‘I Chose HSE Because It Is the Best University in Russia in Economics and Finance’
Gabriele Marchini, from Italy, graduated from the ICEF Bachelor’s Programme in Economics and Finance. In his interview with the HSE News Service, he shares why he chose Moscow to pursue his education, what difficulties he faced studying in Bologna, and why he looks forward to continuing his academic path at ICEF.
.jpg "‘Fear Isn’t Always a Signal to Stop; Sometimes, It’s a Signal to Begin a New Challenge’")
‘Fear Isn’t Always a Signal to Stop; Sometimes, It’s a Signal to Begin a New Challenge’
Huh Yun is from South Korea, lived in Kyrgyzstan, and has now moved to Moscow to study on the HSE University and Kyung Hee University Double Degree Programme in Economics and Politics in Asia at the Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs. In this interview with the HSE News Service, Yun talks about what makes HSE a forward-thinking university, how students can help each other settle into university life, and why it’s important to keep challenging yourself.
‘There’s a Big Practical Component in My Programme—That’s Especially Important in This Field’
Zou Jiaxu moved to Moscow from Heihe, China, at a young age. Having finished high school in Moscow, she decided to enrol in the Bachelor’s in Media Communications at the Institute of Media of the HSE Faculty of Creative Industries. Now in her second year of studies, Zou talked to the HSE News Service about the opportunities for practical experience available to HSE students, her volunteering and extracurricular activities, why learning Russian is a never-ending process, and the importance of making friends wherever you go.
‘I Have Developed as a Researcher, Participated in Conferences and Events, and Met People from All Over the World’
Akhtar Hussain, from Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, is a second-year student of the Master’s in Foreign Languages and Intercultural Communication at the HSE University School of Foreign Languages in Moscow. In this interview with the HSE News Service, he shares his experiences of seeing Russian history come to life, representing the university on stage and on the football field, volunteering, and more.
‘HSE Provides Opportunities to Meet New People and Build Connections Beyond the Classroom’
Benjamin Owusu Sarpong, from Kumasi, Ghana, is a final-year student of the Master's programme 'Politics. Economics. Philosophy' at HSE University–Moscow. Now in the final stage of his studies, Benjamin spoke to the HSE News Service to reflect on his experiences—including the various ways HSE brings different cultures together, the numerous opportunities for self-development outside the classroom, and the essential Russian phrases every international student needs to get by.
Russian Phonetics, Chemistry, and Moscow Studies: Prep Year’s Big Plans for Next Academic Year
On July 3, 2026, the International Preparatory Year programme held its graduation ceremony. This academic year,235 students from 57 countries were enrolled in the programme. Many of the graduates will continue their studies on HSE University bachelor’s and master’s programmes in 29 fields. The HSE News Service talked to the programme supervisors, teachers, and graduates about their impressions and plans.
‘If You Want to Study Seriously and Experience a Truly International Academic Environment, HSE Is the Right Place’
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.
.jpg "‘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.
.jpg "‘Student Life at HSE Is Intense but Rewarding’")
‘Student Life at HSE Is Intense but Rewarding’
Aleksandra Wallace, born in St Louis, Missouri, USA, is a first-year student of the Bachelor’s programme ‘International Relations and Global Studies’ at HSE University. In her interview with the HSE News Service, Aleksandra spoke on her Russian roots, why she chose to study in Russia instead of the USA, how she balances two cultures and actively participates in student initiatives, and why it’s important to find friends who support you.
International HSE MIEM Graduates Reflect on Their Journey into Engineering Careers
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.
Submission deadline: June 29, 2026