‘I Chose HSE Because It Is the Best University in Russia in Economics and Finance’
Gabriele Marchini, from Italy, graduated from the ICEF Bachelor’s Programme in Economics and Finance. In his interview with the HSE News Service, he shares why he chose Moscow to pursue his education and why he looks forward to continuing his academic path at ICEF.
— Why did you choose HSE University and decide to come to Moscow to study at ICEF?
— I chose HSE because it is the best university in Russia in Economics and Finance, and ICEF because it is the best programme there is in that field.
I wanted to go in a country where the law is enforced, there are family values present, and people are more hardworking. That’s why I chose Russia
— What are your overall impressions of your studies at ICEF, and what has been the most valuable part of your academic experience?
— My impression of ICEF has been for the most part positive; the students are motivated and the teachers are passionate about their job.
The most valuable part of the experience has been the fact that teachers are very friendly and it is almost possible to form a close bond with them—something unthinkable in Italian universities
— Were there any professors or lecturers who had a particularly strong impact on you? If so, who were they, and why do you remember them?
— Yes, there were. I remember many of them, and choosing a best one is very hard. I remember Prof. Yury Avtonomov because he was really capable of making academic learning fun—one really wanted to go to his classes and lectures. I remember Prof. Alla Fridman, who was a prime example of discipline and academic rigour.
Generally, all professors occupied a place in my heart and were nice
— Which extracurricular events or university traditions do you remember most, and what made them memorable?
— I did not take part in activities as they are in Russian and not in English. I learnt very little Russian as I did not need it to study.
The most memorable thing was seeing this year’s graduation of the HSE officials of the Russian army. They had a really beautiful and organised graduation, with cultural events such as a ball.
— Do you have any favourite places in Moscow? What do you like about them?
— Red Square. It is amazing in every season and is covered on each side by stunning buildings.
— What are your plans after graduation, and what career path are you hoping to pursue?
— I will be studying a master’s at ICEF. I hope to become a professor in the faculty in the future or find another job that will bring me satisfaction and build a family.
The ICEF International Bachelor’s Programme in Economics and Finance trains versatile economists and financial experts with competitive skills for business environments all over the world. The curriculum combines a solid theoretical foundation with applied research projects under the guidance of highly qualified experts. Graduates can go on to pursue careers in commerce, banking, auditing, consulting, governance, and more. The language of instruction is English. More information on the programme, including scholarship opportunities for international students, is available on the programme website.
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From Italy to HSE University-St Petersburg: A Master's Student on Her Education Experience in Russia
Giordana Carbone, student of the Master's programme 'Russian Literature in Cross-cultural and Intermedial Perspective', shares her impressions of her first year at HSE University-St-Petersburg. She explains the difference between European and Russian teaching styles, what pitfalls international students might encounter, and how to adjust to the education tempo of HSE University.
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