The lyceum's key values - openness and cooperation - are manifested in the continuous process of scaling the best practices and approaches to the regions of Russia and CIS countries. The Lyceum's participation in the "Priority 2030" Russian universities support program strengthens this vector. The opening of the lyceum in the Tashkent branch of MGIMO was a natural step in the development of the university educational ecosystem in Uzbekistan. Education at the lyceum is based on the program of secondary general education with Uzbek and Russian educational components. Graduates receive both Uzbek and Russian secondary general education certificates. Already at the school stage, students have the opportunity to get acquainted with Russian educational standards, immerse themselves in the context of university education at MGIMO and decide on the choice of their future university.

An integral part of the dual certificate program are training intensives at the MGIMO Lyceum in Moscow. One of such intensives took place from February 27 to March 3.

Marfa Gorbatova, curator of the expedition, believes that such trips develop new skills, introduce modern teaching methods and even help to change attitude to the subject itself:

"A change of familiar learning environment, new context, teachers, acquaintances and meetings widen the circle of knowledge of oneself and the world around. Cultural, educational and national exchange shows the common interests of teenagers from different countries. High schoolers from Tashkent easily found a common language with the lyceum students, worked in teams, and spent time together. They had something to discuss and argue about. Joint lessons, chess during breaks, a soccer tournament, a quest and debates added emotions and impressions to the learning process."

Five days of the Intensive included various academic activities - lessons and electives, and a lot of extracurricular events: a legal game - simulation of court proceedings - "Fiat justitia", a quest "International Panorama", a show "Improvisation", museum expeditions - "Smart City", the historical park "Russia" at VDNH, team relay races "Smart Sports". Immersion into unfamiliar educational environment is always an exchange of experience, expansion of personal and educational horizons. The children's responses speak for themselves.

"Visiting other schools, we exchange experience, gain new knowledge, expand our circle of acquaintances. I would like to see more such trips - they change the worldview and increase motivation to study", - Shokhjajon Kurbanov.

"It was my first time in Moscow, and this trip gave me a lot of new knowledge and impressions. Every day, gathering together with the students of Gorchakovsky Lyceum, I was immersed in a new learning atmosphere. The classes were held in an interesting format, and I realized what can be done differently in our newly opened lyceum in Tashkent," - Yasmina Razikova.

"The teachers of the lyceum are not just professionals, but also incredibly passionate about what they do. The classrooms, library, sports and assembly halls are equipped with innovative technologies like face id. It is light and cozy indoors. The wonderful community of lyceum students and teachers helped me to learn a lot of new things," - Sanzhar Usmanov.

"I was struck by the light and casual atmosphere in the lyceum. The variety of teaching methods, the colorfulness of classrooms and the hall, the large library, the possibility of a comfortable stay in the building itself - all this is about the Lyceum's educational space," - Nigina Usmanova.

"The program was very intense. I would like to come here again to see what we didn't have time to see. The training was very creative and interesting. We worked on developing skills like public speaking, litigation skill, soft skills. Thank you for this unforgettable trip," - Amir Hasanov.

Teachers of the Academic Lyceum note that the expedition gave many students an impetus to choose their future profile and motivated them to enter MGIMO.

 "The trip to Gorchakov Lyceum was very informative and productive. Friendly atmosphere of the lyceum, the ease and casualness, friendly teachers and inquisitive students - everything will remain in the memory of the Tashkent lyceum students for a long time," said Natalia Bondar, teacher of Russian language and literature. - Children were united by team games: mini soccer, a quest and a trial, where they were able to prove themselves in different roles as specialists in the field of law. Many students after participation in the legal game were able to decide on the choice of direction for enrollment. It was so interesting for them to be in the role of defenders and plaintiffs that the decision was clearly made in favor of law. The subject lessons were useful, the children realized the importance of such lessons and were active, especially since the lessons were conducted by teachers of Gorchakovsky Lyceum, who tried to conduct the lessons in a very interesting form. 

The dual certificate program is one of the most important tools for expanding international cultural and educational cooperation between Russia and other countries. MGIMO's secondary education programs have been represented in Tashkent since 2018, when the university launched a dual certificate project with the academic lyceum International House Tashkent TIIAME. In 2020, the academic lyceum of the University of World Economy and Diplomacy became MGIMO's partner.

Irina Tsyban, Deputy Director of the MGIMO Lyceum, reflects on the recent experience through the prism of the mission of the Lyceum and the University:

"I am proud of our team, their organizational skills, creative talent and academic depth. We managed to come up with and implement a brilliant educational module that ignited the children and made them want to come back. I am personally inspired by such joint programs precisely because they open borders and create new educational opportunities for children and adults, thereby making us stronger."