‘Our International Students Embody a Dynamic Blend of Ambition, Curiosity, and Adaptability’

In October, the HSE International Prep Year programme held orientation sessions for its newcomers. Why should one study Russian? What is the admission process like at HSE University? Is it easy to navigate through Moscow and the HSE buildings? The HSE News Service discussed these and other questions with Faizullah from Afghanistan, Sechang from South Korea, and Faith from Zambia—all newly enrolled students of the Prep Year.

The Prep Year has enrolled 248 students from 58 countries this year. The largest number of students have come from China and other Southeast Asian countries, as well as Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa. Applicants from Europe, the USA, and Canada also continue to show interest in studying the Russian language and enrolling in bachelor's and master's programmes.

This year, the International Prep Year programme has added the subjects of Cultural Studies, Academic Speaking, and preparation for the TORFL (Test of Russian as a Foreign Language) exam.

The Cultural Studies course introduces the students to the culture, traditions, and history of Russia, as well as Moscow and our university—all while mastering the Russian language. During the TORFL preparation course, each section of the exam will be examined in detail, analysing individual tasks and the most common mistakes. During this course, the students will be able to devise their own strategy for exam preparation and completion.

Alexandra Nazarchuk, Director, International Prep Year

What motivates our international students is as varied as their nationalities. A significant number seek to enhance their linguistic capabilities to explore job opportunities in sectors that require Russian proficiency. Others are drawn by the rich literary tradition of Russia, hoping to read works by renowned authors like Fyodor Dostoevsky and Anton Chekhov in their original language.

The allure of experiencing Russia’s historical and cultural heritage first-hand often serves as a powerful motivator.

In terms of academic life, our students typically navigate a rigorous curriculum that balances language acquisition with special subjects close to their future Major. Classes in Mathematics and Informatics, or Literature and History, form the core of their educational experience. Students partake in interactive activities such as cultural workshops, community engagement projects, and speaking clubs.

Our international students embody a dynamic blend of ambition, curiosity, and adaptability. Their presence not only enriches the academic landscape of HSE but also fosters cross-cultural dialogues that are essential in today’s globalised world.

Faizullah Amin Afghan, 24, from Afghanistan

I chose HSE University for its reputation, international environment, and the research opportunities it offers. I believe HSE is the perfect place for me to grow both academically and personally. I am just beginning to learn the Russian Language but I believe in next few months I will able to speak Russian fluently. After finishing my Prep Year, I plan to study Political Science in the master’s programme ‘Politics. Economics. Philosophy.’

The admission process was very clear, and the staff of HSE is very hardworking: they reply quickly and help solve your problems as soon as possible

The orientation session was engaging and really welcoming. Right from the start, the friendly atmosphere helped calm my nerves. I enjoyed meeting fellow students from various backgrounds; it was exciting to connect. Overall, it was a fantastic introduction that made me feel more prepared for the journey ahead.

Faith Nsokolo, 19, from Zambia

At first, I was captivated by the architecture of HSE University; it left me in absolute awe. The neatness of Pokrovsky Bulvar added to its charm.

I chose HSE because it is well-ranked and recognised as one of the most prestigious institutions in the country. I believe that if there is a ‘best version of myself,’ HSE will provide the environment and resources to help me realise my full potential. After finishing the Prep Year, I will pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Economics at HSE University.

My Russian isn't the best, but it could be much worse. I studied Russian for a few months in Zambia, and when I arrived here, it was quite challenging. Things changed drastically over just a few weeks, and it became very exciting.

Now, I have no choice but to speak, make self-translations, and memorise new vocabulary

Moscow is a busy city with people always on the go and the energy is quite contagious. Transportation is efficient and reliable, and I love how each metro station has a unique design. It is quite easy to navigate, once you get the hang of it.

What can I say about the HSE team and their incredible kindness towards me? Online, they promptly answer all my questions, and on-site, their warmth is just as evident. Even the students are incredibly helpful! The atmosphere at HSE is genuinely friendly, making it a welcoming place to be.

I find the Prep Year programme both practical and fun. I won’t lie—I do struggle and sometimes fall behind, but the teachers are simply amazing

We sit in a classroom with people from all over the world, different cultures and different native languages, united by our goal to learn Russian.

The orientation session cleared up the majority of my questions and provided me with valuable information that I might have missed. For example, I learned about the requirements for extending documents, how to effectively use my student email, and about the grading system at HSE University. Overall, it has made me feel much more prepared for my studies ahead and helped to navigate the university experience smoothly. 

Sechang Kwon, 26, from the Republic of Korea (South Korea)

I graduated from the Hankuk University of Foreign Studies with a major in Linguistics and Cognitive Science & Russian Language. While studying there, I came to HSE University in 2022 for a semester.

I had a great experience at HSE University during my course as an exchange student, and I’m planning to pursue a master’s degree here in the Faculty of Economic Sciences

I am interested in resources such as aluminium, nickel, copper, and coal, which are abundant in the Russian Federation and China. Russia is a major resource power, while the Republic of Korea is a country with limited resources, 80% of which is dependent on imports of key minerals. However, Korea has advanced technologies that can support the development of Russian industry. With mutual cooperation between Russia and the Republic of Korea, a positive outcome is certainly expected for both parties.

My plan is to contribute to the development of both countries by studying management in Russia. That’s the reason I chose world economics as my major

I have taken a few internships here in Russia and didn't have much trouble communicating in Russian. However, I chose the International Prep Year to practice Russian and study economics in advance.

My first impression of Moscow was that the buildings were in good harmony even though they were old and created a classical atmosphere. Words cannot describe the emotion of being in a place that is so old-fashioned. I love my country, but Korea has a more modern feeling. Tall buildings often overwhelm people rather than give a sense of elegance. Compared to that, I prefer Moscow because it is calmer and more beautiful.

To me, Moscow feels like a friendly second home

About HSE university, to tell the truth, it was hard to find the buildings, and I often get lost on the way to the class (sorry, teachers!). I was most impressed by the fact that various races were studying together. It is nice to see everyone peacefully interacting without a concern for skin colour, hair colour, and culture. Regarding the Prep Year, learning social studies and mathematics in different languages is an interesting experience.