‘I Have Felt Welcomed Since the Very First Day’

© HSE University

Yohei Shiiba from Japan, Eunsong Gu from the Republic of Korea, together with Luca Volponi and Nicola Bressan from Italy shared their impressions of living in Moscow and studying on the English-taught Master of International Business (MIB) programme, which is open to students from all over the world.

Yohei Shiiba, 31, Japan

I have lived in and visited around 30 countries, and when I visited Russia, I was very impressed by the uniqueness of its culture and the kind local people. This new experience made me want to live in Russia. I decided to study at HSE University-Moscow specifically because I wanted to focus on not only a degree, but also to have work experience in an international company. My programme provides courses in the evening, so I can gain full-time work experience in addition to studying.

I had worked for a Japanese multinational company as an international sales representative for six years, traveling to different countries twice a month, so I decided to study on the Master of International Business course.

I expected HSE University’s name value to bring me some work opportunities, and it actually did!

At the moment, I am the head of international business development for a Russian IT company, and I appreciate HSE for giving such opportunities.

I have a bachelor’s-level background in English linguistics and I found the MIB programme hard, especially the first semester. But there is nothing to worry about. Many of the assignments are groupwork and no one understands 100% all the time. We got together and brainstormed to find the best ideas. I think one of the most important characteristics required is the ability to work in a team—the same as in a real work environment.

Moscow is a very international city

There are many nationalities apart from Russians in Moscow: Kyrgyz, Belarusian and Kazakhs, etc. I had never met people from those regions before, so I am inspired to meet new cultures in Russia.

I view the MIB programme as my career ladder to becoming the businessman I want to be. In the future, I want to start my own international business, and the MIB programme provides not only theoretical lectures, but also a great opportunity to connect with young professional students from different fields.

Luca Volponi, 25, Italy

I studied foreign languages during my bachelor’s degree at the University of Turin in Italy. During my studies, I came to Moscow for a summer school and had an exchange semester in St Petersburg.

After graduation, I wanted to continue on a more career-related master’s degree, and at the same time, I also wanted to spend some time abroad. That is why I opted for the MIB programme at HSE University-Moscow, so that I could study business while practicing the Russian language skills gained during my bachelor’s degree.

The university is great, and the Pokrovka campus is brand new. There is a huge library where I spent many days with my classmates studying and working on projects, and there are several cafés to spend time during breaks. The campus is located in the heart of the city, so there is a lot to do after classes (restaurants, pubs, quests, museums, etc.). 

I am happy with my choice of master’s programme—my expectations have been met.

One of the reasons I enrolled in MIB was its practice-oriented classes. Coming from a totally different background, I believe that this was extremely beneficial for me personally

With this concept of studying, I had the chance to try out first-hand simulations of real work situations, and consequently learn how to solve problems that can occur during the working process. I also enjoyed the seminars we had from experts and professionals from important FMCG companies. 

So far, it’s going great. I can say that having finished the first year, I encountered several challenges in some subjects. Coming from a bachelor’s in foreign languages, some courses were more complicated for me than for students with business-related backgrounds. I would not say that it was ‘difficult’; I would rather say it has been ‘challenging’ sometimes.

I have felt welcomed since the very first day. People are very kind and ready to help. Being able to study with other students from various countries in the world is an amazing opportunity. I have travelled to several cities across Russia, including a trip to Vladivostok by train, and I have always felt welcomed by the locals. 

I have met friends that I will keep forever thanks to this programme. This is one of the many reasons why coming here was really worth it.

If I had the chance to go back, I would choose again to come to study in Moscow

Eunsong Gu, 28, Republic of Korea

I had an opportunity to work in Moscow for three years, and started working here from 2021. My job involves supporting Korean small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with Russian colleagues in our office so that Korean companies can enter the Russian market. While I have been working in Moscow, I have learned how to work in a multicultural environment and do business in foreign country indirectly. So I decided to learn about this more professionally.

I want to study more about the role of governmental agencies in supporting SMEs so they can enter foreign markets and start business well. My Master’s thesis advisor has already given me a lot of kind advice about this. Also, as I wanted to learn multicultural business, I am satisfied that I can study lots of related theories and multicultural communication skills while I listen to lectures and prepare team play presentations.  I can study what I wanted to learn about in detail.

Our department at HSE University has professional and enthusiastic professors who help us learn. When I first came to HSE and learnt more about MIB, I realised that I could gain practical knowledge that I can use at work. The professors make sure of this, and I expect that if I follow the planned courses well, I can achieve what I wanted to.

I think the quality of the courses and the education is high. I was impressed that our professors are always kind to us and ready to help us. They are very professional

However, it’s a little difficult to work and study at the same time. The professors understand if I can’t go to university because of a business trip, but as we have many team-play studies, sometimes I lack time to prepare and discuss with my teammates. I try to participate and not bother my teammates, but of course there is a burden, even though they are open to making meeting schedules with me. But I think this is just because I have so much work to do. Regardless, it is a good way to learn about teamwork and study areas, and I am planning to do my best to learn.

One of the best things that I have experienced at HSE was making good friends from different countries. I selected the English course and my classmates’ English skills are really amazing

They are also open to communicating with people from different countries. This atmosphere makes me comfortable to practice. That is why I think studying at HSE is a good way to study languages and intercultural communication skills. Moreover, our professors give us many opportunities to present in front of an audience. I am in the process of learning about intercultural communications, and I feel my skills are getting better and better thanks to HSE.

Ludovico Nicola Bressan, 24, Italy

My decision to apply to HSE University, specifically to the Master of International Business programme, was based on the university’s exceptional reputation as one of the leaders of the Russian education system, offering inspiring programmes and a wide range of extracurricular activities. Given my aspiration to study abroad and the unique opportunities provided by the university, I was motivated to join the HSE family.

I am currently in the second year of the Master of International Business programme. I arrived at the conclusion that the management programme does meet set expectations and prepares students to approach the future with confidence. An excellent education like the one provided by the MIB cultivates the growth of future generations of leaders. HSE University is a vivid example of a university which excels in its goal.

I believe that the structure of the MIB programme facilitates providing students with all the necessary knowledge and insight into the labour market both in Russia and abroad.

The variety of courses and projects, together with skilled professors and lectures with invited experts, will prepare any motivated student to discover one’s passions and demonstrate the obtained skills in the best way possible

I am extremely satisfied with the education level, the results and the knowledge obtained during my studies. The MIB programme system, which is based solely on project works in various fields of business industry, allows students to become proactive, creative and occasionally be unconventional with problem-solving skills. Similarly, despite the complexity of the projects, the programme facilitates the development of an entrepreneurial spirit, which is essential in the current business environment.

I have always aspired to work with people from extremely different backgrounds, and the MIB programme provided this opportunity. Developing interpersonal skills in an international environment is one of the most essential steps to excelling in a professional field. Building connections and learning about various cultures is an ideal opportunity to grow and expand our own horizons.

2023 admissions for international applicants are now open. Learn more about international admissions or visit the MIB website to find out more about the programme.