From Pelevin to Computational Linguistics — Learning Russian on HSE’s Pre-University programme
Asher Bryant has been studying at the HSE Faculty of Pre-University Training course. Asher finished her education at Schoolcraft College in Michigan in 2005 and decided she wanted to learn Russian. She told HSE English News about her impressions of the course and how her desire to learn Russian has led her in unexpected directions.
When I was still in the USA, a friend of mine suggested I read Pelevin's Omon Ra. Up until that point, I didn't enjoy reading fiction, but that soon changed as I continued to read other Russian authors. I decided that I wanted to read Russian novels in the original. So when I enrolled in the programme I actually wasn't too seriously considering going on to a degree programme at HSE; I was just looking for an intensive Russian language programme at an institution with a good reputation. HSE fit the bill.
If I were to describe the programme, I would say that it's very intensive with top-notch instruction. I chose it because I was just looking for an intensive Russian language programme at an institution with a good reputation. When I enrolled in the programme I actually wasn't too seriously considering going on to a degree programme at HSE. But it suited me well. The aim of the programme is to give students a solid foundation in grammar and prepare them to pass entrance exams and in that we were well prepared.
For me, the most challenging thing was balancing intensive studies with work. There was very little time (or energy) left for me to socialize, which I think is essential in order to fully develop language skills, by applying what you've learned in class outside of the classroom. So as far as colloquial language and conversation are concerned, I still feel like there's a lot of room for improvement. Having said that, I did quickly start to feel like Moscow was home, despite the linguistic and cultural barriers that I ran into. Moscow is both a beautiful and unusual place. In addition, the students and staff at HSE are very willing to help you with whatever troubles you may have. I hadn’t intended to stay but, in the end, I am happy to say, I did apply to a degree course at HSE and was accepted into the bachelor's programme in Fundamental and Computational Linguistics. I am really looking forward to spending the next few years here.
The HSE Preparatory Year for Bachelor’s programmes includes courses in four subjects according to the chosen profile (1,152 contact hours) and helps students prepare for entrance exams at HSE. The training lasts 32 weeks, with two terms of 16 weeks.
The programme begins with Russian language training courses. Students then begin to study in Russian in their specific subject areas.
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