A Strong Side of Public Policy is Debate

The popularity of this year’s Winter School at the HSE Department of Public Policy can be seen in the numbers. 72 international participants applied for it on time, and 17 more sent their applications in after the deadline.

The selection of candidates used the following criteria: interest in the subject of public policy and understanding of the specifics of this field, reflected in the topic of research; the ability to formulate a research topic and hypotheses; motivation to study on the master’s programme in Political Analysis and Public Policy or the Public Policy Department’s PhD programme. Since applications were received from over 30 countries, the organizing committee decided that, given the limited number of places available, to invite no more than 1 person from each country. As a result, 12 international participants took part in the Winter School at the HSE Department of Public Policy, meaning there were about six applicants competing for each place.

Ivan Kondratenko was the main organizing manager of the School. Student volunteers from the master’s programme in Political Analysis and Public Policy were also a great help: they met participants in airports,helped with a cultural programme in Moscow and provided simultaneous translation of the school opening ceremony and lectures held in Russian.

Vadim Radaev, First Vice Rector of the HSE, opened the first day of the school. He spoke about the importance of master’s level education and the HSE’s leadership in this sphere. He also told the audience how some of the HSE master’s programmes are now taught fully in English. Nina Belyaeva, as head of one of such programme, introduced the international participants to the audience.

On the same day a session entitled ‘Political Culture Day: Cultural Heritage of countries and Public Policy issues’ took place. The organizers had asked the participants to complete a task before the School started: to prepare a small presentation on how a country’s political culture influences the situation in public policy and human rights, as well as the political regime at a national level. The participants spoke about freedom of speech in Tanzania, student protests in the Balkans, the movement for direct democracy in Spain, and modern practice of referendums in Switzerland.

On the next day, January 29, the students gave presentations of their research projects. One of the key events was a lecture on Public Policy vs Political Science by Nina Belyaeva. On the same day a ‘special mission’ of first and second year students of the master’s programme in Political Analysis and Public Policy came to speak about the programme. They delivered a session presenting the department’s student projects, and shared their personal impressions of studying. In response to questions from the winter school participants, the students spoke about their career paths, since almost all of them already work in businesses or state and public institutions.

The first two days demonstrated one of the key innovations of the Public Policy Department’s winter school this year: not only to ‘entertain’ the participants with lectures by HSE professors and external experts, but also to give master’s students the opportunity to speak about their experience of studying and research, and to describe their motivation for studying in Russia.

On January 30, the moderators and key speakers were two young teachers, associate professors at the Department – Anna Potsar and Vladimir Slivyak, who delivered sessions on the role of ecological movements in defining global climate public policy, and on defending human rights.

Dmitry Zaitsev, deputy head of the Department of Public Policy, focused on the specifics of teaching analytical subjects as part of the master’s programme and, in addition to that, introduced some leaders of analytical centers, who spoke about the successful careers of the programme’s graduates in leading analytical institutions.

Another important event of the winter school was a lecture by Edouard Jagodnik, a long-term partner of the HSE, and President of the European Federation of Schools, who spoke about a new method of distributing and controlling knowledge in the digital era – the EUBAT remote examination designed to test general knowledge of Europe and the European business environment.

One of the ‘trademarks’ of the Department of Public Policy’s winter schools is the final team debate. This year the participants discussed the following topic: Global Participation and Global Problem Solving: from “inside” or “outside”. What is the more effective strategy?

Some of the school participants shared their impressions with us:

Nera Valentic, Croatia

This winter school has been one of the most interesting experiences in my educational life. I was delighted to be a part of the Winter school and I really hope to come to Moscow to continue my education. I was delighted by the professor’s approach to us and the way they worked with us. Our discussions in the foreign student dorm was the best part for me. Also I must mention the volunteers who waited for us at the airport, Oleg and Johnny who translated lectures for us, and the rest of you guys that did your best to make us as comfortable as possible.

Marco Rumignani, Switzerland

I really enjoyed my stay at Ershrovo. I found the place delightful. Nothing was missing: excellent accommodation and food, the place was the typical Russian countryside resort. I loved it.

Concerning the seminars, I was more than enthusiast about the topics, and impressed by the quality of the lectures. It really gave me many ideas for my future studies in Russia, possibly at the HSE.

Veronika Fillipkova, Slovakia

I learnt a lot, the lectures were very interesting. The scheme and line of the school was planned perfectly. I mean, the discussions among our group, case studies from our countries, and the location of our meetings (that small cozy room where we all sat together).

I made also many Russian friends and consider them to be very nice, warm people, willing to help me any time. Even other Russian students from different programs (Economics, Sport...) were very friendly and sociable.

I am happy I could participate in this school as it was one of my greatest experiences, and I definitely made the right decision to apply.

I love Russia, that's why I want to continue my studies there, and am happy that a programme like the winter school could provide me with more detailed information. The food was also delicious, and the rooms were great, I don’t have a single complaint!

Vedat Sevincer, Norway

For me, the HSE Winter School was full of amazement and inspiration. First, the high quality and serious dedication of the teaching staff was striking. Also, the management team who helped us were both very friendly and helpful throughout the program. They were more than just regular coordinators, and really helped us to get the most out of the winter school.

Another great side of the program was the opportunity to learn in both formal and informal settings. As well as inspiring seminars on both Russia and public policy, we got chance to interact with each other sharing experiences and new insights.

One of the most concrete outcomes of the HSE winter program for me is coming away with a lot of new friends, fresh projects and research ideas. As soon as I got back to Norway, I started to write a research program along the lines of what we had discussed in the program and looking for a way to keep my connection with Russia and the HSE.

I’d better not mention how Russia has become one of my main conversation topics with friends. Now, I constantly mention Russia and the HSE to my friends and I’m even planning a trip to Russia in the forthcoming months.

Jitjuta Tan, Thailand

The winter school provides a platform for young leaders from different cultures to meet. I think it is important not only for networking and cooperation, but also the school extends an academic exchange between social activists working in social movements.

Moreover, the winter school opens a space for international students and Russian students to share ideas connected with global issues. Those participants can keep in touch and follow any situations taking place in their friends' countries.

Jovana Gjorgjioska, Macedonia

I am so glad that I participated in the Winter School for prospective students organised by the department for Public Policy and Political Analysis at HSE, since it was a great opportunity to learn more about Russian culture, and the lecturers' approach to public policy issues, but also to get a 'first-hand' perspective from international participants regarding relevant issues in their countries. 
What's most appealing about this Winter School is the rich academic programme, and the approach of the department's academic staff who are directly involved into public policy research in Russia. Not only did this Winter School demonstrate the high quality of education offered at the HSE, but also served as a platform to create an international network of researchers and professionals to share their experiences and collaborate in the future. I was inspired by each of the people I met at the Winter School, all of whom contributed to make this trip to Moscow one of my most memorable experiences.