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Anastasiya Baravikowa, from Mogilvev, Belarus, is a fourth-year student of the Bachelor’s in Foreign Languages and Intercultural Communication at the HSE School of Foreign Languages. Though initially overwhelmed by the fast pace of life in Moscow, she now believes the city is full of excitement and opportunities. In her interview with the HSE News Service, Anastasiya offers advice for new arrivals in Russia, explains why language learning and cultural immersion go hand in hand, and shares how the piano in her dormitory has become an essential part of her daily routine.

Kartik Joshi, from India, is pursuing a master's degree at HSE University, specialising in Data Science. In his interview, he talks about his life and studies in Moscow and invites HSE students and staff to participate in the Holi festival on March 21.

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.

Adila Ulfia Maula Tontowi is a third-year student of the Bachelor’s in Foreign Languages and Intercultural Communication. After moving from her hometown in Indonesia to France for a year, she decided to broaden her horizons even further and study at HSE University in Moscow. In this interview, Maula talks about navigating intercultural interactions, how the International Prep Year helped her adapt to life in Russia, and what she’s learned about traditional Russian celebrations like Maslenitsa—which is taking place this week.

Tobias Vilhena de Moraes is a historian working at Museu Lasar Segall inSão Paulo, Brazil, and a faculty member of the Institute of Philosophy and Human Sciences at the University of Campinas. He is now working on a master’s degree at HSE University-St Petersburg.

Every year, HSE University welcomes more than a thousand students from all over the world. In 2024, Junseo Lee, a student from South Korea, came to HSE University-St Petersburg as a master’s student of the programme ‘Comparative Politics of Eurasia’. In the article, Junseo shares the story of why he chose St Petersburg and HSE University in particular and his personal experience of living and studying in Russia as a foreign student.

Yan Minghao, from China, is in his second year of master’s study at ICEF HSE and has a passion for mathematics and Russian culture. In this interview, he shares the experience of being an ICEF student, contributing to international research venues, and travelling around Russia.

Tianxiong Yu, 25, completed his Master’s in Economics and Economic Policy at HSE University in Moscow. He spent the second year of the programme at the University of Luxembourg and has since enrolled there on a doctoral programme. While it is no longer a joint programme, HSE graduates continue to successfully pursue PhDs at international universities. Tianxiong spoke to the HSE News Service about his memories of his master’s course and how his time at HSE paved the way for his doctoral research.

Onoja Abah Monday, 28, from Lagos, Nigeria, is currently pursuing his master's degree in the Science of Learning and Assessment (SOLA) programme at the HSE Institute of Education. He spoke to the HSE News Service about why he chose HSE University, his fascination with Russian language and culture, and his future plans to contribute to the development of his home country.

David Kuku, from Makurdi (Benue State, Nigeria), is currently studying on the Master’s in Cognitive Sciences and Technologies: From Neuron to Cognition at HSE University in Moscow. In this latest instalment of a series on students’ experiences over the last year and their plans for the future, David told the HSE News Service about coming to the university on a scholarship, the busy life of an international student, and why the most interesting thing about Moscow is the people.