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'It Was Nice to Experience the Charms of Student Life in Russia'

Ljiljana Filipović

Ljiljana Filipović
© Photo courtesy of Ljiljana Filipović

Ljiljana Filipović, from Croatia, is currenttly studying in the Master in International Management programme at the HSE Graduate School of Business. This year she was also helping international students with Russian language in 'Russian speaking club' organized by International Prep Year programme. In her interview, Ljiljana Filipović shares her experience of the Prep Year programme and offers some useful tips for international students.

HSE University offers a wide range of preparatory programmes for international students, including 6-month and year-long courses with intensive Russian language tuition and English preparatory programme in Economics. Applications are now accepted for the year-long course, which is available in two formats, both online and in-person (on Moscow campus). Applications for the intensive 6-month course and English preparatory course in Economics will open on August 1.

Ljiljana Filipović

Studying International relations, I became very interested in learning about Russia, its market and opportunities for Croatian companies.  As I want to become a diplomat in the Russian Federation and dedicate my career to Russia, knowledge of the Russian language is of great importance for my future.

The Russian embassy in Croatia recommended me HSE University as one of the best Russian universities. I was told that HSE, as one of the best universities in the world, would certainly be the best choice for my future career.

First Steps in Studying Russian

It was September 26, 2019. I remember that I came to Moscow alone with only one instruction paper given to me by my professor who had lived in Moscow before. I had to face a huge Russian subway and my cell phone got turned off because of the difference in the temperature. At that time, I knew very little Russian—barely enough to ask what I needed. I think the big obstacle was that most Russians do not speak English and it is very important to know Russian very well.

The preparatory programme was well organized. We could intensively and very quickly learn Russian and adapt to the new environment

Our professors were dedicated to teaching us in a friendly atmosphere. They were very accessible, kind and ready to help. The office for foreign students were always there for us to solve any obstacle or problem.  

Russia is a wonderful country with a rich culture and wonderful people, and the Red Square is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful places in the world.  I had a great opportunity to meet students from all over the world, see other cultures and traditions and develop a network of acquaintances.

My native language is Croatian, which is a Slavic language, so I had no problems learning Russian, the preparatory year helped me to learn it quickly and understand it almost as my native language

Russian Speaking Club

This year I was helping foreign students learn Russian in the Russian Speaking Club that allows them to practice speaking the language. This project is particularly relevant in the current situation when many international students are not able to come to Russia.

The language is learned even faster when you have Russian friends, watch Russian television, read the newspapers, or go to the cinema to see a movie

When you live in Russia everything around you is in Russian, so you 'live in' that language. I think that Russian Speaking Club is a nice opportunity to get the experiences and advice that will make it easier for international students to live and study in Russia in the future.

Word of Advice

I find it the hardest to take that first step, to set out into the world on your own, but of course it gives you a chance to grow and strengthen your faith in yourself. Sometimes there were difficult moments because you might miss someone, or when you know you are far from your country. Also it is not always easy to live in a dormitory. However, such situations make you stronger and you learn from them.

And of course, you always have the support of the university, staff in the dormitory, your colleagues and roommates. Everything is possible if you believe in yourself! It was nice to experience the charms of student life in Russia.

Apply for HSE University Prep Year

HSE University welcomes applicants from all over the world and offers not only different levels of study, but also different formats in English and Russian, online and offline. International applicants can apply for Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes in a separate admissions process for foreign applicants and receive scholarships with full or partial tuition fee coverage.

When applying to a Bachelor’s programme, including five English-taught programmes in Moscow, it is possible to submit international certificates you have received in English and mathematics, such as IELTS, TOEFL, A-Level and other international exams and they will be recognized by HSE University, so taking entrance exams in relevant subjects will not be required.

Undergraduate applicants can test their chances of admission now by taking mock tests. Master’s applicants also have the opportunity to get a preliminary assessment of their portfolio and communicate with their programme of choice 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. The staff are happy to advise applicants and their parents via e-mail at inter@hse.ru, by phone +7 (495) 531 00 59, or WhatsApp +7 (916) 311 85 21, as well as on social media in Russian and in English: Vkontakte, Facebook, Telegram and Instagram.

See also:

‘My Prep Year Experience Has Been Phenomenal; I Would Repeat It All over Again if I Could’

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HSE University and Rossotrudnichestvo Agree to Train Specialists in Teaching Russian as a Foreign Language

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‘Russia Is a Land of Openness and Possibility’

Lorenzo Trufolo graduated from Bologna University and is studying in the HSE International Preparatory Year ahead of his master’s studies in international trade at HSE University. In his interview, he talks about his studies in Russia, participation in academic conferences and competitions, and the challenges of living in Moscow.

HSE Prep Year Students Present Their Research Papers at International Conference in Tomsk

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‘The 4th International Economics Olympiad—My Journey’

Oghogho Joy Isibor came to HSE University after earning a scholarship from the Faculty of Economic Sciences for her performance in the International Economics Olympiad. She is one of several foreigners to apply via the same competition. Oghogho is currently studying on the HSE University Preparatory Year Programme before starting her Economics degree. Read on to find out about her experience of the Olympiad, adapting to life in Russia, and the challenges of learning Russian for her future studies.

‘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.

‘The City of Moscow Inspires Me with the Joy of Living’

The new academic year is gaining momentum at the HSE Preparatory Year, with students from over 40 countries currently enrolled. The HSE News Service talked to the new students about their first impressions and the challenges of studying at HSE University and living in Moscow, while teachers of the Prep Year extracurricular clubs shared their ideas and plans for future activities.

‘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.

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.

American Students Delve into Russian Language, Culture, and History

On February 1, a group of American students started their short-term on-campus study programme at HSE University. During three months, the students will take courses in post-Soviet Russian history, contemporary Russian domestic and foreign policy, social anthropology, and a practical course of Russian as a Foreign Language.