‘Consider HSE Your Home and Family, Be Confident, and Trust Your Institution’
Muhammad Abdullah Tariq, 25, from Pakistan, has a bachelor’s in Government and Public Policy from the National Defence University (Islamabad) and is now a student of the Master’s in Science, Technology and Innovation Management and Policy at HSE University–Moscow. In his interview with the HSE News Service, he spoke on the importance of science diplomacy, the challenges of the Russian language, and why research intensity is a good thing.
Muhammad Abdullah Tariq
— How did you end up doing your master’s at HSE University–Moscow?
— Since I am a student of public policy, I always wanted to get exposure at the international level, to learn how policies are made and how future issues and opportunities are foreseen.
Since this is a time of science and technology, HSE has the best degree for me—the university and its programmes are highly ranked.
So, I chose HSE to pursue my degree. For the last two years, my programme has been number one in Russia, and I am enjoying it so much.
HSE is the best university not only in Russia, but one of the best universities in the world. The infrastructure, management, education method, and the way they pamper the students are impressive.
— Which courses have you found the most enjoyable or challenging?
— I enjoy STI Policy and Innovation Project Management, firstly, because I have a policy background, and secondly, because of the professors. The way they teach us the courses with so much clarity and professionalism is impressive.
Our professors have real-time knowledge and know how transfer knowledge to students.
I found Data Science difficult because I have a social science background, so it was somewhat difficult. But I learned by myself and consulted some extra resources to overcome it.
— What are your interests within the field of international management?
— My main interests are to join management and policy structures, such as working on different joint international issues like population, climate, and food security.
I recently presented my research on the topic of micro-foundations of science diplomacy: the scientific dimension of Russia’s image among Pakistani students in Russia. I chose this topic because there is a research gap in this area. Nobody has worked before to explore the Russian science side for students.
We always talk about language and culture, but not about science. I explored this to strengthen science diplomacy between Pakistan and Russia.
Currently, my degree research is more about Pakistan’s science, technology, and innovation system. This aligns with my aims because I am studying the opportunities and barriers in Pakistan in the field of science, technology, and innovation development. So, it will help me in the future in my goals to work for Pakistan. My professional goal is to join a think tank related to policy or the UN to work for the globe.
— How is life in Moscow outside your studies? Have you been learning Russian?
— I have not explored Moscow much, but I like the metro stations, a few coffee shops, Red Square (which is really beautiful), and VDNKh Park. I have no local friends, but I spend my free time with the friends I do have—we go to different parks and beautiful places and I also love cooking for them.
I participate in volunteer work and take part in Model UNs at different universities, such as RSUH and MSU.
I sometimes have a lot of difficulty communicating in Russian. Even people in class and in social circles prefer to talk in Russian, and non-Russian students feel excluded. I have started learning through a course, but because of my busy schedule, I am not properly focusing. I just use it to greet people, use some words at the grocery shops, for example.
— What do you like most about studying at HSE?
— I like HSE’s research intensity. There is a strong focus on research, and I like it. Here, students are pampered and our issues are addressed instantly. I love HSE; I feel like it is my home and that I own it.
I would definitely suggest that international students come to HSE with high goals and aims and try not only to gain but also to contribute in return to HSE’s image. Consider HSE your home and family, be confident, and trust your institution.
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