Student from Thailand Pursues Master’s in Politics and Governance at HSE

For Lalita Ruatrew, leaving her native Thailand to pursue the Master’s programme in Politics and Governance at HSE St. Petersburg has not come without its challenges.

‘Analysis of Sociological Data makes me cry!’ she says in reference to one of the programme’s more difficult courses. Difficulties aside, she is inspired by the university’s teachers, especially Anna Tarasenko. ‘I get super excited in every subject that I have to learn in Russian, and 80% I have to learn in Russian’, she says, noting that she spends upwards of several hours each day completing assignments for her classes.

Among the benefits of studying at HSE, Lalita cites the practical, hands on experience she is gaining. ‘I can get hands on experience from this university, which I could do only as theory in my previous university in Thailand where I studied for a Bachelor of Arts in Russian Studies’.

Beyond academics, living in Russia has given Lalita a greater sense of self confidence. ‘Just open your heart and eyes and follow your dreams, so you will see what benefits you could get at this university’, she says, noting that studying at HSE has strengthened her desire to pursue a career in Russian-Thai relations that is focused on helping people.

Like many people visiting St. Petersburg for the first time, Lalita has developed a list of favourite places to spend time, including Peterhof, Maza Park, Nevsky Prospekt, Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood, and Peter and Paul Fortress.

She also has a word of advice for other foreign students planning to study at HSE. ‘You ought to find Russian friends and hang out with them!’ she says with enthusiasm.  

Starting next year, the programme will change its layout and will be taught entirely in English.