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Welcome to the Astrakhan State University

Astrakhan State University (ASU) is one of the largest universities in the South of Russia. The university is located in the region, which is famous for its rich history and unique nature. The pages below outline the history of the region, provide information of its unique culture and describe the exciting educational opportunities in ASU.

Unique History of Astrakhan and Southern Russia

At the end of the 13^th century, one of the largest towns of the Golden Horde – Hashtar Khan, sometimes also referred to as Xacitarxan, was founded at the right bank of the Volga River. The location of this ancient city was about 12 km from the present-day city of Astrakhan. Hashtar Khan was an international center of trade on the way from Persia and India to Russian kingdoms and to Western Europe. Merchants from many countries came to this region for centuries.

The Tamerlane army devastated Golden Horde’s lands in 1395. Hashtar Khan was robbed and fell into decay. Other Golden Horde’s towns had to face the same fate. At the end of the 14^th century the Golden Horde came apart into a number of smaller kingdoms. The Khanate of Astrakhan became one of them. This was a typical feudal state with mostly nomadic Tartar population.

In 1556, the Russian Tsar Ivan IV, widely known as Ivan the Terrible, added the Khanate of Astrakhan to the Russia lands. In 1558 the old town was moved downstream the Volga River to its left bank, which was better for its defense. It is this year that some historians regard as the date of founding the present day Astrakhan. In 1717 Peter I the Great gave Astrakhan its administrative status and created the Astrakhan Province.

Nowadays, Astrakhan is a large industrial and cultural center in the delta of Volga, a place where this great river flows into the Caspian Sea. Astrakhan’s population is more than half a million. One can travel to Astrakhan from Moscow by a comfortable train (cost about $50-$150 one way). The train ride, although long (~30 hours), is a great opportunity to cross Russia from the North to South and see gradual changes in Russian nature and landscapes: from the deep forests and small rivers of the central Russia to steppes and deserts in the south. During the travel you can sleep, relax in a company of friends and enjoy the nature views. If you do not have 30 hours for the train trip you can travel by air. The flight from Moscow is two hour long (air fare is ~US $170 one way).

Astrakhan is a popular destination for the Russian and foreign tourists. The local beaches, fishing and hunting as well as famous Astrakhan tomatoes and watermelons (considered the best in the world) attract thousands every year. Other the must-see things include the Astrakhan Natural Reserve with myriads of various birds, bountiful fields of the blossoming lotus flowers, architecture and authentic views of the streets of old Astrakhan’s city center and white-stone Astrakhan Kremlin.

Since the ancient times Astrakhan was a multiethnic and multi-cultural town. More than hundred different ethnic groups and follows of all major religions live here together in peace. That is another reason for the city’s rich culture. More than 15 cultural societies operate in the region, including Tartar, Kazakh, Kalmyk, Armenian, German and others. The city is also known for its theater and music traditions. Several museums are located in Astrakhan. Among them is the world’s only museum of Velimir Khlebnikov, the famous poet.

If you are visiting Astrakhan you can stay at several international class hotels such as Azimut Hotel, Victoria Palace Hotel and Al Pash Grand Hotel. Sports and recreational activities are highly appreciated in Astrakhan. A large sport complex “Zvezdny” was opened in spring 2009. Currently, it is the largest sport complex in the southern Russia.

Astrakhan is not only a place to spend holidays. It is also a place where business projects, including many international projects, are successfully carried out. About 120 large and middle-size industrial enterprises operate in Astrakhan Region. Astrakhan is a large port and several ship-building plants are located here.

Astrakhan State University: Structure and Educational Opportunities

The mission of the Astrakhan State University (ASU) is training specialists and researchers in a wide range of disciplines. The university is also active in exporting its educational services and sharing new technologies, developed at ASU, with industry and business communities. ASU is a global university, which is proud of its strong collaboration with numerous institutions of higher education in Russia and abroad, including Germany, USA, China and many other countries.

Few facts about ASU: The University features the following.

5 Institutions (Colleges);
21 Departments;
82 Chairs (Chaired Professors);
More than 40 research centers and laboratories;
More than 100 specialties (disciplines) for B.S. – level student training;
57 research specialties (disciplines) for PhD – level training;
11 thesis and doctoral councils for graduate training;
Enrollments of more than 17,000 students (including more than 500 international students);
600 postgraduate students (including 23 international);
10 university buildings for student training;
6 comfortable hostels (student housing);
37 computer centers with Internet access.

As a global university ASU is actively engaged in international collaboration. ASU has partners in Finland, Italy, Japan, Germany, France, China, Iran, Egypt, United States, Uzbekistan, and other countries. Together with its international partners ASU carries out the following programs:

short-term language courses,
educational student exchanges,
joint research and educational innovation projects,
joint courses for students training,
international conferences.

ASU successfully implemented a new Master of Science (MS) program, which offers its students a “double diploma” option. The students participating in this program receive a degree (diploma) from ASU and from one of its international partners. The partner institutions participating in this program include the Université de Nice Sophia - Antipolis, France and the Clark University, Massachusetts, USA. ASU has been chosen by the Harvard University, USA for its pilot program for organizing an educational program in Russia in the field of international competitiveness.

The two-year experience gained by ASU’s Russian Language Summer School for American students has made it possible for the parties to sign a cooperation agreement till 2012. ASU has become one of 16 Russian Universities to form the University of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. A UNESCO Chair operates at ASU. The functions of the UNESCO Chair include setting a systematic international cooperation.

The student education and training at ASU is carried out following the best up-to-date educational methodologies, which include lecturing in fundamental disciplines, practical laboratory training, and studying one or two (sometimes three) foreign languages. The students at the Astrakhan State University are offered main European languages such as English, German, French, and Italian as well as Eastern languages such as Turkish, Persian, Japanese, and Chinese languages.

Students’ life is not only about attending lectures and laboratory sessions. It is also about having a great time and outdoor fun. A lot of attention at ASU is paid to the student their leisure activities. ASU students demonstrate their talents at various festivals and sport competitions.

We hope to see you one day at the Astrakhan State University!

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