Международное научное сотруднчество молодых ученых
В течение трех месяцев с мая по июль 2017 года на программе «Журналистика данных» проходил стажировку молодой исследователь Huw Houssemayne du Boulay из Oxford Brookes University (Великобритания).
The last time I came to Moscow was 9 years ago and since that time, the city has undergone quite a lot of changes. Visually, there are no longer the ubiquitous kiosks that lined every street corner back in 2008. As these and 24 hour CD shops were some of my abiding memories of my last trip to Russia, it was quite a shock to see them gone. The difference, for example, between the Arbat of 2008 and the modern street is very telling in this regard. You could say that it almost feels like a difference street visually, yet not having lost its underlying culture, with buskers lining every corner (if you can find one not playing Kino or Viktor Tsoi – well done!). One thing that definitely has not changed is the novelty of foreigners being able to converse in Russian. Many times I have encountered amazement at this, and in outer districts of Moscow, delight that there are even foreigners around for locals to talk to. Of course, there is always the joke that I am a spy.
During my visit to the Higher School of Economics, I have been very impressed by the openness of the university. It is clear for all to see that it wishes to interact strongly with the outside world, with lots of emphasis on attracting international students and helping them to settle in the country. For instance, many dual language conferences being offered with simultaneous translation. Further to this, the local students at HSE are also very curious to speak to outsiders – it is not a problem to find Russians who wish to interact with the international students. As I was a mentor for international students myself in Oxford (and have previously lived in the Netherlands), the value of creating local friendships is not lost on me and this is something that HSE should be strongly encouraged to continue in the future.
Staying at the dormitory of HSE has been a very good experience and a new window onto Russian student life that I would not get as a normal tourist. Living near to Prospekt Mira is an excellent location as it’s an area that is not frequented by many foreigners (so you can easily practice Russian in local cafes/supermarkets and so on) but you are able to get anywhere in the city very quickly. Moscow is vast so the ability to be pretty much anywhere you will need to in around 30 minutes is excellent. Further, the ability to share meals and chat to students in a less academic atmosphere is perfect for anyone who wants to improve their Russian.
I would like to thank the Higher School of Economics and Dr. Maria Pilgun for hosting me these past 3 months and I look forward to returning in September.
Huw Houssemayne du Boulay, Oxford Brookes University, United Kingdom