HSE International Student Support

Orientation Session for Freshmen FAQ Contacts

News

How to Overcome the Language Barrier

How to Overcome the Language Barrier
The term 'language barrier' refers to any difficulties that arise when speaking a non-native language. Almost every person studying a foreign language has experienced this unpleasant phenomenon. The reasons for this problem include a fear of the unknown, a fear of mistakes, embarrassment because of one's accent, a fear of being misunderstood and much more. All of these problems are a psychological component of the language barrier. In this article, foreign students from different countries share their experiences and help foreign applicants overcome their fears.

Five Things I Wish I Knew Before My First Year at HSE University-St Petersburg

Five Things I Wish I Knew Before My First Year at HSE University-St Petersburg
If you are an international student, there is a good chance that there are some things you do not know about the university you applied to. It can be hard to adapt to a new place, new people, and—most importantly—a new educational system. That is why we asked Yesuigen Tsogjavkhlan, 2nd-year student of the Bachelor’s programme ‘Public Policy and Analytics’, to share five things she wishes she had known before coming to HSE University-St Petersburg.

‘Campfire-Like, Free, and Enthusiastic Learning Atmosphere’

‘Campfire-Like, Free, and Enthusiastic Learning Atmosphere’
One of the strengths of the Master’s programme ‘Arts and Culture Management’ at HSE University-St Petersburg is cultural research. It welcomes international students and offers them a unique opportunity to learn about Russian culture and get an intercultural experience by working with their counterparts. The programme’s students from China shared their impressions of studies and St Petersburg's everyday life.

Sun from Inside St Petersburg: Artistic Opportunities for Nigerian Artists

Sun from Inside St Petersburg: Artistic Opportunities for Nigerian Artists
The diverse HSE University community includes people from different countries and continents who can share their cultural experiences and generate novel ideas with their never-ending creativity and love for art. The Master's programme 'Arts and Culture Management' welcomed several students from Nigeria last year. Today, they are happy to share their sources of inspiration and their expectations of the programme and their future life.

'I Came to Make a Difference'

'I Came to Make a Difference'
Yesuigen Tsogjavkhlan, from Mongolia, reflects on her experience as an international student majoring in ‘Public Policy and Analytics’ at HSE University-St Petersburg and shares her story of coming to Russia.

‘It’s a Very Small Area of Political Science, and Working to Redress That Is Very Satisfying’

‘It’s a Very Small Area of Political Science, and Working to Redress That Is Very Satisfying’
On March 15, Judas Everett defended his doctoral dissertation ‘The Effect of the Patterns in the Dissolution of Communism on the Transition to New Systems in Eastern Europe’, which investigates the relationship between the demise of communist regimes in Central and Eastern Europe and the quality of democracy in the post-communist regime. The defence took place remotely. His academic supervisor was Professor Andrey Akhremenko of the HSE University School of Politics and Governance at the Faculty of Social Sciences. In his interview, Judas talks about the topic of his research and explains why political science is more important than ever.

K-pop, Chinese Calligraphy, Indian Cuisine and Azerbaijani Songs: All of Asia Visits HSE University

K-pop, Chinese Calligraphy, Indian Cuisine and Azerbaijani Songs: All of Asia Visits HSE University
In February 2023, the HSE University Cultural Centre hosted the festival ‘Colour of Asia: From Riyadh to Tokyo’ coordinated by the university’s Korean Club. A total of 24 student organisations took part in arranging the festival, including national, environmental, and charity clubs.

Maslenitsa: HSE International Students Celebrate Russian Traditions

Maslenitsa: HSE International Students Celebrate Russian Traditions
On February 22, the HSE University Faculty of Humanities held a Maslenitsa celebration at the building on Staraya Basmannaya. At the event, which was aimed at helping international students settle in, students learned about the meaning of Maslenitsa (or Pancake Week), enjoyed festive games and attractions, and feasted on pancakes with condensed milk. HSE students from various diasporas also showcased their own traditions for seeing off winter and offered a taste of their national dishes.

‘My PhD Taught Me about Life, Professionalism, Research, and Controlling My Emotions’

Olga Volosyuk and Wai Yan Phyo Naing
Wai Yan Phyo Naing first came to HSE University from Myanmar to enrol in a master’s programme at the Faculty of World Economy and World Affairs in 2015. After graduation, he decided to pursue a PhD at the Doctoral School of International and Regional Studies. On February 16, 2023, he successfully defended his dissertation on ‘Evolution of Myanmar’s Policy Towards China (1988–2020)’.

‘Working in Academia Is My Lifelong Desire’

‘Working in Academia Is My Lifelong Desire’
Majid Sohrabi is a 28 year-old student from Iran currently enrolled in a doctoral programme at the HSE University Faculty of Computer Science. Before starting his PhD, he graduated with honours from the university’s Master of Data Science programme. In addition to studying, he also works as an assistant at the School of Data Analysis and Artificial Intelligence and a research assistant at the Laboratory for Models and Methods of Computational Pragmatics.