On September 3, an opening ceremony of a new academic year took place at the St Petersburg School of Conference Interpreting and Translation. The University and School officials came together to welcome the freshmen: Vice-Rector Sergey Goncharov wished them progress and perseverance in the most exciting, albeit difficult, ten months of studies. Graduates of previous years were eager to share their experiences with the new students. Sergey Leonov, for one, told them about his internship experience in UNOG. The specialty of this academic year is that within the framework of the agreement between the School and the MFA of Kazakhstan a group of young diplomats will be studying at the School to upgrade their language mediation skills. Ainur Nazarymbetova, Consul of Kazakhstan in St Petersburg, in her greeting speech appreciated the School’s professional environment and its high international standing. We hope that the friendly atmosphere of the School as well as the beautiful view of the University park from its windows will inspire the young interpreters to achieve success in their work.