‘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.
Celestina Adu
Adjusting at HSE University
I have a bachelor’s in economics from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). I chose to pursue my master’s in Russia and HSE University because of a recommendation from a professor at KNUST and also because of the quantitative nature of the master’s programme.
My experience as an international student did not begin smoothly due to difficulty adapting to the environment of Moscow and the style of teaching at the university, but over time, I made friends with both international and Russian students in my class, which lessened the burden.
In addition, my professors were very kind and friendly—especially Prof. Dmitry Veselov and Prof. Arsenii Mishin. I could easily approach any of my professors for assistance with the course and to interact, which made me feel like I belong.
Studying AI
Along the journey, I got very interested in artificial intelligence—my final thesis is actually on AI and educational incentives. AI is a new wave of technology that is growing rapidly and has a great impact on human decisions, and from the understanding I have gotten from my work so far, I need to advance my technological skills to make the most of AI and be able to compete fairly with it.
I recently participated in the IX All-Russian Scientific Student Conference at HSE University–Nizhny Novgorod. I took part in the ‘Economics and Data Analysis’ section and won second place in the report competition.
I learned a lot during the conference, as peers share their research. After graduating from my master’s programme, I intend to apply for a PhD in economics at HSE, in Australia, and in other parts of Europe.
Leisure Time in Moscow
Something that surprised me about Russia is the fact that everyone minds their own business without being very interested in others’ business. It is the only cultural aspect I still cannot adapt to. I am currently learning Russian on Duolingo and hope to become fluent very soon.
In my daily life, apart from school, I love taking boat rides on the Moscow river with my friend Ruby. We both live in Dorm 10 around Okskaya Metro. I also like listening to music—such as gospel afrobeat and K-pop (especially BTS)—and watching Asian dramas.
Regarding sightseeing, I recommend visiting Red Square during Christmas.
Advice to Future International Students at HSE University
After spending almost a year in Russia, my advice to international students is to learn Russian, be ready to unlearn and relearn in your field of study, and do not study alone—form groups to ensure success. My life motto is ‘live your life as Christ would at every point in life,’ and my last piece of advice is to live life to the fullest. Go out and have fun with Russians and your fellow international students!
See also:
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‘I Wish Summer Were Quarterly’
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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.
‘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.
HSE Days in Ghana: How the University Attracts Talents and Expands Cooperation with Africa
In March 2025, HSE Days took place in the Ghanaian capital of Accra, the cultural hub of Kumasi, and the Bono East region. Representatives of the university awarded participants of the HSE International Olympiad (HSE INTO 2025) and spoke to local school pupils and university students about educational opportunities, scholarship programmes, and application pathways to HSE University.
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Eating fruit, wearing traditional outfits, and surviving the Moscow cold: Prep Year students from Vietnam, Iran, and Ghana talk about the New Year traditions in their countries and their plans for the celebration in Russia.
‘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.