‘Applying for the HSE Programme Was the Best Decision in My Life’
Nadezhda Svishcheva is a third-year bachelor’s student in the Foreign Languages and Intercultural Communication programme. To attend HSE University, the girl moved from Pavlodar — a small city in north-eastern Kazakhstan where she was born and raised. Nadezhda spoke with the HSE News Service about enrolling in the HSE programme and adapting to life in Moscow.
On the Decision to Become an HSE Student
I decided to attend the Higher School of Economics in the 10th grade. Many graduates of my school have praised the university and the career opportunities it offers. Having studied the HSE website, I saw it for myself and firmly decided to enrol in the HSE programme. I relied on my interests and skills that I already acquired when choosing a faculty. By the end of the 11th grade, I had good proficiency in English thanks to strong preparation at school. This, of course, encouraged me to apply for the programme in Foreign Languages and Intercultural Communication.
On the Admissions Process
In the autumn, during 11th grade, I participated in the Global Scholarship Competition. I then took entrance exams, which included Russian and English. The only difficulty for me was waiting for the results, as I had worked hard to prepare for the application during my last year at school. By the time winter came, I already knew that I would become an HSE student.
The HSE admissions campaign is extremely easy to navigate: foreign citizens can enrol both based on the results of the competition and entrance tests that are focused on major subjects
This distinguishes HSE from most universities, where even international applicants have to pass the Unified State Exam and additional exams.
On Adapting to Moscow Life
Life in the Russian capital differs radically from life in the small town I came from. Here people live in the fast-paced rhythm of a metropolis, and Moscow is full of opportunities. Of course, during the first few weeks it was difficult to adapt to both the new social life and the conditions of everyday life. The large distances that I had to cover every day were the most terrifying. However, the infrastructure turned out to be very convenient and over time the distance didn’t seem so endless. My friends in the dorm and classmates, who always stayed close to me, helped me get acclimated to the city.
On Classmates and Distance Learning
Today I can confidently say that applying for the HSE programme was the best decision in my life. First of all, I got really lucky to meet my classmates and colleagues. During my studies, I have never felt lonely or abandoned. All the students here are open and kind-hearted, and thanks to HSE University, I have found good friends. Second, I really love learning. Teachers are willing to communicate, they skilfully explain the material and help students open up.
In my first year, I noticed that the knowledge gained at HSE University is relevant and can easily be applied to real life; this is a distinctive feature of the university
Now we all study remotely, so in September I returned to my homeland. All teachers and employees of the study office treat this situation with understanding and try to make the process of distance learning as effective as possible.
Advice for International Applicants
Of course, I recommend that students choose HSE University for admission. An easy admissions process, versatile student life and interesting courses - all this is offered at HSE University. Here you will be able to obtain really useful knowledge and meet good friends.
It’s really important to participate in the Global Scholarship Competition: winning increases your chances of admission. You should also pay special attention to the core subjects, and of course, improve your English proficiency — it’s important regardless of the chosen programme. Having an IELTS or TOEFL certificate will make your life a lot easier.
HSE University welcomes applicants from all over the world and offers not only different levels of study, but also different formats in English and Russian, online and offline. International applicants can apply for Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes in a separate admissions process for foreign applicants and receive scholarships with full or partial tuition fee coverage.
When applying to a Bachelor’s programme, including five English-taught programmes in Moscow, it is possible to submit international certificates you have received in English and mathematics, such as IELTS, TOEFL, A-Level and other international exams and they will be recognized by HSE University, so taking entrance exams in relevant subjects will not be required.
Undergraduate applicants can test their chances of admission now by taking mock tests. Master’s applicants also have the opportunity to get a preliminary assessment of their portfolio and communicate with their programme of choice online.
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