Discovering the New World: IRGS in Brazil
Egor Osin, a fourth-year student of the International Relations and Global Studies (IRGS) programme, took part in the international BRICS Legal Studies School 2025, held from 4 to 9 August in Belo Horizonte (Minas Gerais, Brazil). Egor shared his impressions of the trip and spoke about the support he received from the programme.
The BRICS Legal Studies School 2025 brought together students from around the world at the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG). For the IRGS programme, this participation was a natural continuation of its cooperation. Back in spring 2025, following the visit of the IRGS academic supervisor to Brazil, our programme, together with the Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs, launched a series of online seminars with leading researchers from UFMG, involving students from both universities. Now this academic dialogue has moved beyond the screen: Egor Osin’s trip to Belo Horizonte became an important step in deepening our collaboration. UFMG partners allocated a special quota for students of the Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs, which covered participation in the school and the cultural programme. IRGS supported Egor with a travel grant. For him, having successfully passed the faculty’s competitive selection, it was his first trip to Latin America – an experience that turned out to be not only intellectually enriching but also full of vivid impressions.
"From the very first day I felt an atmosphere of openness and mutual interest", says Egor. "We discussed the future of BRICS, exchanged views on world politics and the legal systems of our countries. I realised how valuable this dialogue is – it arises not from abstract texts, but from live conversations between people from different corners of the world".
"The BRICS School in Brazil became a true academic and cultural discovery for me", Egor adds.
Particular attention in the school’s programme was given to contemporary challenges – from the regulation of artificial intelligence and the phenomenon of deepfakes to issues of international trade, sustainable development and climate change. Among the invited experts were UFMG Professor Lucas Lima, former federal judge Edilson Vitorelli, as well as Russian scholars, including Daria Kuznetsova, leading expert at the HSE Institute for National and Comparative Legal Studies.
But the school was remembered not only for its lectures and debates. Walks through the UFMG campus, where a Buddhist garden sits alongside modern lecture halls, conversations with Brazilian and Chinese students in the university cafés, and an excursion to the historic city of Ouro Preto – all of this became part of an experience impossible to capture solely through the schedule of lectures.
"Brazil impressed me with its friendly atmosphere and hospitality", Egor reflects. "For me, this trip, made possible thanks to the support of our programme, was a discovery of another culture, but at the same time an understanding that we, young researchers, think about the future of the world in very similar ways".
Egor Osin’s trip was not only an important academic experience for the student, but also helped strengthen opportunities for further cooperation between IRGS, the Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs, and Brazilian universities.
