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Nikolay Bogdanov, 28, from Sofia, Bulgaria, graduated from the Psychology programme of the HSE Faculty of Social Sciences in 2022. Currently, he is based in the Netherlands, where he pursues a master's degree in behavioural sciences at Radboud University and works as a life coach. In an interview with the HSE News Service, Nikolay shares his experience at HSE University, his professional challenges and achievements, as well as the importance of teamwork, persistent curiosity, and self-improvement.

Bhaskar Kayathwal, 26, from India, completed his programme in Master of International Business at HSE University in 2021. Currently, he is responsible for business development at an influencer marketing company. In an interview with the HSE News Service, Bhaskar shares his experience at HSE University, the importance of seizing unexpected opportunities, and the parallels between business development and chess.

Petr Garmider, 27, from Uzbekistan, received his master’s degree from HSE University in 2022. Today, he works at one of Russia’s most popular music streaming services, where he develops algorithms that recommend music tracks for users. In his interview with the HSE News Service, Petr shares his experiences as a graduate student and early-career data scientist.

Meet Deborah Obasa and Amos Adebisi Oluwadamilare, a dynamic duo from Nigeria who are partners not only in life but also in academia. While pursuing their international master's degrees at HSE University, they fully embraced the vibrant life of Moscow. In an interview with the HSE News Service, Deborah and Amos share their experiences of studying at HSE, adjusting to life in Moscow with a newborn in arms, and achieving academic success.

On July 3, 2024, the International Preparatory Year programme held its graduation ceremony. This academic year, 215 students (150 on state-funded and 65 on fee-paying places) from over 50 countries were enrolled in the programme. Graduates from Nigeria, Sudan, and Vietnam shared their impressions with the HSE News Service. Alexandra Nazarchuk, Director of the International Preparatory Year Programme talked about their achievements and plans for the coming year.

The President and founder of CCLAR (LATAM Chamber of Commerce in Russia), Domingo Garcia of Mexico, completed his master's programme in International Management at HSE University this year. However, he is not planning to return to his homeland; instead, he wants to live in Moscow, develop his organisation, attract new partners, and start a family with his Russian girlfriend. In an interview with the HSE News Service, he explained his decision to move to Russia and enrol at HSE University.

HSE University is home to many student associations, including cultural clubs, where students find a home away from home, learn about each other’s cultures, celebrate holidays, and meet new friends. Read on to learn about the Greek Club, the Serbian Club, the Moldovan Club, and the HSE Chamber of Nationalities.

The HSE Inter Football Cup—mini-football championship, which has already become a tradition, was held on the open lawn of the Energia Stadium on May 19, 2024. This year, a team of international students from the St. Petersburg campus also joined the fight for the Сup.More than 100 international students from various countries came together for a day of spirited competition and cultural exchange.

In April, the HSE building on Pokrovka hosted two movie nights: one on the Day of Russian Animation, and other on the Day of Culture. The events allowed international students to get acquainted with Russian culture through works of cinematography. Each student enjoyed popcorn while studying detailed information about the movie on special printouts.

On March 22, the Atrium on Pokrovsky Boulevard turned into a venue to celebrate ‘Holi: the Festival of Colours,’ organised by the Department of Internationalisation. The festival was put together on the initiative of the HSE Indian Club in cooperation and with the Jawaharlal Nehru Cultural Centre of the Embassy of India.