
‘Opportunities Always Exist; You Just Need to Find Them’
Kartik Joshi, from India, is pursuing a master's degree at HSE University, specialising in Data Science. In his interview, he talks about his life and studies in Moscow and invites HSE students and staff to participate in the Holi festival on March 21.

‘A Unique Environment Where Various Ideas Are Discussed Freely’
Evelina Bordiian, from Transnistria, is in her third year of the ‘Foreign Languages and Intercultural Communication’ bachelor’s programme at HSE University. In her interview with the HSE News Service, she talks about her path to the university, whether her expectations were met, and her life as an international student in Moscow, which includes walking in the park and playing football.

'The Russian Language Has Profoundly Changed My Life'
Rafael Guzmán Tirado, Doctor of Philology, Professor of the Department of Greek and Slavic Philology at the University of Granada, Spain; founder of the first department of Slavic studies in Spain, and expert in Russian and Spanish philology. Since 2024, Rafael G. Tirado has taught an advanced Spanish course in the bachelor's and master's programmes at the HSE School of Foreign Languages. In this interview, Rafael G. Tirado shares his insights on the essence of true vocation, the ways in which knowledge of foreign languages and cultures broadens one’s appreciation of human achievement, and the qualities that make Russian students unique.

‘Learning Japanese Is a Long-Distance Race’
How can one master kanji, even with the help of sports, and why is Japanese Studies considered the pinnacle of Asian Studies? In this interview dedicated to the Japanese language, Vasilii Shchepkin and Olga Klimova discuss specific features of the language, the reasons for and experiences of learning it, as well as translation practices.

‘I Have Always Dreamt of Participating in an Academic Mobility Programme’
Amal Saidov is a 2022 graduate of the Bachelor's programme 'Economics'. During his studies, Amal made the most of the opportunities available at HSE University: he participated in an academic mobility programme, spent a year in Spain, got transferred to a state-funded place, and participated in case championships and educational schools. This experience helped him to start a career in the Big Four, work in several countries, and continue his career path at B1 as a senior consultant in the Business Tax Advisory department.

‘My Advice to International Students: Be Open-Minded and Willing to Adapt!’
Adila Ulfia Maula Tontowi is a third-year student of the Bachelor’s in Foreign Languages and Intercultural Communication. After moving from her hometown in Indonesia to France for a year, she decided to broaden her horizons even further and study at HSE University in Moscow. In this interview, Maula talks about navigating intercultural interactions, how the International Prep Year helped her adapt to life in Russia, and what she’s learned about traditional Russian celebrations like Maslenitsa—which is taking place this week.

‘Brazilians and Russians Share a Unique Connection’
Tobias Vilhena de Moraes is a historian working at Museu Lasar Segall inSão Paulo, Brazil, and a faculty member of the Institute of Philosophy and Human Sciences at the University of Campinas. He is now working on a master’s degree at HSE University-St Petersburg.
.jpg)
From Korea to Russia: Junseo Lee on His Master’s Studies at HSE University-St Petersburg
Every year, HSE University welcomes more than a thousand students from all over the world. In 2024, Junseo Lee, a student from South Korea, came to HSE University-St Petersburg as a master’s student of the programme ‘Comparative Politics of Eurasia’. In the article, Junseo shares the story of why he chose St Petersburg and HSE University in particular and his personal experience of living and studying in Russia as a foreign student.

‘Here at ICEF, I Study and Communicate with Intelligent People’
Yan Minghao, from China, is in his second year of master’s study at ICEF HSE and has a passion for mathematics and Russian culture. In this interview, he shares the experience of being an ICEF student, contributing to international research venues, and travelling around Russia.
‘My PhD Journey Was Made Possible by My Studies at HSE’
Tianxiong Yu, 25, completed his Master’s in Economics and Economic Policy at HSE University in Moscow. He spent the second year of the programme at the University of Luxembourg and has since enrolled there on a doctoral programme. While it is no longer a joint programme, HSE graduates continue to successfully pursue PhDs at international universities. Tianxiong spoke to the HSE News Service about his memories of his master’s course and how his time at HSE paved the way for his doctoral research.