‘I Forced Myself to Explore Moscow and Adapt to the Rhythm of the City’
Anastasiya Baravikowa, from Mogilvev, Belarus, is a fourth-year student of the Bachelor’s in Foreign Languages and Intercultural Communication at the HSE School of Foreign Languages. Though initially overwhelmed by the fast pace of life in Moscow, she now believes the city is full of excitement and opportunities. In her interview with the HSE News Service, Anastasiya offers advice for new arrivals in Russia, explains why language learning and cultural immersion go hand in hand, and shares how the piano in her dormitory has become an essential part of her daily routine.
‘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.
‘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.
.jpg "Academic Research at HSE University: Opportunities and Experiences")
Academic Research at HSE University: Opportunities and Experiences
HSE University holds the status of a National Research University, a prestigious title given to a limited number of universities in Russia. As such, it has a strong commitment to training students to conduct academic research starting from the first year of bachelor’s studies. The university rewards academic research and creates an environment where students can participate in research competitions and work in research centres.
‘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.
'It Is Important to Understand whether the Programme Aligns with the Students' Academic and Career Goals'
The HSE Faculty of Economic Sciences has hosted a webinar for prospective international students interested in the master's programme in Economics and Economic Policy. The session aimed to provide insights into the programme's structure, courses, and the experiences of current students. Learn more about admissions and apply for a full scholarship before March 1.
Indonesia Hosts HSE International Olympiad for First Time
HSE University and the Russian House in Indonesia have held the first offline INTO HSE olympiad in Jakarta. It is a new, free event in English for international school students.
.jpg "HSE University-St Petersburg Launches Centre for Russian Language and Culture")
HSE University-St Petersburg Launches Centre for Russian Language and Culture
In 2025, HSE University-St Petersburg opened the Centre for Russian Language and Culture at the School of Arts and Humanities. The centre offers various courses for international applicants, the largest of which is the 'Pre-University Programme', a Russian preparatory course for those intending to enrol in full-time bachelor's and master's programmes. Read on to find out more about the centre's activities, courses, and study conditions.
.jpg "From Korea to Russia: Junseo Lee on His Master’s Studies at HSE University-St Petersburg")
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.