In August 2005 BSPU joined the consortium of Russian universities engaged in a distance learning project started by Institute for International Studies at Stanford University (USA). Russian students study international relations, political science and environmental issues. The best students take part in annual international student conferences. In June 2005 BSPU became the member of the universities network collaborating with the Department of Culture and Cooperation of French Embassy in Russia. As a result, BSPU established a Resource Center of French Language and Culture that provides students and professors with training aids and up-to-date information on educational and cultural programs organized by French Embassy. Students often take language courses in China, Great Britain, the USA, Germany during summer vacation.