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‘If You Want to Study Seriously and Experience a Truly International Academic Environment, HSE Is the Right Place’

Alessandro Locatelli
Alessandro Locatelli, from Florence, Italy, is a third-year student of the Bachelor's in Foreign Languages and Intercultural Communication at the HSE School of Foreign Languages. In his interview with the HSE News Service, he reflects on why it’s important to integrate a cultural dimension into language learning, what makes HSE lecturers special, and how curiosity motivated his decision to study in Russia.

‘If You Are Open to Being Challenged, Then HSE Is the Best Choice for You’

‘If You Are Open to Being Challenged, Then HSE Is the Best Choice for You’
Felicia Akpelike, from Ghana, is a first-year student of the Master's in Foreign Languages and Intercultural Communication at the HSE School of Foreign Languages. In her interview with the HSE News Service, she talks about why she enjoys Russian language and culture, the benefits of studying in an international environment, and the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone.

International HSE MIEM Graduates Reflect on Their Journey into Engineering Careers

Roshdi, Mahmoud
Every year, the master's programmes at the HSE Tikhonov Moscow Institute of Electronics and Mathematics (HSE MIEM) attract a large number of students from Africa and the Middle East. Each of them follows a unique path towards becoming an engineering professional. Ahead of receiving their degrees, several graduates shared their personal stories about how they chose their profession and what they learned during their time at HSE.

‘Studying at HSE Has Been the Most Important and Enriching Experience of My Life’

Lucas Akolzin
Lucas Akolzin, from Brazil, is a third-year student of the International Programme 'International Relations and Global Studies.' In his interview with the HSE News Service, he spoke about why he decided to pursue education in international relations, what political leaders inspire him, and how his Russian background encouraged him to study in Moscow.

‘HSE University Provides Students with a Springboard into a World of Opportunities’

‘HSE University Provides Students with a Springboard into a World of Opportunities’
In 2024, Ikenna Mbata, from Owerri, Nigeria, enrolled on the Master’s in Science, Technology and Innovation Management and Policy at ISSEK in Moscow. After two years of studies, on June 1, 2026 he successfully defended his master’s thesis ‘The Spatial Distribution of Pharma Start-ups in Africa: An Analysis of Innovation Clusters and Policy Drivers.’ In his interview with the HSE News Service, Ikenna speaks about his research topic, the role of HSE University in shaping his skills, the importance of volunteering, and the benefits of studying in an international environment.

Discovering Science through Russian Language: HSE Prep Year Students Present at International Conference in Kazan

Discovering Science through Russian Language: HSE Prep Year Students Present at International Conference in Kazan
On May 23, 2026, the V International Scientific and Practical Conference ‘Discovering the World of Science’ took place in Kazan at the Preparatory Faculty for International Students of Kazan Federal University. Four students of the HSE International Preparatory Year took part in the event: two delivered their presentations in person, while two participated online. Their work was supervised by Acting Director of the International Prep Year Irina Isaeva and lecturer Ekaterina Kozhemyakova.

‘The Workload is Challenging, but It Builds Discipline and Problem-Solving Skills’

Sachin Malhotra
Sachin Malhotra, from Agra, India, is a second-year student of the Master’s in Data Science at HSE University in Moscow. Having pivoted to data science from a career in PR, he plans to put his new knowledge into practice in the realm of e-commerce. In this interview with the HSE News Service, Sachin talks about what makes HSE appealing, the modern skills essential for any economist, and the impact of ‘atomic habits.’

‘I Left Feeling Really Inspired’: HSE International Students Shine at VI International Conference in Tomsk

‘I Left Feeling Really Inspired’: HSE International Students Shine at VI International Conference in Tomsk
On April 19–24 April 2026, Tomsk Polytechnic University (TPU) hosted the VI International Scientific and Practical Conference ‘Scientific Initiative of International Students and Postgraduates.’ Seven students from the HSE International Preparatory Year took part in the event: four attended in person, and three joined online. The delegation was accompanied by two lecturers—Zoya Maslennikova and Maria Grabovskaya.

‘I Have Always Been Passionate about Gender Equality, Especially in Terms of Education’

Adeola Oluwatobi Oyewole
Adeola Oluwatobi Oyewole, from Nigeria, obtained her bachelor’s degree in Sociology at the University of Ibadan in Nigeria, the country's first and oldest university. She went on to graduate from the HSE’s Master’s programme in Population and Development and is now pursuing her PhD at the Doctoral School of Sociology. In her interview with the HSE News Service, Adeola spoke on her career plans after completing her PhD and explains why it’s important to empower young girls to study in male-dominated STEM fields.

‘We Gain a Toolkit for Decision-Making in Various Business Contexts’

Madina Yessimova
Madina Yessimova, from Kazakhstan, is a fourth-year bachelor’s student of Business Administration at the HSE Graduate School of Business. In her interview with the HSE News Service, Madina talks about her drive to study abroad and how it led her to HSE, her research on entrepreneurial activity in Kazakhstan and Russia, and her experiences representing the Kazakhstani community in Russia.