Caucasian Dance Studio A Power Place For A Chinese in Moscow: Interview with ICEF Y4 Student Liu Minglin
Liu Minglin, who is in his final year of ICEF International Bachelor’s Programme in Economics and Finance, shares his impressions of living in Russia and studying at the college he says he chose one hundred percent right.
Liu Minglin, 22, chose to study in Moscow-based ICEF for two reasons: his Russian friends’ recommendation and the contents of the programme curriculum he read on the website. Liu says his admission went easy and didn’t involve any excessive red tape: the ICEF people were quick to respond to all his questions, giving exhaustive answers.
You came to Moscow as a newly enrolled student to delve into a diversity of activities here in ICEF but keeping your prime goal in mind. How have you been coping with a curriculum as vibrant as ours?
The curriculum is vibrant, indeed, with many courses that require considerable effort and attention. The most challenging part for me was in Year 2 and 3 when I started Probability & Statistics and Micro & Macro, they proved to be most difficult for me.
What helped you cope and pass the exams successfully?
First thing, I studied hard. Second, I can always rely on my classmates and seminar teachers for help. It’s essential to know you can get help from people who are knowledgeable. It is perfectly normal in ICEF to seek help from friends, seminar teachers or lecturers. Feel free to ask.
Hospitality and welcoming attitude are everywhere in ICEF – thanks to its staff who are ready to lend a hand with whatever problem you may have. Here on campus, classics and modernity form an amazing blend, permeating the indoor atmosphere.
Many of the student activities have been a good experience. One recent example is HSE Unity Fest on Pokrovka. It gathered students from different countries and created such good vibes that everyone felt happy afterwards.
Can you tell about the tuition discount scheme and how it works in ICEF?
I got my first discount in year one, it was a mere 20%. To maintain eligibility for the tuition discount here, students should get all passes and not a single fail in the exams. It’s essential to attend all classes, do homework and revise for the exams—this helps a lot.
The size of the discount depends on student’s academic rating. This time I reached the 35th place of the 180. Keeping your rating high or raising is never easy, it’s always up and down, but I’m trying to do my best.
How is your life outside ICEF? I know how effort-consuming studies can be, but do you have time for anything else?
At first I lived in a dormitory in a room for three. There was a big study table in it that could accommodate us all. The dormitory offered free WiFi of the same domain as on campus, and we had a new kitchen equipped with everything needed for cooking.
Now I live in a flat. Even though it’s more comfortable for me this way, I strongly recommend new students to apply for a place in the dormitory—you will have less trouble obtaining your migration clearance.
Studying takes less effort now, so I do have time to meet with friends. I have made many, both from Russia and abroad, but I mostly communicate with those from abroad.
Moving around Moscow isn’t a problem. I like going by subway—the Moscow Metro is very efficient, so I have no problem getting to my power place, which is Caucasian Dance School AssaParty. Dancing makes me feel good, I recommend it to everyone.
Caucasian dancing is wonderful, but is there anything in the Russian culture that you like particularly?
I came to like many Russian traditions and the Russian people. While conversing with people here in Moscow I found many to be nice and have rediscovered the Russian culture as diverse and interesting to explore.
I particularly like the Russian folk music, this stirring effect folk performances produce on the audience. And I’ve also been to classical music concerts and theatres.
I managed to travel to Saint-Petersburg. It made a strong impression on me, but I must say that smaller, provincial places like Vladimir, with their fascinating architecture and heritage, too, have a charm of their own.
I know you learned about ICEF from your friends. Now in your final year of bachelor's study, would you recommend ICEF to your friends?
Yes. I can safely recommend ICEF to anyone who wants to become an Economics major or specialize in economics and finance. For myself, I plan to continue studies in a related field close to economics, finance, and banking.