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Moses Oluoke Omopekunola, from Nigeria, is a second-year student of the Science of Learning and Assessment (SOLA) programme. Intent on pursuing a career in psychometrics, he has already joined the PhD programme in Education to deepen his knowledge of the theory and methodology of learning. In this interview with the HSE News Service, Moses explains how his master’s programme aligns with his future plans, recalls the challenges he has faced, and shares the most valuable lessons he has learned so far.

Mahmoud Tarayra, from Jordan, is studying on the HSE University and Kyung Hee University Double Degree Programme in Economics and Politics in Asia. In his interview with the HSE News Service, he talks about his studies in Moscow, the difficulties of adjusting in Korea, and how to enjoy both summer and winter in Russia.

Studying abroad in Russia can be an exciting adventure, especially at HSE University–St Petersburg. As an international student, you might already expect challenges like language barriers and the freezing winter. However, cultural differences often require the biggest adjustments. In this article, we’ll explore specific cultural contrasts between Korea and Russia—from communication style to classroom etiquette—and share friendly tips on how to cope.

HSE University is not only about studies—it gives students much more. Enowmanyi Samuel Ayuk, a second-year student of the Master’s programme ‘International Business in the Asia-Pacific Region,’ came to Russia from Cameroon. With a background as an award-winning debater and a passion for leadership, he enthusiastically contributes to the life of HSE University–St Petersburg: he has become an international ambassador of the university and a member of the HSE University Student Council. In this interview, he shares his story and impressions of his studies.

Jingtao Xu (called Andy in English) earned a Bachelor’s degree in Data Science and Business Analytics at HSE University–Moscow and is now studying on the Master’s in Math of Machine Learning. In this interview with the HSE News Service, Andy talks about his plans to develop his robotics research into a commercial product, how online shopping in Moscow has improved since he first arrived, and why now is a good time to capitalise on Russian–Chinese cooperation.

Zhou Jinyu is a third-year student of the Bachelor’s programme ‘Data Science and Business Analytics’ at the Faculty of Computer Science at HSE University. She talked to the HSE News Service about studying on the double-degree programme, her career prospects, her attitude to artificial intelligence, and why it’s important to step out of your comfort zone.

Luis Santaella, from Mexico, graduated from the Bachelor’s programme ‘Political Science and World Politics’ in 2022. He participated in an international mobility programme in Rome during his studies and is currently working as a political consultant. In this interview, Luis shares his impressions of HSE University–St Petersburg and gives advice to future students from Latin America.

Anastasia Baschlykoff is a German citizen who recently enrolled at HSE University to pursue her love of Korean studies. As a student of the Double Degree Programme in Economics and Politics in Asia, she is gaining insight into Asian politics, culture, history, and language, and will spend the third year of the programme on an exchange at Kyung Hee University. In her interview with the HSE News Service, Anastasia explains how the programme aligns with her career plans, considers the potential for collaboration with Asian countries, and shares how life in Russia has managed to surprise her.

Pan Zhengwu has spent the last seven years at HSE University—first as a student of the Bachelor’s in Software Engineering and now in the Master’s in System and Software Engineering at the Faculty of Computer Science. In addition to his busy academic schedule, he works as a mobile software engineer at Yandex and is an avid urban photographer. In his interview with the HSE News Service, Zhengwu talks about the challenges he faced when he first moved to Russia, shares his thoughts on ‘collaborating’ with AI, and reveals one of his top spots for taking photos in Moscow.

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.