‘I Have Found My Second Family Here’: Waiz Siddiqui on His Studies at HSE University–St Petersburg
Waiz Siddiqui is a second-year student of the Master's programme 'Data Analytics for Business and Economics.' Having completed a bachelor's degree in business management in Pakistan, he decided to continue his studies abroad. He opted for HSE University–St Petersburg, and the Open Doors international scholarship programme helped him to carry out his plans. Read on to find out more about his adaptation to HSE University–St Petersburg and studying the Russian language.
Ringing in the New Term
On September 1, campuses across Russia ring in the new academic year with the traditional ‘first bell’—flowers for teachers and welcomes for first‑years—while international students at HSE University share how studies begin in their home countries, from Ghana’s Akwaba week to China’s student club fair, the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s blue-and-white uniforms, and India’s Teachers’ Day.
‘HSE University Has Given Me a Solid Foundation in Both Theory and Practice’
Gideon Apomasu, from Ghana, West Africa, has recently graduated from the HSE University Master’s programme in Population and Development at the Faculty of Social Sciences. He talked to the HSE News Service about his impressions and experience of living in Moscow, being part of the HSE student community, and his future career plans.
From India to Moscow: A Story of Growth, Discovery, and Global Friendship
Shallu Tomar, from Delhi, India, is a student of the Master’s in Population and Development. In her interview with the HSE News Service, Shallu talks about her decision to choose HSE University, her academic experience, and the importance of study–life balance.
‘HSE Has Broadened My Academic Perspective and Deepened My Interest in Research’
Mujing Raissa Mij, from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is a student of the Master’s Programme in Linguistic Theory and Language Description. In her interview with the HSE News Service, she reflects of her studies at HSE University, shares her career plans, and describes the summer vibe in Moscow.
‘I Will Always Carry Gratitude to HSE and Move Forward for My Dream’
Fan Minlan, a 25-year-old from the coastal city of Zhangzhou in southeastern China, has recently graduated from the HSE Master’s Programme in Population and Development. In her interview with the HSE News Service, Fan Minlan speaks about her decision to enrol at HSE University, the challenges of speaking Russian, her career plans, and the love story that started with her studies.
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‘I Realised How Much Impact Young Professionals Can Have When They Are Involved in Shaping Academic Discussion’
Dilmurod Kholmatov, from Tashkent (Uzbekistan), is a student of the Master’s in Law of International Trade and Dispute Resolution at the HSE University–Moscow Faculty of Law. He has finished his first year of studies and plans to pursue a career in international commercial arbitration after graduation. In his interview, Dilmurod explains how the programme is preparing him to achieve his career ambitions, explains why student involvement in academic conferences is important, and talks about taking part in a charity race.
‘Moscow Offers a Unique Academic and Cultural Experience’
Stephen Sodoke, from Ghana, is a recent graduate of the Master’s degree in Population and Development at HSE University in Moscow. Having completed his programme at the end of June 2025, he now plans to continue his research work on a doctoral programme. In this interview with the HSE News Service, Stephen talks about what surprised him about life in Russia, his involvement in extracurricular academic activities, and more.
‘Unlearn, Relearn, and Do Not Study Alone’
Celestina Adu, from Ghana, is pursuing her Master’s in Economics and Economic Policy at the HSE Faculty of Economic Sciences. Recently, she won silver at a scientific student conference in Nizhny Novgorod. In her interview, she delves into her research on AI and its impact on education, offering advice for prospective international students based on her experiences in Russia.
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Discovering Nuances That Aren’t Covered in Textbooks
Alexey Kovtun, master’s student of Business Analytics at HSE University, shared his experience of exchange studies at Shanghai University in China. In this interview, he talks about his favourite classes, the value of building trusting relationships, and the important lessons he learnt during his trip.