‘Fear Isn’t Always a Signal to Stop; Sometimes, It’s a Signal to Begin a New Challenge’

Photo courtesy of Huh Yun

Huh Yun is from South Korea, lived in Kyrgyzstan, and has now moved to Moscow to study on the HSE University and Kyung Hee University Double Degree Programme in Economics and Politics in Asia at the Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs. In this interview with the HSE News Service, Yun talks about what makes HSE a forward-thinking university, how students can help each other settle into university life, and why it’s important to keep challenging yourself.

— Why did you decide to come to Moscow and study at HSE University?

— I spent my middle and high school years in Kyrgyzstan. There, I studied at a school where classes were taught in Russian, and after living abroad for a long time, I came to understand how valuable it is to experience life in a different cultural environment. I also wanted to continue using Russian, which became one of my important strengths during those years. Although my current bachelor’s programme is taught in English, the opportunity to study in an environment where both English and Russian are present is very meaningful to me.

Compared to the 2010s, there are now fewer Korean students studying in Moscow. I am interested in politics and international relations, so I could one day contribute to the development of relations between South Korea and Russia.

Among the universities in Moscow, I chose HSE because I had the impression that it is one of the most future-oriented universities in Russia. HSE seems open to new educational approaches and systems, and it provides an environment where students can develop their own interests and goals. In the long term, I felt that studying at HSE would be the best choice for me.

— What are the highlights of your studies at HSE so far?

— The most memorable experience I have had at HSE so far was the first time I entered the lecture room. Since it was my first day, I felt a little nervous, but many students came up to me first and greeted me. It was an unexpectedly warm welcome, so I was a bit surprised, but also very grateful. As an international student adapting to a new environment, that first impression gave me a lot of encouragement.

My favourite course is ‘Introduction to International Relations.’ In this course, the professor gives us questions, and students share and discuss their views from different perspectives.

Learning through lectures is important, but in political science and international relations, exchanging opinions and discussing ideas with other students is especially valuable.

For me, the most attractive part of the course is the opportunity to listen to the opinions of students with different backgrounds and ways of thinking.

My favourite lecturer is Lyubov Maslova. She teaches ‘Academic Writing’ and ‘General English,’ and what impresses me most is the way she sincerely listens to students’ thoughts during class. She always treats students with a warm attitude and a kind smile, and encourages us to speak with confidence. When people think of university professors, they may sometimes imagine someone strict or distant, but she is very friendly and supportive toward students. Every time I attend her classes, I feel that I receive not only academic help, but also personal encouragement.

— How is your Russian language learning progressing?

— Since I lived in Kyrgyzstan for a long time, I do not have major problems communicating in Russian. However, I still feel that learning Russian is an ongoing process. I sometimes have difficulties when talking with friends. Young people often use Russian slang and shortened expressions in everyday conversation, and there are times when I do not know those words, so it can be hard to understand everything.

My Russian friends often ask me, ‘Do you know this word?’ and teach me interesting expressions—it has become a fun part of learning the language.

Even so, I think Russian is a very difficult language, especially grammatically—I still sometimes get confused with cases. Since I am not a native speaker, there are moments when I have to think through a sentence in my head before saying it, and that is probably the most difficult part for me.

Photo courtesy of Huh Yun

— Have you participated any extracurricular activities or academic events?

— During my first year, I have been mostly focused on adapting to a new environment and keeping up with my coursework, so I have not participated much in extracurricular activities or academic events yet. However, from my second year, I would like to create a small group with classmates from my programme where we can share our interests and talk freely about our studies and student life. I would like it to be not just a study group for reviewing course materials, but a space where students can share their experiences and ideas and grow together.

I applied to become an Academic Curator, so from September I will help introduce first-year students to research opportunities and academic life at HSE.

In the future, I would like to take part in meaningful volunteer work both inside and outside the university. Since I have experienced some of the difficulties of being an international student myself, I would especially like to help newly arrived international students adapt to HSE and life in Moscow.

— What is your student life in Moscow like?

— I currently live in the Sevastopol dormitory. I think dormitory life has clear advantages. First of all, it is relatively affordable, and for international students it is also convenient in terms of residence registration. Overall, I am satisfied with life in the dormitory. One of the things I like most is that there is a co-working space, so even late at night or early in the morning I can study in a place away from my bed and concentrate better. Living together with many different students also feels like an important part of university life.

In my free time, I usually read books or meet friends and talk with them. I especially like reading books related to my area of study. When I read such books, my interest in what I study becomes deeper, and I continue to think about topics I would like to explore further in the future.

My friends and I often talk about our university life and everyday experiences, relax, and help each other adapt to the new environment—these moments are an important part of university life too.

My favourite place in Moscow is Zaryadye Park. I especially like walking there in spring while looking at the Moskva River. When I walk along the river and breathe in the fresh air, I feel that my complicated thoughts become clearer and I receive new inspiration. I also find this place impressive because it combines Moscow’s historical atmosphere with the image of a modern city.

— Would you recommend HSE University and Moscow in general to other young people from abroad?

— I would strongly recommend HSE University to students who have decided to study in Russia. HSE has a modern and open educational environment, and it offers students many academic opportunities and international experiences. I also think the quality of teaching is very high, and the university has an atmosphere where students can develop their interests more deeply. For students who want to study and grow in a new environment, HSE can be a very good choice.

To international students who are planning to visit Moscow or study here, I would say that they should be more confident in themselves and not be afraid of new challenges.

Leaving one’s home country and studying abroad is not easy, but it is also a very valuable experience that helps a person grow.

I do not think fear is always a signal to stop. Sometimes, it can also be a signal to begin a new challenge. Taking on a challenge does not always mean that you will succeed, but whether the result is success or failure, the experience itself can give you something truly meaningful. This is a message I would like to share with other international students, and also something I want to keep telling myself.

HSE University and Kyung Hee University Double Degree Programme in Economics and Politics in Asia is Russia's only English-taught double degree bachelor’s programme in International Studies with a partner university from East Asia. Visit the programme website to learn more.