From Ecuador to Success in Russia: FDR School Director Meets Winners of WOW! Russia Contest

From April 8 to 11, an educational program is taking place at the Senezh Management Workshop for 93 student bloggers from 32 countries. The participants are winners of the WOW! Russia contest, a special competition that invited international students at Russian universities to submit their best post about life and studies in Russia published on social media in their native language.

One of the program’s keynote speakers was Pablo Iturralde, Director of the FDR Advanced Engineering School of Technological Leadership. In his speech, he shared his journey from Ecuador to Russia, his interest in engineering, the value of higher engineering education in Russia, and what inspires him professionally and personally.

Pablo Iturralde paid special attention to supporting talented and creative young people, including international students who are striving to build a future for themselves in Russia:

“Russia is home to an enormous number of talented people, including those from other countries. I can see that our country is doing a great deal to make young people from abroad feel comfortable here and find their place. It is here that I was able to get closer to my dream. What is more, in Russia I found purpose and opportunities that help me move toward what I want every day. That is how a dream grows, and along with it come people who also begin to dream alongside you. There is no need to be afraid or shy - you just need to work hard and inspire those around you. Then goals will be achieved, and the dream will become reality.”

The audience warmly received Pablo’s keynote speech and actively engaged with him both during the Q&A session and after the event. Participants included students from countries such as India, Indonesia, Turkey, China, Vietnam, and others.

The event was organized by the Autonomous Non‑Profit Organization National Priorities, with support from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation. It is part of efforts to promote the federal project “Russia in the World,” which falls under the national project “Youth and Children.”

FDR stands for Formula Dream Russia.