A group of Russian International Olympic University (RIOU) graduates and current students on the Master of Sport Administration (MSA) course are currently on a training course at Paris-Sud University as part of an exchange programme, which last year brought a group of French students to Sochi to study one of the MSA modules.
The training programme lasts for six weeks and focuses on topics related to sports event organisation, which is part of the core Masters curriculum at Paris-Sud. Four different nationalities are represented in the exchange programme group, with delegates from Russia, Kazakhstan, Colombia and Portugal.
RIOU’s Carlos Gutierrez said: “For me this is a unique opportunity not only to learn from top-notch professors in the area of sports management - such as Michel Desbordes, Franck Pons and Christopher Hautbois - but also to have practical experience with the visits to some of the most important training camps in Europe, namely the Fernand Sastre National Technical Centre (INF Clairefontaine) and the French National Rugby Centre.”
Another participant of the exchange programme, Ivo Carvalhosa, stated: “It is really exciting to become integrated into the French class, sharing ideas, perspectives and cultures to facilitate our personal and professional growth.”
According to RIOU representative Anastasia Bocharnikova: “Studying at Paris-Sud provides a great chance to expand the knowledge gained first in Sochi and then through practical work at a relevant organisation. We have an excellent opportunity to get acquainted with the French sports system and compare it with the global practices.”
Professor Michel Desbordes said that one of the reasons for inviting students from RIOU was the desire to develop cultural exchange. “The idea is to bring new blood into the purely French group, and having RIOU students with four different nationalities is very advantageous.” He also stressed that Paris-Sud University works hard to make sure the RIOU students can visit France’s major sporting venues.
RIOU Rector Professor Lev Belousov said: “Participation in such exchange programmes is very beneficial for our students and graduates as it helps to broaden their horizons and experience. They not only gain new knowledge and insights but also make new professional and personal connections. I am sure this will have a positive effect on their career advancement.”
He also expressed confidence that cooperation between the Russian International Olympic University and Paris-Sud University, made possible through the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two universities in May 2016, will grow. Future plans include student and faculty exchange programmes, as well as joint publishing projects.
