‘The Process was Challenging, yet Well-Organised’
.jpg "Samuel Okai")
Samuel Okai, 28, from Ghana, is a master's student of Strategic Corporate Finance in his final year at the HSE Faculty of Economic Sciences, majoring in assets pricing. In this interview, he shares his admissions experience and speaks about learning at HSE University, while offering some tips for those ready to succeed in their studies.
Choosing HSE University
Before joining HSE, I knew it as Russia’s leading higher education institution in economics, offering a comprehensive education in modern economic theory and mathematics combined with applied disciplines like financial management.
I chose to study in Moscow because of HSE's strong academic standing and the opportunity to engage with a diverse student body and faculty
Admission and Learning
The admission process at HSE involved a portfolio competition and an interview that tested my knowledge in economics and related fields. While challenging, the process was well-organised, and I communicated with HSE representatives to clarify any queries before enrolment. In terms of studies at the Faculty of Economic Sciences, I found courses like Quantitative Finance, Financial Econometrics, and Advance Macro Economics particularly interesting due to their practical applications and engaging teaching methods. The faculty provides a stimulating learning environment with dedicated professors and well-conducted classes.
My proficiency in Russian is still a work in progress, but I am actively learning and improving my language skills
The language barrier can present challenges, especially in academic settings (even though my programme was conducted in English), but I am dedicated to enhancing my Russian proficiency to better engage with the local community and academic environment.
In terms of studies, the challenges can vary from exams to homework assignments and even adapting to different teaching styles. Exams can be demanding, requiring thorough preparation, and understanding of the material. Homework assignments can be time-consuming but are essential for reinforcing learning.
Extracurricular Life
Outside classes, I spend time with both international and Russian students through common activities, chats, and social gatherings, fostering a sense of belonging within the student community. Additionally, I had the support of a buddy at the beginning, who helped me navigate my initial days at the institute.
I currently reside in Moscow and enjoy exploring the city's diverse cultural offerings and attractions. In my spare time, I enjoy participating in sports like football and basketball to stay active and relieve stress. I also enjoy Russian cuisine, particularly borscht (beet soup), pelmeni (dumplings), blini (pancakes), and beef stroganoff.
Plans for the Future
Looking ahead, my professional plans involve leveraging my education at HSE to pursue a career in strategic corporate finance or related fields. In ten years, I aim to be working in a position that allows me to apply my expertise in finance effectively.
Overall, my experience at HSE has been enriching, offering new perspectives, friendships, and academic growth
To future students and teachers at HSE, I would share the importance of embracing diversity and actively engaging with the vibrant academic community for a fulfilling educational journey.
See also:
Diversity of Cultures, Values, Traditions: Orientation Session for International Students
At the end of August, HSE University held orientation events for first-year international students. Nearly 800 students from 70 different countries attended sessions at the HSE Cultural Centre to learn about the visa and migration processes for staying in the Russian Federation, the opportunities at HSE and the student life there. They also took a tour of the Pokrovka campus.
‘Work Hard and Never Give up on Your Dreams’
In 2024, over 200 students graduated from the ICEF degree programmes. Joshua Baidoo, a 32-year-old student from Ghana who completed the master’s programme in Financial Economics, shared his experiences, challenges, and future plans with the HSE News Service.
'Motivation for Pursuing Big Goals in Life': What is Taught in 'Population and Development' Master's Programme
In 2023, the Master's Programme 'Population and Development' was ranked among the top educational programmes at HSE University. The HSE News Service explains what makes this programme special, and why specialists in population issues should study Python, housing policy, and public administration.
‘Put in the Effort, and You Will Learn a Lot’
Roosevelt Ogah is a first-year student of the master’s programme in Economics and Economic Policy at HSE University. He studies on the research track ‘Microeconomics and Macroeconomics’ and demonstrates very high academic performance. In his interview, he shares his experience of studying abroad for the first time and some tips on how to achieve high results in studies.
Russian Speaking Club: Practicing the Language and Meeting New Friends
For HSE Preparatory Year students, the Russian Speaking Club is a way to improve their language proficiency in a relaxed atmosphere. At this year’s first such event, they discussed online communications and social media. Michael Dzodzoe from Ghana and Leen Sabbagh from Syria shared their impressions with the HSE News Service.
‘I Hope to Make Meaningful Contributions to the Academic Community’
Why do international students at HSE University decide to pursue a career in academia? What fields in economics are relevant to PhD students? Richard Asiamah from Ghana and Alesya Bukreeva from Uzbekistan are current master’s students at the Faculty of Economic Sciences, but have already received scholarships from the faculty to continue their studies as doctoral students at the university. Below, they share their experiences, while Denis Melnik, Academic Director of the Doctoral School of Economics, suggests some tips for the application process.
‘HSE Has Made Me Confident and Brave’
Enrolment in undergraduate programmes is underway. International recipients of the Russian Government Scholarship can study at HSE University for free and get a place at an HSE dorm. Senanu Dekpo-Adza from Ghana and Hamisha Rijal from Nepal study at HSE University as part of the scholarship programme. They shared their experiences of admission and studies at HSE University with the HSE News Service.
Okro Soup, Bubble Tea, and Relleno: International Students Share Their New Year's Traditions
HSE University is home to international students from all over the world, many of whom will be celebrating the New Year in Russia for the first time. They shared their plans for the festive season with the HSE News Service and spoke about holiday traditions and dishes in their home countries of China, Ecuador, Pakistan, Ghana, Indonesia, Nigeria, Guatemala, and India.
Research that Will Help Fight Corruption
Emmanuel Adu Sarfo, 23, from Ghana, is a second-year master's student on the HSE Economics and Economic Policy programme. He is carrying out research on the ancient roots of corruption that influence its prevalence in different countries. Emmanuel talked to the HSE News Service about his studies and research at HSE University in Moscow.
2023 Admissions Now Open
The 2023 Admissions Campaign has started at HSE University. The range of available courses includes 89 bachelor’s and 182 master’s programmes across the university’s campuses in Moscow, St Petersburg, Nizhny Novgorod, and Perm. Among them are 13 English-taught bachelor’s programmes and 40 English-taught master’s programmes in such fields as architecture, Asian studies, IT, arts, history, mathematics, politics, psychology, economics, management, physics, chemistry, biology, law, literature and many others.