Learn Russian Online
The HSE Centre for International Preparatory Programmes is launching an intensive online course of Russian as a Foreign Language. The course will start on October 1, 2020 and will be part of a blended preparatory programme that aims to help international students gain proficiency in Russian so that they can enrol in Russian-taught undergraduate and graduate programmes. Registration for the course is already open.
During the first semester, from October 1 to December 25, 2020, group classes will be held via Zoom. To make studying more productive, there will be about 10 to 12 students in each group. The second semester will be offered on HSE campus in Moscow, starting February 1, 2021. During the second semester, students will take three subject courses in their chosen academic track, in addition to Russian language. Available tracks include Economics, Humanities, and Engineering & Technology. The final exams will be administered in July 2021. In addition, students will have the option of taking the Russian language proficiency exam to receive an official certificate.
Alexandra Nazarchuk, Director of International Preparatory Programmes
Our new blended programme gives students a great opportunity to learn Russian from the comfort of their own homes without missing valuable preparation time on account of the pandemic. The intensive language course yields higher results than regular short-term courses that include two or three hours of weekly language instruction.
In addition to textbooks, our Russian language instructors use video and audio materials to help students not only master the language, but get to know the culture, history, and life of Russia. This will help students better understand the country where many of them will be studying in undergraduate or graduate programmes.
Our students come from over 100 countries, so the classes will be scheduled to accommodate participants in different time zones and will most probably be held in the evenings. We also plan to set up online networking opportunities for our students. There will be discussion groups on Instagram, with challenges and streams.
You can find more information about the programme on the International Preparatory Programmes website.
Apply to International Preparatory Programmes
Admissions to HSE University are now open. International students can apply online. To learn more about HSE University, its admission process, or life in Moscow, please visit International Admissions website, or contact the Education & Training Advisory Centre at: inter@hse.ru, or via WhatsApp at: +7 (916) 311 8521.
Alexandra Nazarchuk
Director of the International Preparatory Programmes
See also:
‘I Will Soon Build the Confidence to Express Myself Well’
Learning Russian is one of the challenges international students face when they come to Russia. HSE University helps them not only with Russian classes, but with informal events such as the Russian Speaking Club, where they can absorb the language in a relaxed and non-competitive setting. The HSE News Service talked to the organisers and participants of the club about their impressions of the first meeting and plans for the future.
‘Everyone Quickly Engaged in Conversations and Demonstrated Their Creative Thinking’
The online Russian Speaking Club opened only a month ago, but has seen a rapid growth in the number of participants. Every week, the club holds free online meetings where participants and a Russian language tutor discuss various topics related to the Russian language and culture. Below, the club leaders share their impressions and plans, which include going offline.
Russian Speaking Club: Practicing the Language and Meeting New Friends
For HSE Preparatory Year students, the Russian Speaking Club is a way to improve their language proficiency in a relaxed atmosphere. At this year’s first such event, they discussed online communications and social media. Michael Dzodzoe from Ghana and Leen Sabbagh from Syria shared their impressions with the HSE News Service.
HSE Students Support Phonetics Competition for Chinese Students
The Glinka State Conservatory in Nizhny Novgorod has held a phonetics competition in Russian as a foreign language for Chinese students of the preparatory department. The spectators, jury members, and support team of the competition included HSE University-Nizhny Novgorod students of the Bachelor’s in Foreign Languages and Intercultural Business Communication, Academic Supervisor of the programme Marianna Korenkova, and Chinese language teacher Elena Ammosova. The Chinese students opened the event with performances of famous solo works in Russian.
Thin Ice and a Field of Thorns: Master Class in Acting Held at HSE University
On January 17, the HSE Film Institute held a master class for applicants and students of the university. The author and instructor of the class was Igor Skripko, theatre and film actor, curator and teacher of the Actor Intensive preparatory programme. Prospective students had the opportunity to find out how to apply to the Theatre and Film Actor specialist’s programme.
‘I Made a Lot of Friends and My Speaking Level Improved’
On December 23, students of the HSE Preparatory Year got together for a festive Russian speaking club. They expanded their vocabulary and cultural outlook by immersing themselves in Russian winter holiday traditions and even played the role of Ded Moroz—the Russian Santa.
‘A High Concentration of Intercultural Communications’
The team of the HSE International Preparatory Year said goodbye to its students at a graduation party that took place at the HSE Cultural Centre. 197 students from 58 countries graduated from the programme this year. They learned Russian and profile subjects in Russian, which has helped over 100 of them to enrol in degree programmes at HSE University.
International Students Learn Russian Through Theatre Performance
International students at HSE University acted in and shot a film-play in Russian as part of the ‘Russian through Drama’ course. The students spent a semester preparing the play, immersing themselves in the Russian language and cultural environment. The HSE News Service spoke with the instructors and students about their work on the play and their Russian studies.
Applications Open for HSE University Intensive Summer Language School 2022
This summer, the HSE University Russian Language Centre will offer intermediate and advanced Russian-language students an opportunity to learn and practice their skills while immersing themselves in Moscow life.
‘Coming Here Felt Like the Right Choice’
Leticia Ines and Alejandro Perna first met in a Russian lesson in Buenos Aires. Now, eight years later, they are studying together in HSE University’s Preparatory Year programme. They spoke to the News Service about how their love for Russian language and culture brought them together and led them to enrol at HSE University, what their classes are like, and where they see their careers going after they complete their studies in Moscow.