‘I Have Developed as a Researcher, Participated in Conferences and Events, and Met People from All Over the World’

Akhtar Hussain

Photo courtesy of Akhtar Hussain

Akhtar Hussain, from Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, is a second-year student of the Master’s in Foreign Languages and Intercultural Communication at the HSE University School of Foreign Languages in Moscow. In this interview with the HSE News Service, he shares his experiences of seeing Russian history come to life, representing the university on stage and on the football field, volunteering, and more.

— Why did you choose HSE University for your studies?

— Coming to Moscow was a big step for me. Growing up in Skardu, surrounded by mountains and a very different cultural environment, I wanted to experience a new education system and learn from people from different countries.

I chose HSE University because of its strong academic reputation and its international atmosphere.

The programme matched my interests in literature, language, culture, and intercultural communication, so it felt like the right place for me to continue my studies.

— What has been the most interesting or memorable part of your studies at HSE so far?

— It is difficult to choose just one memorable moment because my two years at HSE have been full of new experiences. But one memorable part of my studies has been working on my master's thesis. When I first started researching virtual reality storytelling, many of the concepts were completely new to me. Over time, I learned how literature, media studies, and technology can be connected.

Seeing my research develop from an initial idea into a completed thesis has been one of the most rewarding parts of my academic journey

Another experience that stands out was our trip to Borodino Field in May 2025. Together with professors and students from HSE, I visited the Steadfast Tin Soldier military historical festival. It was my first time seeing such a large historical reenactment. Watching soldiers in historical uniforms, hearing the sounds of battle, and seeing scenes from the events of 1812 recreated in front of us made history feel real rather than something that only exists in books.

I also cannot forget the friendships I made at HSE. Coming from Skardu, I had never studied in such an international environment before.

Meeting students from different countries and cultures changed my perspective and became one of the most valuable experiences of my time in Moscow.

— Which courses and professors have left the biggest impression on you?

— I generally enjoy literature related subjects the most. I like courses that explore literature, culture, storytelling, discourse, and intercultural communication. These subjects help me understand how stories and cultural narratives shape people's views of the world. They have also influenced my own research interests.

The professor who has had the greatest impact on my studies is Vera Novikova. She taught our course English for the Current Sociocultural Agenda and supervised my master's thesis.

I liked her classes because she encouraged discussion and critical thinking instead of simply giving lectures

She always motivated students to express their own ideas and connect academic theories with real life examples. Her guidance was very important during my thesis work.

Photo courtesy of Akhtar Hussain

— How is your Russian language learning progressing?

— My Russian language learning is progressing gradually. When I first arrived in Moscow, many everyday situations were difficult, but now I can communicate much more confidently without using a translator.

The most challenging part for me is Russian grammar, especially cases and verb aspects. Sometimes one word can change into many forms depending on the context.

Despite the difficulties, learning Russian has helped me better understand Russian culture and communicate with local people

— Are you involved in any extracurricular activities at the university?

— Yes, I actively participate in university events, student activities, and cultural programmes.

I am a member of the Pakistan Culture Club at HSE. Together with other members, we organise events that introduce Pakistani culture to the university community. Some of my favourite events were Bazm-e-Adab and Pakistani Movie Night, which we organised during both years of my studies.

I also participated in Unity Fest, where I represented the Pakistan Culture Club and performed a traditional Pakistani dance on stage. It was a great opportunity to share my culture with students from different countries.

I sang a song in my national language at our department’s November Fest. It was exciting and a little challenging—I’m not used to performing in front of a large audience

Outside Moscow, I had the opportunity to represent HSE University at the Queen of Sports 2025 international student athletics match in Yekaterinburg. This was one of the highlights of my student life because it allowed me to meet students from different universities, participate in sports activities, and represent HSE at an international student event.

Photo courtesy of Akhtar Hussain

— Have you taken part in any student conferences, seminars, or academic events?

— I have participated in several academic events during my studies. In January 2026, I presented my research titled ‘Multimodal Humor in Pakistani Digital Public Discourse: A Transcultural Perspective’ at the VI International Scientific and Practical Conference ‘Linguistics of Distancing’ in Moscow.

I have presented at the Youth in Science Conference and the HSE LED Conference, as well as published research on the area of my master’s: storytelling and narrative studies

— Are you involved in any volunteer activities at the university or outside it?

— Volunteering has been one of the most important parts of my life at HSE.

I volunteer with the Centre for Leadership and Volunteer Work at HSE University. Over the last two years, I have participated in more than 25 events and completed more than 120 verified volunteer hours. I have helped with academic conferences, cultural events, registration activities, and student services.

I also worked as a Buddy volunteer through ISN HSE, helping international students adapt to life in Moscow and at HSE

Outside the university, I volunteer with Dari Edu in Moscow. One of my favourite activities there is delivering food to elderly people. It may seem like a simple task, but meeting older people and helping them with everyday needs is very meaningful for me.

— What is life in Moscow like outside of the university?

— I live in HSE Dormitory No. 7, and it has been an important part of my experience in Moscow. It is well organised, provides a comfortable environment for studying and daily life, and has students from many countries living there, which creates a multicultural environment.

The dormitory is a great place to make friends, learn about different cultures, and share experiences

In my free time, I enjoy exploring new places, and learning about different cultures. I am especially interested in literature, history, culture, and storytelling. I also enjoy spending time outdoors and walking in parks because nature helps me relax after academic work.

My favourite places in Moscow are Sparrow Hills, Tsaritsyno Park, and Izmailovsky Park. I prefer natural places to busy city areas. These places remind me a little of the natural beauty of Gilgit-Baltistan and give me a chance to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

— Would you recommend HSE University and Moscow to other young people from abroad?

— Definitely! HSE offers high quality education, an international learning environment, and many opportunities for personal and academic growth. And Moscow has a lot to offer beyond the most famous tourist attractions. The city has many beautiful parks, museums, cultural festivals, and historical places.

During my time here, I have developed as a researcher, participated in conferences, volunteered at many university events, represented HSE in sport, and met people from all over the world.

For me, HSE has been much more than a university. It has been a place where I have grown academically, professionally, and personally

I would also encourage students to participate in volunteer activities, student clubs, and university events because these experiences help build friendships and make student life much more enjoyable.

Visit the website to learn more about the Master's in Foreign Languages and Intercultural Communication. Applications to master’s programmes at HSE University are open until August 8.