Prepare for a Degree in Russian at HSE
HSE’s Preparatory Year at the Faculty of Pre-University Training equips students who have little or no knowledge of Russian language with the necessary skills to enter Russian-taught Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes. Students begin by studying Russian language and then go on to study specific subjects in Russian-taught classes. They receive conditional acceptance to HSE full-degree programmes.
Zerozaki Laforet spoke to the HSE English News Service about his experience of the programme.
— I am from Indonesia, but my father works as a diplomat in the embassy. That means that with my family we travel to different countries and live there for four years and then go back home for three years. We have been to Mexico, Canada and now Russia. It seems that my father has only one year left here so, later on, I either have to stay here in a dorm until I finish my degree, or see if I can transfer my major when we go back to Indonesia. I decided to stay longer than planned so I can continue my Russian studies.
— What is your impression of the programme?
— They chose some good textbooks that correspond to the right level for the student to study, and the class doesn't get bored when the teacher tells us a story. But sometimes they like to repeat the same easy grammar a little bit too often so the pace becomes slow. Also the time management could have been worked on because the appointed time can't be changed but sometimes the teachers change it.
— Why did you decide to choose it?
— I was initially taking a break from my former university for a year, but then as time passed I really wanted to learn Russian in the long run.
— Did the course meet your expectations?
— Yes.
— What has been the most challenging thing in your studies?
— Knowing which words to use and what to talk about.
— What's next? If you stay in Moscow, which faculty would you like to study in?
— I am considering taking management in creative arts in a different university.
— How do you feel in the streets in Moscow after the Russian course?
— Not much different from the streets in other cities. But at least I can help my parents a bit since they know very little Russian.
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