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‘People Say that My Russian is Good!’: HSE Student and French Language Teacher Shares Experience and Advice

‘People Say that My Russian is Good!’: HSE Student and French Language Teacher Shares Experience and Advice
Ugo Cavitte, a 22-year-old student from the north of France, is currently in his second year of studying for a Master's degree in Pedagogy at the HSE Institute of Education. In addition, he teaches French as a foreign language at HSE's School of Foreign Languages and online. In a recent interview, Ugo shared his experience of studying at HSE and teaching French, as well as his advice for those who want to learn a foreign language better and faster. He also discussed the advantages and disadvantages of online learning, and shared his love for Russian cuisine and culture.

‘HSE University Became a Refuge for Me’

‘HSE University Became a Refuge for Me’
Choosing a profession is hard, and not everyone can do it straight away. Such was the case with Taş Elif Esra, an exchange student who came to HSE University from Turkey. Esra started her education in translation studies before finding her passion in sociology. Find out why she decided to change her major and what motivated her to take part in the mobility programme in this interview.

‘If You Can’t Apply Your Knowledge, It Is Like Leaving a Book in the Attic’

‘If You Can’t Apply Your Knowledge, It Is Like Leaving a Book in the Attic’
Xinyi Zhao, 23, is a second-year Master’s student in Comparative Social Research. Originally from Weihai, Shandong, China, she came to HSE University with a desire to turn theoretical knowledge into practical solutions. Xinyi spoke to the HSE News Service about the importance of utilising one’s learning, as well as why foreigners in Moscow shouldn’t be scared to ask for help.

‘Russia Is a Land of Openness and Possibility’

Lorenzo Trufolo
Lorenzo Trufolo graduated from Bologna University and is studying in the HSE International Preparatory Year ahead of his master’s studies in international trade at HSE University. In his interview, he talks about his studies in Russia, participation in academic conferences and competitions, and the challenges of living in Moscow.

Don't Doubt Your Ability and You Will Get Everything That Is Rightfully Yours at HSE’

Don't Doubt Your Ability and You Will Get Everything That Is Rightfully Yours at HSE’
Yuanqi Zhou, from China, is currently studying on the Master's in Comparative Social Research under Russian government scholarships and funding from the China Scholarship Council, while also working as a research assistant at Centre for Civil Society and Non-Profit Sector Studies. In this interview, Yanqi talks about scholarships, HSE University’s impressive academic resources, and the soothing qualities of a Moscow sky.

‘I Hope to Make Meaningful Contributions to the Academic Community’

‘I Hope to Make Meaningful Contributions to the Academic Community’
Why do international students at HSE University decide to pursue a career in academia? What fields in economics are relevant to PhD students? Richard Asiamah from Ghana and Alesya Bukreeva from Uzbekistan are current master’s students at the Faculty of Economic Sciences, but have already received scholarships from the faculty to continue their studies as doctoral students at the university. Below, they share their experiences, while Denis Melnik, Academic Director of the Doctoral School of Economics, suggests some tips for the application process.

‘I Intend to Establish Myself in Academia’

Fedor Shvets
Fedor Shvets came to Russia from Kazakhstan, graduated from the Bachelor’s programme in Sociology and Social Informatics at HSE University in St Petersburg, and is currently studying for his Master’s degree in Population and Development at HSE University in Moscow. In an interview with the HSE News Service, he spoke about his choice of university and programme, and shared his impressions of living and studying in Moscow.

‘Embarking on This Journey Has Truly Changed Me in the Best Possible Ways’

‘Embarking on This Journey Has Truly Changed Me in the Best Possible Ways’
Students of the English-language master's programme ‘Population and Development’ study issues related to the impact of demographic processes on a country's social development, as well as learn how to develop the relevant administrative measures to ensure sustainable development. Below, the programme's academic supervisor and international students provide more information about the programme and studies in Moscow.

‘The 4th International Economics Olympiad—My Journey’

‘The 4th International Economics Olympiad—My Journey’
Oghogho Joy Isibor came to HSE University after earning a scholarship from the Faculty of Economic Sciences for her performance in the International Economics Olympiad. She is one of several foreigners to apply via the same competition. Oghogho is currently studying on the HSE University Preparatory Year Programme before starting her Economics degree. Read on to find out about her experience of the Olympiad, adapting to life in Russia, and the challenges of learning Russian for her future studies.

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.