Ending of the module: interview with 1st-year students!

What is it like to take aт exam session at the HSE master's program? 1st-year students shared their experience.

1. Was it difficult to pass the first exam session at the HSE master's program?

 ⁃ Emotionally more exciting than during the bachelor's degree period. First of all, due to the fact that our program is taught in English, it was necessary to memorize variety of terms in two languages. There was always a fear that while doing your oral answer the head would suddenly become empty and everything will be forgotten. Secondly, it is always a pleasure to pass exams consciously and be sure it will be useful in the future scientific life. The first module was very short and the session crept up quickly. It’s difficult to do everything everywhere and at once, but it’s possible.
 ⁃ Not that it was difficult, but definitely stressful.
 ⁃ Very hard.
 ⁃ On a scale from 1 to 10 - 6.
 ⁃ Easier than it might seem. Average, not very easy and not very difficult.
 ⁃ Not as difficult as I imagined it would be.

2. Which of the exams was the most difficult and why?

- The exam with Professor Shaposhnikov [Business and Entrepreneurship in Asia].
- Business and Entrepreneurship in Asia, because the material is very difficult
- Business and Entrepreneurship exam, because it’s tough to study and memorise a huge amount of information that is new to me (and then also state it).
- The exam in research methodology was the most difficult one, but more from a mental point of view.
- Methodology, due to the explanation of complex theoretical terms in English.
- For me, personally, the most difficult class to pass was "Methodology of Modern Asian Studies." The subject was very useful and rich, but taking oral exams is mentally much more difficult.
- Business and Entrepreneurship in Asia. Because you could only use your knowledge.
- Actual problems of studying the countries of the East - it took a lot to draw up an essay.
- Methodology exam. The division into two teachers took a lot of time and effort.
- Business and Entrepreneurship in Asia. Preparation for this exam was difficult.

 3. Is it possible to cheat on exams at the HSE University?

- It doesn't make sense to cheat in a master's program, since we study not for our grades or getting our diploma, but in order to learn smth more, to become the best version of ourselves in science. We all entered the university and chose our "track" (studying trajectory) completely independently. Therefore, all this knowledge is needed only by ourselves. The professors of our program do their best, teaching us, so we must comply with them and strive for excellence.
- Of course not.

 4. Is it possible to study while having a job? (Question for those who work)

- In general, yes, so far.
- Part-time job - maybe, but how people manage to work at full-time jobs - I can’t imagine.
- It's hard to put it together.
- It’s possible, but quite difficult. The employer is not always ready to understand your conditions and let you go to classes on time. I have to work during my weekends to fit my work hours, but I don't regret anything. In general, the presence of work, and studying, and family responsibilities keeps you in good «shape» and forms your daily discipline.

We wish you good luck for the next exam period!