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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.

In early March, the HSE building on Pokrovsky Bulvar hosted theRussian Culture Day Festival. The event was organised by the HSE Department of Internationalisation. International students participated in quizzes, lectures, and workshops. They also had the opportunity to taste a traditional Russian dish—blini with jam.

On March 21, HSE International Support team together with the Exhibition organizing committee have organised an excursion to exbition "Russia" (VDNKh) for HSE international students. An English-speaking guide gave a tour of the exhibition's key venues for 17 foreign students of HSE University.

The online Russian Speaking Club opened only a month ago, but has seen a rapid growth in the number of participants. Every week, the club holds free online meetings where participants and a Russian language tutor discuss various topics related to the Russian language and culture. Below, the club leaders share their impressions and plans, which include going offline.