‘If You Are Open to Being Challenged, Then HSE Is the Best Choice for You’
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Felicia Akpelike, from Ghana, is a first-year student of the Master's in Foreign Languages and Intercultural Communication at the HSE School of Foreign Languages. In her interview with the HSE News Service, she talks about why she enjoys Russian language and culture, the benefits of studying in an international environment, and the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone.
— Why did you choose HSE University?
— I have always had the desire to do my masters outside Ghana because I wanted an experience that would challenge me both academically and personally. My decision to come to Moscow was driven by a genuine curiosity about Russia, its history and culture after a friend told me about it in 2023.
I chose HSE because it is one of the best universities in Russia and the world because of its strong, internationally recognised academic reputation.
I also learnt that many programmes are taught in English, which made the transition more manageable while I worked on building my Russian language skills.
— Which courses or subjects do you enjoy the most, and why?
— I really enjoy my second language course (Russian) and all the courses related to my specialisation of Foreign Language Teaching—these courses support my academic and personal development growth as a teacher by introducing me to new teaching experiences and shaping me into a more effective language professor.
— How is your Russian language learning progressing?
— My Russian language is progressing; I haven’t gotten to the level I had wanted to, but I can manage some everyday interactions, such as greetings, introducing myself, asking for directions, shopping, and making polite requests. What I find a bit difficult is the case system—the fact that nouns, pronouns, and adjectives all change their endings depending on their grammatical role in a sentence. It’s new to me compared to the languages I have studied so far and it requires more time for me to grasp it.
— Are there any professors or lecturers whose classes you particularly like? What makes their teaching special for you?
— I have been fortunate to have some truly dedicated lecturers such as Prof. Alexey Bakulev, Prof. Vera Novikova, Prof. Tatiana Martseva, Prof. Galina Bestolkova and Prof. Anna Varkan. What makes their classes special to me is the way they combine clear, structured instructions with genuine enthusiasm for the subject. Their classes are more stimulating and interactive.
— What has been the most interesting part of your studies at HSE so far?
— One of the most memorable parts of my studies at HSE is the diversity of perspectives in the classroom.
Studying alongside students from different countries has enriched every discussion and made me think about familiar topics in entirely new ways.
I get to learn new and interesting ideas from my coursemates.
— Have you taken part in any student conferences, seminars, or academic events?
— I have had the privilege to participate in The Youth in Science: Challenges and Prospects scientific-practical student online conference held on April 14, 2026, where I had the opportunity to present my research article on the topic ‘The Roots of the National Concept in the Narrative of Mary Rowlandson.’
— Are you involved in any volunteer activities, either at the university or outside it?
— I have been involved in teaching some Russian friends English in my leisure time. I believe it is a good way of also practicing my Russian language as I will also learn from them.
— Where do you live while studying at HSE?
— I live in Sevastopol dorm. The dormitory is well organised and neat. The rooms are shared and there are common areas for studying and socialising. The staff in Sevastopol is proactive and always around to help with everything.
— What do you usually do in your free time?
— In my free time, I usually listen to music, write a lot about my daily experience in Moscow, and sometimes explore different neighbourhoods with some friends.
Exploring Moscow is an endless adventure. You get to see something new every day.
Some interesting places I have visited so far are the Kremlin (a must-visit place for anyone new in Moscow), New and Old Arbatskaya, and the Museum of Russian Icons with its beautiful collections of religious icons. VDNKh is my absolute favourite place—there you will see beautiful soviet-era exhibitions, different fountains, and lots of historical monuments.
— Would you recommend studying at HSE University to other young people from abroad?
— I would absolutely recommend HSE to other young people from abroad. The academic standards are high and the lecturers have great experience, so if you are open to being challenged and stepping outside your comfort zone, then HSE is the best choice for you.
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