‘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.
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