‘HSE University Is a Place Where Dreams Come True’
Gabriel Odigbo Iji, from Nigeria, is a student of the master's programme ‘Politics. Economics. Philosophy’ at HSE University in Moscow. In an interview with the HSE News Service, Gabriel speaks about his journey to Moscow last year, the admissions process, his expectations of studies and the student community, as well as the opportunities that HSE offers to international students.
One day, on a Telegram group, I saw a post about English-taught programmes at various Russian universities. I decided to check out the website of HSE and was instantly captivated by its offerings. Little did I know that this was the beginning of my journey towards this high-ranked institution. I registered and, within minutes, received my login details in my inbox. I logged in, uploaded my credentials, and before I knew it, I was scheduled for an interview with Prof. Mikhail Mironyuk, the academic supervisor of my programme. The interview went smoothly, and a few days later, my portfolio scores appeared on my dashboard. To my surprise, I had been recommended for a full tuition scholarship!
The next step involved sourcing funds, translating and notarising my documents, and navigating the legalisation and authentication processes at the Federal Ministry of Education, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Russian Embassy. After that, it was finally time to submit my visa application, which was approved within only three days. The anticipation of arriving at the renowned HSE University was exhilarating. This was my first trip abroad, and the thought of leaving my family and friends behind filled me with a bittersweet pang.
Arriving in Moscow
On September 22, 2023, I arrived in Moscow and was pleasantly surprised. The weather was warm and welcoming. The city itself seemed to radiate openness, the people I encountered, Russian and international students, were kind and receptive. With the assistance of the International Connection Fellowship (ICF), I was shown my dormitory, introduced to the staff, and met my roommate.
Study Process
The academic year has already begun; I knew I needed to hit the ground running. My first priority was building connections; which I had started long before my arrival on campus.
I reached out to my study office, programme and track coordinators, fellow students, and the Christian community in Moscow. This network provided vital support and guidance
Simultaneously, I embraced the online learning environment, attending lectures and seminars and completing assignments. I also started researching topics for my term paper, eager to find an area I was passionate about.
Recognising the need to strengthen my research skills, I sought out mentors, both students and professors, who could offer guidance and experience. With my entire programme taught in English, I dedicated myself to learning the basics of the Russian language through online platforms like YouTube and Duolingo. I chose to take on only part-time jobs, ensuring I had the flexibility to focus on my studies during busy academic periods.
The academic programme at HSE University has been demanding. The curriculum, packed with theoretical and practical courses in areas such as policy analysis, fundamentals of public policy, social entrepreneurship, innovations, law, and data analysis has provided me with numerous learning opportunities. I particularly appreciated the ‘theory and practice’ courses, which offered a practical application for theoretical frameworks to real-world challenges. This bridge between abstract concepts and tangible issues was invaluable in enhancing my understanding and fostering a more comprehensive perspective.
My Expectations
Initially, I was drawn to HSE University–Moscow by its reputation and commitment to research.
I envisioned myself immersed in a stimulating intellectual environment, surrounded by passionate peers and dedicated professors. While my expectations were high, I can say that the experience has exceeded them in many ways
I chose the ‘Politics. Economics. Philosophy’ programme, Public Policy Analysis track, because of its interdisciplinary nature: I was driven by a desire to learn how to provide solutions to real-life problems from a multi-dimensional perspective.
The academic environment at HSE University has been very enriching. I particularly appreciate communication with my track coordinator Prof. Artem Uldanov. He has been supportive, specifically in regards to our research tasks.
HSE Electives
I chose MAGOLEGO courses following my desire to study anything related to policy formulation, which are often geared towards problem solving. At first I chose ‘Ageing Society And Development’ and ‘Psychology of Thinking and Reasoning,’ which helped me sharpen my critical thinking as well as problem solving skills. As for elective courses, I chose the course ‘Social Entrepreneurship and Social Innovations,’ which revolved around bringing social changes at different places through innovative means. It was indeed not easy studying all these in a period of one year, but I managed.
Project Work
The project that I executed together with seven other students was ‘Comparison of modern research in the fields of public policy, religious studies, and political philosophy’. The goal of the project was to gather and analyse the latest research and data on the intersection of religion, political philosophy and public policy.
Student Community and Extracurricular Activity
The international student community has been a significant part of my experience. Interacting with peers from diverse cultures and backgrounds has been stimulating and enriching. However, the language barrier, particularly outside the university environment, occasionally presented some challenges. In April 2024, I had the opportunity to attend and participate in the third international forum ‘Russia-Africa: What is Next?’, where I engaged in discussions about the future of relationships between Russia and Africa.
My summer was a whirlwind of activity, balancing part-time work with my passion for volunteering. One of the highlights was the IronStar Triathlon, a legendary event that was held in Moscow this year for the first time. The energy at Luzhniki and Krylatskoye metro stations, where the event took place, was electrifying.
Besides these events, I volunteered within the university community. I assisted with issuing ID cards to new students and acted as a buddy for incoming international students through the International Student Network (ISN). I enjoyed helping them adjust to Moscow and navigate the challenges of their new environment.
My Impressions
My first year at HSE University–Moscow has been a whirlwind of academic rigor, personal growth, and practical challenges. HSE is indeed a place where destinies are forged and where dreams come true. This experience has strengthened my passion for research, broadened my perspectives, and prepared me for the exciting journey ahead.
See also:
‘Be Prepared to Do Your Best Because Your Resilience Will Be Tested’
Maryann Asemota, from Nigeria, graduate of the Master’s in Science, Technology, and Innovation Management, now works as researcher at the HSE Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge (ISSEK). In an interview with the HSE News Service, she shared her experience of working at HSE University, her future plans, and gave some advice on pursuing a career in academia.
‘All the People in My Department Were Exactly Who I Needed’
Meet Deborah Obasa and Amos Adebisi Oluwadamilare, a dynamic duo from Nigeria who are partners not only in life but also in academia. While pursuing their international master's degrees at HSE University, they fully embraced the vibrant life of Moscow. In an interview with the HSE News Service, Deborah and Amos share their experiences of studying at HSE, adjusting to life in Moscow with a newborn in arms, and achieving academic success.
‘HSE Prep Year Programme Is an Amazing Investment in Your Future’
On July 3, 2024, the International Preparatory Year programme held its graduation ceremony. This academic year, 215 students (150 on state-funded and 65 on fee-paying places) from over 50 countries were enrolled in the programme. Graduates from Nigeria, Sudan, and Vietnam shared their impressions with the HSE News Service. Alexandra Nazarchuk, Director of the International Preparatory Year Programme talked about their achievements and plans for the coming year.
‘When I Got Out of the Airport and Felt the Cold, I Was Like, “Oh, Welcome to Moscow”’
Ndubuisi Johnbosco Ezenwa, 28, is a recent graduate of the Master’s in Strategic Corporate Finance at the HSE University Faculty of Economic Sciences. In 2023, he won first place in the Finance category of the Student Research Paper Competition (SRPS) for his paper ‘Impact of the Target Firm's ESG Rating on the Bid Premium Paid in M&A Transactions.’ Although he returned to Nigeria in July 2023, Ndubuisi still has plenty to share about his time at HSE University in Moscow. Read on to learn why he recommends HSE University to anyone looking to seek out new knowledge.
‘You Meet Incredible People Who Are Always Ready to Help’
The summer break is an opportunity for hard-working HSE University students to relax, recuperate, explore the city and travel. Two such students, Daniel Suarez from Colombia and Oluwafunto Abimbola from Nigeria, share their experiences of the positives (and pitfalls) of summer in the city and life at HSE dormitories.
‘Exploring Moscow in Summer is an Adventure Like No Other’
Ayomide Adedini, from Nigeria, is a second-year student of the Master's in Political Analysis and Public Policy.He is also the current Chair of the Council of the International Student Association (CISA) and Vice Chair of Dormitory 7. In his interview, Ayomide talks about broadening his horizons in HSE University’s student dorms and making the most of summer in Moscow.
‘I Believe in Having a Career that Focuses on Solving Both Academic and Industrial Problems’
Mutiu Iyanda Lasisi is a first-year master’s student of Critical Media Studies at the Faculty of Creative Industries. He chose to pursue his master’s at HSE University out of a desire to combine theory and practice and to create real solutions. Mutiu spoke to the HSE News Service about why HSE University was the right place to realise his ambitions, how theory shapes learning into frameworks for action, and how he has already put his knowledge to real-world use.
‘We Want to Make Sure that International Students Have Fulfilling Academic and Personal Lives’
The Council of the International Student Association (CISA) works to ensure that international students can live and study comfortably at HSE University and in Russia in general. At present, CISA consists of nine international students and its Chair. Its current activities include dealing with border closures, arranging vaccinations, and creating information channels for international students.
‘The 4th International Economics Olympiad—My Journey’
Oghogho Joy Isibor came to HSE University after earning a scholarship from the Faculty of Economic Sciences for her performance in the International Economics Olympiad. She is one of several foreigners to apply via the same competition. Oghogho is currently studying on the HSE University Preparatory Year Programme before starting her Economics degree. Read on to find out about her experience of the Olympiad, adapting to life in Russia, and the challenges of learning Russian for her future studies.
Sun from Inside St Petersburg: Artistic Opportunities for Nigerian Artists
The diverse HSE University community includes people from different countries and continents who can share their cultural experiences and generate novel ideas with their never-ending creativity and love for art. The Master's programme 'Arts and Culture Management' welcomed several students from Nigeria last year. Today, they are happy to share their sources of inspiration and their expectations of the programme and their future life.