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.
All participants received a welcome package from the university that included an international student handbook with all the essential rules, recommendations, and contacts for successfully adapting to the university and city.
Victoria Panova, Vice Rector of HSE University and Head of the BRICS Expert Council–Russia, congratulated everyone on their successful completion of entrance exams and enrolment in the university. ‘HSE is a multidisciplinary research university that consistently ranks highly on both the national and international stages and is trusted by employers. Together, we open the doors to a new and exciting world of knowledge and endless opportunities that are available to each and every of you. By coming here, you have made a conscious decision to embark on an adventure that will undoubtedly be breath-taking and life-changing. Let me congratulate you on your choice to become part of our university, a university that welcomes students from all over the world. A university that educates over 5,400 international students from 140 different countries. And it is not just a number that grows every year with you, our new students, it’s an embodiment of diversity in cultures, values, beliefs, and traditions. It is a whole world at HSE University!’
The main information session was presented by managers of the Support and Career Centre for International Students and Alumni. They talked about mandatory documents, safety basics, student support programmes, and available university resources.
Kirill Kisel, Director for Internationalisation
The orientation session for international students is not just an annual event organised by HSE, it is a tradition that has been established over the past six years. During the admissions process, applicants do not interact with each other, but rather participate remotely in the competition. At the orientation meetings, each applicant finally gets a chance to look at the people sitting next to them. This seems to give a significant boost of energy before the start of not only a new academic year, but also a new chapter in life. Our goal is to make the experience of foreign students as comfortable as possible in a new environment, help them adapt to the new conditions, and, of course, assist in resolving any issues that may arise.
Zhanna Sorokina, Director of the Support and Career Centre for International Students and Alumni
This year's orientation programme has been significantly improved compared to previous years. During the registration process for seminars and the distribution of welcome packages, we collect some information and documents from international students to avoid them having to go through the hassle of copying them separately and coming to Pokrovka. The international student handbook has undergone a complete redesign, making it easier to use and faster to find relevant information thanks to colour-coded sections. In addition, the istudents.hse.ru international student support website has also been updated in time for the academic year. It now offers a hub for all international students, with a separate page dedicated to freshmen, and a user-friendly mobile version.
Representatives from culture clubs and the Student Initiative Support Centre introduced the audience to a variety of student communities, regular cultural, sporting, and scientific festivals, marathons, and trips. They also shared some useful tips on how to organise one’s own event.
Students asked questions about the specifics of the learning process and opportunities to participate in student organisations. The event concluded with an informal networking session where students exchanged contact information and discussed their expectations for studying at the university. International students also shared their first impressions of HSE and the orientation meeting.
Victoria from Moldova—Supply Chain Management and Business Analytics Programme
In March 2024, I attended the World Youth Festival in Sochi. The country was very hospitable and I felt at home everywhere I went. I love the Russian language and culture; I made many friends during my visit and still stay in touch with them. I chose HSE because it is a young and stylish university with an excellent reputation. At first, I considered economics or management as my field of study, but I am now very glad that I chose Supply Chain Management instead. This field is promising and in demand, and I plan to continue my studies in this area and obtain my master's degree in Russia.
Emmanuel from Ghana—Politics, Economics, and Philosophy Programme
This is my first time in Russia, Moscow, and HSE. To be honest, I have been in Moscow for less than 24 hours, as I arrived just yesterday. I was fortunate to have all the procedures at the airport go smoothly and have a buddy to meet and assist me. My programme in Politics, Economics, Philosophy is perfect for me, as I have completed my bachelor’s degree in economics. However, to be a good economist, one needs to understand politics well, too. The orientation session was very clear and informative, and I appreciate all the efforts put into organising it.
Ayesha from Pakistan—Sociology Programme
I chose to study in Russia because of the excellent education system. HSE University has a high ranking with many talented professors from around the world, and it exceeded my expectations. I enjoy my time here so far, and I plan to study in English, while also learning Russian. My dream is to complete a PhD at HSE and eventually find a job here.
The orientation week also includes seminars on overcoming cultural shock, including a presentation from the Centre for Psychological Counselling. Volunteers will guide students on tours of the HSE Central Library and around Moscow.
During the first semester, students can look forward to various cultural and adaptation events, such as the ‘Welcome to Tajikistan’ festival, the Extra Festival of extracurricular activities, the Garuda Indonesian Culture Night, and more. To stay up-to-date with important news and announcements, please subscribe to the International Student Support Telegram channel.
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