'My Exchange Semester in Moscow' by Xin Wang
About me
I am Xin Wang from China, 23 years old. I am at the second year of my master degree, and my home university is Chinese University of Political Science and Law. My major is international law, and I am at a six months exchange programme between HSE and CUPL. The reason why I decided to apply for this programme is that I really wanted to study abroad and have new life experience in another country. And also, because of the good relationship between Russia Federation and China, I think it will be a good idea to choose Russia as my exchange country. I came here on the sixth of January, and I have been here for about two months. There is a lot I want to share about my personal experience here.
Study at HSE
Studying at HSE is really amazing. There are many interesting and rewarding lessons that I can choose. For example, I chose International Intellectual Property Law, which is exactly my major. The professor is really responsible, and the materials they sent us are very useful. Previewing the materials really helps me a lot, so that I can catch up with professors easily at class.
A big difference of the class between Russia and China is that there are no seminars in China. So it was a little bit hard for me to speak in front of other group mates at first. But after several weeks, I think I am getting used to it. And it really enhanced my ability to express my thoughts, which I was not very good at before.
Life in Moscow
Life in Moscow is really so good! There are so many interesting places to go, for example, I have been to the Red Square, Historical museum, Tretyakov gallery etc. And I also like ice skating in the Gorky Park. In all, I have explored many interesting places here, and I think there are still many places that worth going. Although the winter here is so long, but I think I can handle it. And I have to admit that snow is really so beautiful! Anyway, the spring is coming, I really look forward to see different scenery here.
As for the language problem, I don’t worry about the classes since they are taught in English. Although many of local people don’t speak English, I don’t think it’s a great problem. And I am also taking Russian language class, with which I am making great progress in Russian language.
The food here is also different from Chinese cuisine, for example, the Russian dumplings, salad. It’s really good to try new food, however I miss Chinese cuisine so much.
When I first arrived here, I was really afraid of the difficulties I may face. But the truth is that there is no need to worry at all. Tatiana from the SIMO office really helped us exchange students a lot, for example, she took us to the medical check hospital, the fingerprint office, and also the visa office. The obligatory procedures become not difficult for me with the help of Tatiana.