HSE Moscow Welcomes International Students

As HSE’s position in the global QS ratings continues to improve, interest among international students has also increased. A growing number of students from around the world are coming to our university to pursue degree programmes or to take part in the numerous exchange programmes that HSE runs with partner universities around the world. This year, HSE welcomes more than 200 international students on mobility programmes (academic exchange, Semester in Moscow, DAAD, and others), as well as more than 150 international students who have enrolled in the university’s undergraduate and Master’s programmes. These students represent more than 60 countries from every continent.   

Traditionally, the year at HSE for international students begins with an orientation session intended to help students smooth the transition to their new environment. This year’s orientation was opened by Ivan Prostakov, Vice-rector of International Affairs, and Yulia Grinkevich, Director of the Office of Internationalization. Ivan Prostakov offered the new students his wishes for a fulfilling and exciting study experience. He also emphasized the importance of them serving as ambassadors of their countries and facilitating international partnerships by making friends in Russia. Yulia Grinkevich urged students to remain curious and open-minded and to enjoy their stay in Moscow; she also encouraged students to engage in cultural exchange as they pursue their academic ambitions.

The orientation week covered a variety of issues that students will face during their time at HSE, including study processes, visas & registration, culture shock, life in Moscow, safety & code of conduct, and others. For international students arriving at HSE in September and October, additional orientation sessions will be held. Finally, full-degree students admitted into HSE’s undergraduate and Master’s programmes are given a step-by-step guide to help them through the administrative processes at the university.

The Erasmus Student Network welcomed the international students with a number of events, including a welcome activity at the orientation, a pub crawl around Moscow, a paintball battle and even a trip to the historical battlefield of Borodino. The Erasmus Student Network will continue to familiarize international students with Russia’s culture, history and people. 

International students who arrived in time for HSE Day were also given an opportunity to take part in activities offered by the HSE Association of International Students, the Erasmus Student Network and International Students Support. These included the International Street, Russian Tea Room, Study Abroad Fair and Parade of Nationalities. The latter involved more than 150 students of different nationalities and drew considerable attention from visitors in the park when students cheered loudly for their countries and proudly waved their national flags, demonstrating vividly how multinational and multicultural HSE is becoming with each year.

Prepared by Ksenia Shomnikova, International Students Support