‘I Want to Travel across all of Russia — From Moscow to Vladivostok’. What Summer University Students Dream about

June 20^th marked the start of HSE’s third Summer University. This year’s programme saw the participation of students from 25 different countries.

The number of international students who decided to spend their summer at the Higher School of Economics studying computer science, business administration, economics, sociology, cultural studies, and more has nearly tripled over the last three years. This year’s Summer University has more than 120 participants from 25 countries around the globe: China, the U.S., Germany, Norway, Afghanistan, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Egypt, France, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Iran, Mexico, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sudan, Sweden, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam. South Korea had the most participants with 30 students coming from Seoul National University of Science and Technology and Seoul National University. A portion of the students from Germany and Norway received travel grants from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the Norwegian Centre for International Cooperation in Education (SIU).

Summer University students are able to select courses from a number of different fields, thereby building a truly individual plan of study. The ECTS credits students receive at HSE also count at the students’ home universities.

‘Compared to last year, students have become much more interested in studying Russian, and over half of the students in this year’s programme are taking it. There are languages courses for various levels of study, ranging from beginner to advanced,’ comments Oksana Chernenko, who is the head of the Department for Educational Innovations and Short International Programmes. ‘In addition, classes are being held in more locations this year; students are now able to study at HSE’s Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Nizhny Novgorod campuses. The international students will also become acquainted with Moscow thanks to the help of volunteers from the student Buddy Network.’

HSE has become one of Russia’s best universities and is now included on international rankings for a number of disciplines, notes HSE First Vice Rector Vadim Radaev. Additionally, over the last three years the Summer University has become one of HSE’s main international projects.

According to HSE Vice Rector Ivan Prostakov, the Summer University brings together students from the most diverse areas of the world and gives them the opportunity to immerse themselves in a new culture. This is an invaluable experience, he continues, largely because the future lies in the hands of those who are capable of working with people from different cultures. 

John Haug, University of Kansas

I’m currently in the University of Kansas' master's programme in engineering, but I’m also involved in aerospace research. I’m hoping that the Summer University will help me improve my Russian. I’ve been studying the language since high school, and my adopted sister is from Russia, so studying Russian is personal for me. But I also think Russian will come in handy professionally as well. I’ve recently been so caught up with school that I haven’t had time to devote enough attention to Russian, but I’d like to continue studying it, and might even start in my school’s Russian programme next year.

 

Liya Xie, Washington University in St. Louis

I was born in Russia, but my parents and I returned to China when I was 8. After I finished school there, I decided to go to an American university since, in my opinion, schools in the U.S. offer a more flexible and well-rounded education than in China. I’m in the international area studies and intercultural communication programme at Washington University in St. Louis, which requires knowledge in a variety of areas – history, sociology, anthropology, and more.

I’ve always been fascinated by Russia and Russian culture, but I’m particularly interested in the Soviet period, as well as the processes that are underway in your country today. I know how history can be told from different points of view (Chinese and American professors have two very different views of Russian history), which is why I’d like to hear what Russian researchers have to say. I’m taking several classes about Russia. I also really enjoy talking with Russians, and I like seeing what daily life is like here.

 

Edgar Kirsch, University of Mannheim

I’m getting my master’s in management from the University of Mannheim. I don’t have any specific expectations, but I’m really hoping to improve my Russian and gain new knowledge in the field of business and economics. From a professional point of view, I’m interested in financial strategy and corporate finance, which is why my bachelor’s was focused on financial controlling. My university told us about the possibility of getting a DAAD grant to study at the HSE Summer University. Overall, I think the Summer University is an excellent way to gain new experience, communicate with students from different countries, and explore Moscow and other cities in Russia.

 

Alexis Shaw, University of North Carolina

I’m finishing up my bachelor’s this year. I’m mostly interested in regional policy and international conflicts, and in the future I’d like to work in the field of national security. My Russian literature professor, who I’ve been studying with since I was a freshman, was the one who recommended the HSE Summer University.

I’ve read a lot about Russia, both the Soviet and post-Soviet period, and about how your country changed after perestroika and the effect this had on global politics as a whole. Aside from history and politics, I love Russian literature, particularly Leo Tolstoy. During my time in Moscow, I’d like to get to know people so that I can get a good understanding of what Russia is really like and possibly dispel certain stereotypes.

 

Peixin Yang, University of Michigan

I first encountered the Russian language and Russian culture when I was in school. We were able to take a Russian language class, and this is when I became interested in Soviet cinematography and Russian classical music. I read and write quite a bit in Russia, but I don’t have enough speaking practice. I’m really happy that I’ll have a few weeks to practice with native Russian speakers.

I’m a student at the University of Michigan and have two majors – economics and Russian and East European studies. This is why here at the Summer University, I chose Russian classes, as well as classes on economics and business.

My dream is to travel across Russia on the Trans-Siberian Railroad. I want to go from Vladivostok to Moscow, stopping at all of the small and large cities along the way. I want to study them, go to museums, visit the local sites, and talk with everyday people.