyard and hallways, several cultural desks were arranged, each one created by a group of volunteers to introduce new students to various aspects of student life.
Each desk had something unique to offer: national flags, traditional items, cultural trivia, games, and bright smiles. The idea was to break the ice, to make new students feel at home and show them that HSE is a place where every culture, every background, and every story is welcome.
The young bachelor’s students arrived one after another, coming from all across Russia, from big cities and small towns, from different ethnic and linguistic backgrounds. You could see diversity in their faces, accents, and clothing styles. This beautiful mix made the event more meaningful. It was not only about welcoming new students to HSE but also about celebrating the richness of the Russian cultural mosaic within one academic community.
Our Desk: A Space for Connection
Together with my colleague, I took responsibility for one of the desks. We wanted it to be interactive and friendly, so we prepared several games and conversation activities. One of the most popular was “Guess the Flag”, where students tried to identify flags of various countries. It turned out to be both fun and educational. Some students recognized every flag instantly, while others used the chance to learn something new.
Another favorite was “Bingo of HSE Life and Personal Experiences of Students”, which included small tasks related to extracurricular activities such as “Attend a cultural event”, “Join a student club”, or “Meet someone from another country.” These simple prompts helped students understand that HSE life extends far beyond lectures and exams.
But what truly made our desk special was not the games, it was the conversations. We greeted each student warmly, invited them to play, and asked about their expectations, hobbies, and dreams. Many were curious about the extracurricular opportunities at HSE, so we shared information about student clubs, excursions, events, and volunteering. Some were shy at first, but as soon as we started talking about shared interests such as languages, travel, or hobbies, their faces lit up with enthusiasm.
For me, this was an authentic moment of intercultural communication in practice, connecting with people of different backgrounds through empathy, humor, and genuine attention.
Welcoming Through Diversity
Walking around the other desks, I was impressed by the creativity of fellow organizers. Each station reflected a different theme. Some represented countries, others showcased student initiatives, and some focused on games or traditions. Together, they created a multicultural fair where every student could find something that resonated with them.
I remember one desk had a world map where newcomers could place stickers showing where they were from or where they dreamt of traveling. It quickly became colorful and full of stories, a visual metaphor for HSE itself, one university, many worlds.
The friendly, inclusive environment made everyone comfortable to express themselves. Even students who seemed reserved at first soon began laughing, sharing stories, and making friends. It was a clear reminder that diversity is not a barrier, it is an invitation to dialogue.
The Second Part: Official Welcome at the Faculty Hall
After the interactive part, all participants gathered in the Faculty Hall, where faculty members and university representatives officially greeted the newcomers. The atmosphere was festive yet emotional, the start of an academic journey that would shape hundreds of young lives.
Teachers introduced the programs, shared advice, and emphasized the importance of curiosity and collaboration. Many students took photos together, already forming the bonds that would define their university experience.
Sitting among them, I realized how symbolic this transition was, the moment when new students become part of a larger academic family. For us organizers, seeing their smiles and excitement was the best reward.
Reflections: What I Learned as an Organizer
Participating in this event taught me lessons that go beyond any classroom lecture. As an intercultural communication student, I have often studied how cultural differences affect interaction. But during this event, I lived it.
I saw firsthand how simple gestures, a smile, a friendly tone, or genuine curiosity, can bridge distances. I learned how important it is to listen carefully when someone shares their story, and how rewarding it is to help others feel seen and valued.
It also reminded me that communication is not only verbal. The tone of voice, gestures, and atmosphere of openness all play a role in making someone feel welcome. These non-verbal cues such as the handshake, the laughter, and the eye contact, turned our cultural desks into small islands of human connection.
Finally, being part of the organizing team gave me a sense of responsibility and pride. As master’s students, we were not only welcoming newcomers, we were modeling the kind of community we want HSE to be: diverse, respectful, and united through shared curiosity.
More Than a Welcome Event
What made this day stand out was not only the activities or the speeches but the spirit behind them. Knowledge Day has always been symbolic in Russia, the start of the academic year, a time of hope and new beginnings. But at HSE, it’s also a day of openness and inclusion, where cultural and educational values meet.
Events like this help strengthen HSE’s identity as an international and intercultural university. They remind us that knowledge grows through dialogue, through the exchange of stories, experiences, and emotions.
As I left the venue that day, watching students chatting in groups and taking pictures, I felt proud. Proud not just of what we organized, but of what we represented, a welcoming, collaborative, and human side of academia.
For me, participating in the Knowledge Day and Freshmen Welcome Event was far more than volunteering. It was a journey into the essence of community. It showed that even small gestures of hospitality can leave lasting impressions.
At HSE, every academic year begins with knowledge, but also with kindness. And I was grateful to play a small part in that beginning.
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