Help Irina to study Applied Biology Science at H-BRS University, Germany

My name is Alex Vainshtein and I wish to raise funds for my wife’s very talented niece, Irina Botyanovsky. Irina is 21 year old and she is a former 3rd grade student at Sechenov University (Moscow).

Irina has always been passionate about medicine and biology. She even won numerous awards in scientific Olympiads in chemistry, biology, and biochemistry. As a clearly gifted and committed student she received a full scholarship for one of the most prestigious medical universities in Russia - Sechenov University. It seemed like her dream was about to come true. She got actively involved in research and laboratory work and let inspiration and passion lead her studies and achievements. She reached a 4.77 GPA out of 5. She was looking forward to becoming a researcher in biomedical science.

Then came the war. This changed everything for Irina and her academic future. She took a firm anti-war stance. She did not agree with Russia’s stand and continuous aggression against Ukraine. The recent developments in Russia mean there is zero opportunity for Irina to integrate into the world academic community. Irina was left with either to comply with the main political agenda, or to maintain her own beliefs and be expelled from the academic institution she belonged to.

Luckily, thanks to her great achievements, she was offered a place at The Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg, University of Applied Sciences (H-BRS)!

There is only one obstacle in her way.

The academic program is free. However, to receive the appropriate visa to study in Germany, Irina must submit10,332 EUR to a blocked account in the German bank. It is mandatory for all international students who do not have a sponsor in Germany.

Irina has savings that cover 30% of the required amount. She needs 7,500 EUR that will be solely used for this purpose,

WHAT IS BLOCKED ACCOUNT? HOW THE MONEY WILL BE USED?

Many international students use a blocked account to fund their studies in Germany. The blocked account cannot be accessed until they enter the country. The students are only allowed to withdraw a limited amount per month (currently 861 euros) which is spent on rent, food, travel health insurance etc.

Irina’s only hope is this campaign - there are no other options for her

• Her parents do not support her decision to study abroad.
• She cannot apply for an educational loan. Russian banks do not provide educational loans for studying abroad and European bodies do not accept any guarantees issued by Russian banks.
• The program starts in September. She needs to submit this proof of funds by August 23rd - in a little over a week.

This campaign is her only chance for academic freedom and she needs your help to get there.

I hope you can help us make it happen for Irinna - Any sum you can help with will do.

August 23rd is approaching… The date she needs to come-up with the funds.