‘A Unique Environment Where Various Ideas Are Discussed Freely’
Evelina Bordiian, from Transnistria, is in her third year of the ‘Foreign Languages and Intercultural Communication’ bachelor’s programme at HSE University. In her interview with the HSE News Service, she talks about her path to the university, whether her expectations were met, and her life as an international student in Moscow, which includes walking in the park and playing football.
Evelina Bordiian
Choosing the University
I chose to study in Russia because Russian higher education provides a variety of opportunities for further development, both academic and professional. It gives all the necessary tools and skills needed for future success. I knew that HSE University is the best Russian university according to many criteria and it provides top-quality education, and also tries to create the perfect environment for international students by giving them the chance to study on a state-funded basis, providing dormitories, special courses, and other amenities. Regarding my programme, I have always been fascinated by studying languages and interacting with people of various cultural backgrounds. That is why this programme was a perfect match for me.
The City and the Campus
When I came to Russia, the main challenge for me was to deal with all the necessary documentation. I overcame it by doing everything on time and not postponing it until the last moment. I could also contact people from the Support and Career Centre for International Students. I found out that the opinion that Russians are all unfriendly and cold is just a myth; people are actually very warm-hearted.
My experience at HSE University has been great. I fell in love with Moscow and the people in this city. I have made close friends and I hope we keep close for many years. The city itself has been welcoming and friendly. Moscow parks are amazing, especially Gorky Park and Kuzminki Park. I also like places in the city centre, such as Tsvetnoy Bulvar, Kuznetsky Most, and Kitai-Gorod.
HSE University attracts talented individuals from all over Russia and other countries, so the academic environment consists of motivated and intelligent students with different academic and cultural backgrounds
It creates a unique environment where various ideas are discussed freely and people are really involved in their studies.
My Programme
In the future I’d love to work in the fields of intercultural communication and international relationships. The Foreign Languages and Intercultural Communication programme gives me the chance to obtain all the necessary tools and knowledge to become a valuable professional and find a suitable position.
I have improved my level of English and started to study Chinese
In addition, I learned more about the basic principles of intercultural communication and how to actually implement them in real life.
My favourite courses include courses on English and Chinese, as well as ‘Translation as a Means of Intercultural Collaboration’, ‘Economics’, and ‘Theory and Practice of Intercultural Communication.’
I think that an HSE degree is highly valued in the modern Russian working environment and it opens up more opportunities than many other diplomas
Artificial Intelligence in the Profession
I think that AI has already changed the world in a drastic manner. We all have to accept that people’s roles are changing and new benefits and challenges are emerging. I use it sometimes when I have to complete monotonous and unsubstantial work. In terms of competing with AI, I try to work on skills that will be valuable in the new working environment and that cannot be replaced by AI.
Dormitory
I live in Dormitory 9 and I’m completely satisfied with the dorm’s amenities and environment. The staff is very helpful and is always ready to listen to students’ complaints. I buy groceries and usually cook simple dishes, since I do not like cooking.
Extracurricular Life
I usually go to classes during the day. In the evening, I sometimes walk in the city centre with my friends or visit cinemas, museums, or parks. I participate in special events both inside and outside HSE, such as job fairs and cultural events. During the first two years of my studies, I actively volunteered at such events.
In my free time I usually hang out with my friends, read books, or listen to podcasts.
I also like to work out in our dorm’s gym and I participate in football tournaments for international students that HSE organises every year
Advice to Future International Students at HSE University
I would advise them not to be afraid to interact with people. Be open and try to make as many new friends as possible. In addition, I would advise them to explore all the opportunities that HSE offers, both academic and social, such as different additional courses, student clubs, and extracurricular activities. Try to visit different parts of Russia and learn more about Russian culture and customs.
Russian is my native language, and I think it is vital for living and studying here since many people do not have a good command of English. Nevertheless, foreigners can still get by without Russian, but their opportunities will be a bit limited in some situations.