Alumni Profiles

One of the biggest changes in my life has been becoming a HSE student which is also one of the proudest things too. I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from Thammasat University, Thailand and now I am enrolled in the Master’s degree in Socioeconomic and Political Development of Modern Asia, faculty of World Economy and International Affairs. There are many interesting and modern courses. Professors have a lot of experience and effective teaching methods. The course has exposed the world to me and made me understand many things in greater depth. ‘Why this project exists?’ ‘Why did the government proceed like this?’ ‘What will happen next?’ Furthermore, I was taught to understand business culture which has made me more confident in the case I have to negotiate with people from those countries.
Lastly, I have been receiving not only a unique and excellent education but also the warm friendship from my classmates who are always ready to share their knowledge. Moreover, the staff of faculty and dormitory have also taken great care of me.

Having graduated from an undergraduate program in International Relations at the branch of Lomonosov MSU in Tajikistan I was eager to actually have the experience to study and live in Moscow. HSE was in many ways different from MSU, plus the program itself was the logical continuation of what I studied before which satisfied me deep in my IR soul.

The program is an aggregate of different components that make it very competitive and advantageous: its people, its curriculum, and its environment. The program gathers future talents from all over the world who then create a professional network; the academic staff is represented by brilliant scholars who may help students solve the puzzles and lead the latter in their academic journey; administrative staff is always ready to provide any support and help, it is also reachable, which is quite rare among universities. The curriculum is designed so to enrich the students with the tools they need when studying the region. The last is the environment that the people of the program create - it is very friendly and encouraging.

It was a rewarding experience: I met people from whom I learned a lot and some of them are still present in my current life; I improved my research and life skills that I, hopefully, will be applying further, and for all these, I shall thank the program and the people of it.

After 6 months of study in China, I decided to continue my education in Homeland. I made my choice in favor of the HSE Master Program “Socioeconomic and Political Development of Modern Asia”. It’s been a long since I imagine myself as a student of a top university, and in 2016 my dream came true. Entering the master's program, I already had 6 years of Chinese study as a supplementary education behind me. But I always realized that to reach success in this sphere I need something more than language certificates. Master’s degree took me to the next level and turn my hobby into a profession. Knowledge and skills derived from Asian studies especially in business and culture turned out to be essential during negotiations. The information I learned for these two years made me able not only to analyze and explain my Chinese colleagues’ and clients’ behavior but also to foresee it. I started to make use of my knowledge already in my second grade in HSE. For more than a year and a half, I was a Chinese customers’ manager in the medical clinical network “IVF Center”. Now I am a customer success coordinator in one of the world's biggest exhibition companies “Hyve Group” (ex. ITE). I am providing customer service on two biggest Russian exhibitions – Mosbuild and World Food. HSE diploma gave me a big advantage in employment and helped me to choose the job I really want.

I would like to thank all academic staff, by means of their help not only China but the rest of Asia opened to me from the other side. Even now, almost two years after graduation, running across my HSE teachers’ TV speeches, interviews, articles, it is very pleasant to realize that you have been taught by the best. I really appreciate the help of Olga Vilenovna Volosuk – our academic supervisor, talented professor, and brilliant specialist who guided us during the whole period.

HSE Master Course helped me to reach my potential, thanks to it I have become a real specialist in Asian Studies. If you want to become a high-level specialist who has not only language skills but is able to think like Asian people, your choice is HSE Asian Studies.

The graduate of Master’s programme “Socioeconomic and political development of modern Asia” works in the Agency for Strategic Initiatives (ASI).

Entering the programme I already had a good academic background in oriental studies that I had gained from the previous university. However, I wanted to get more practice-oriented knowledge, so the programme has lived up to my expectations completely. The curriculum of the programme covers a wide range of subjects of both theoretical and practical nature.

Right after graduation, I started working in the ASI, and today I deal with issues of the implementation of the national program “Digital Economy of the Russian Federation” in Skolkovo Innovation Center.

Despite my current work does not have much in common with Oriental studies, my Master’s courses are taught by such outstanding professors as A.A. Maslov, V.S. Myasnikova, A.A. Sizova, and, certainly, M.V. Karpov have broadened my professional mind within oriental studies. Now, this set of knowledge I gained thanks to the leading Russian orientalists helps me in writing my PhD thesis.

In his farewell speech at the ceremony of awarding diplomas to the graduates S.A. Karaganov said: “Orientalists, you are rare as white elephants”. Perhaps, exactly our graduates’ ability to thinking outside the box, wide knowledge, and outstanding approaches to completing tasks are appreciated by employers.

I graduated from the Master’s Programme “Socioeconomic and Political Development of Modern Asia” in 2016. After this I immediately got a job in a Japanese company, where I worked for about half a year. During this period, I found very useful the knowledge of Japanese traditions and mentality, which I acquired in HSE. It was quite a position, yet later on I suddenly felt that my academic proficiency was starting to slip away: Japanese bosses demanded nothing but participation in routine negotiations and filling in Excel charts.

My scientific interests were pushing forward and eventually, I decided to move on, though it was a little disturbing to leave such a cushy job. One day I came across the information about an opportunity to work in TASS News Agency. Local HRs were looking for an editor in the international department. Among the listed necessary skills, I saw the part named “deep understanding of Asian region”. “Bingo”, - immediately flashed in my mind.

Thus I became the master of vast realms. My lands lie from Mongolian steppes to Sri-Lanka cost, from Pakistani peaks to Hong Kong streets. As usual, I pay most of my attention to Japan, however the editor’s business requires daily expertise in politics, economy, and social interactions of all Asian countries.

That’s exactly what I’ve been studying in the Programme. Therefore, HSE truly helped me to bring the vision of my future to life - become a professional and find an interesting job.

2013 I graduated from Novosibirsk State Technical University with a bachelor's degree in Oriental studies. I was passionate about China and made a decision to improve my Chinese language in Beijing. After returning from Beijing where I took part in one-year language courses, I have decided to deepen my knowledge and became a student of the master’s programme «Socioeconomic and Political Development of Modern Asia» in Higher School of Economics. It is necessary to say that thanks to this programme I have gained invaluable skills in writing analytical essays. It also helped me to widen my knowledge in the area of economics and to understand the processes that occur in the East Asian region. All in all, I am satisfied with the MA programmt and I am sure that it will help me to become a good specialist.

Active social life in my country, Georgia, motivated me to challenge myself and to start pursuing new goals – I decided to continue my life in the educational sphere and I enrolled in one of the best universities in the world. HSE (High School of Economics) is the best university in Moscow which holds one of the leading positions in international rankings. Being part of HSE enables you to say that here you can become the person who is likely to change the world for the better after graduation.

I enrolled in the program of Socioeconomic and Political Development of Modern Asia offered by the Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs. You can find here extremely professional and responsible academic staff who always try to help you in your studies and help you to improve your knowledge. If you are a student of HSE, you feel part of a great team of professionals.

I have already recommended this university to my friends and I am sure they will also feel they've made the right decision because this University with great academic staff, an approach, and a level of education can change not only the life of their students but the life of other people around.

I am from Tokyo, Japan, and this is my second Master's degree since I have obtained my first Master's degree in International Business and International Finance from a business school in France. I have a more than 15-year professional experience in Investment Banks, Hedge Fund, Management Consulting, and Entrepreneurship.

The main reasons to choose this Master's programme and HSE are;

1) HSE is truly one of the top universities in Russia and the best one, which is internationally diverse;

2) the desire to broaden and get my primary specializations in Finance, Management, Global Economy, and Entrepreneurship leveraged towards areas in International Affairs and Political Science;

3) Utilizing my advantages and strengths as a Japanese native by delivering my knowledge and work experiences to our friends in classes but also willing to get inspired by our international friends and faculty as well;

4) The Russian Government Scholarship! (I greatly appreciate it)

So many people have been asking me 'Why did you choose Russia?' since I came here last year. It is simply because I have been eager to come to Russia for any purpose but I could not manage it for ages! Finally, I made a big decision to come over here and that convinced me that it was just right. Further, I have been educated in Japan, US, and France so that I have been eager to explore the Post-Socialist countries in my sight.

Japan and Russia are neighbor countries but social-economic-political cooperations between our two countries are still on the way or have just started since 2017 thanks to the Putin-Abe productive talks. Thus, this is the main objective as I strongly aim to contribute to accelerating the cooperation in these aspects between Japan and Russia after my graduation.

I fell in love with Russia when I first visited the country in 2015 as a tourist. That exciting experience motivated me to study and live in Russia. In 2016, I had the fortunate opportunity to live in Moscow and study at one of Russia’s best universities (HSE), thanks to a Russian government scholarship programme.

I never regretted leaving my home country and travelling over 9,000 km to study at HSE. The University not only provides an opportunity to acquire knowledge in the classroom but also gain invaluable new and exciting experiences. For example, interacting with local people has encouraged me to learn Russian and new cultures. In addition, HSE, which is located in the heart of Moscow, offers me a chance to experience the beauty of historic buildings, a comfortable and beautiful metro that feels like being inside a gallery museum, and a wide variety of delicious food.

I enjoy studying at the Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs, especially the Master’s programme in ‘Socioeconomic and Political Development of Modern Asia’. The learning process not only provides insight into Asian issues from a Russian perspective but also offers opportunities for foreign students to present their views on Asian issues from the viewpoint of their home countries. This is important because this kind of method allows students to approach Asian issues from different standpoints. Moreover, it has helped me to become more tolerant, as I now have an opportunity to recognize and appreciate differences.

I was glad to be an international student at HSE, Moscow. I told my Indonesian friends that Moscow is 'homey', Russian people are so warm and kind. And there weren't the only reasons that made me glad to study at HSE.

Before I came to Russia, HSE organized my accommodation, so that I wouldn't have to worry about it.  Moreover, HSE always replied quickly to emails, which was great.  As a student in Moscow, I got many discounts, from transportation to museums, zoo parks, and other public places. HSE provides an excellent education. I was getting an insight into the Russian perspective on Asia. And my Russian peers opened up my perspective, too. I was able to promote Indonesia there. Last summer, me and my roommate I, Marina Shaturskaya, traveled to Jakarta and had a great summer holiday in Meno Island, Lombok, Indonesia. For those who choose HSE to study abroad, I recommend learning the Russian basics before coming, even if you choose an English programme. So that you can more easily adapt to life here from the first day. Just like I did.

I am very glad to be a part of the student's community of the programme "Socio-economic and Political Development of Modern Asia". Thanks, HSE!

It was a big deal for me to become a student of the Master’s programme in 'Socio-economic and Political Development of Modern Asia'. After returning from Shanghai where I was on a one-year language course offered by the Chinese Government Scholarship Programme, I was so passionate about China, that I made a decision to enhance my knowledge of Asian Studies and the programme at HSE was a perfect opportunity to do so. Every course that I am currently enrolled in is new to me, as I have no previous academic background in Asian studies (I have a bachelor’s degree in international relations - International Scientific, Technological and Industrial Cooperation- from NRNU 'MEPhI'). I am very involved in the learning process, every lecture is a discovery for me and this is what I love about the Programme. Another point worth mentioning is that I have met wonderful people in the group; this is precious as well. Moreover, within just a few months, I have participated in several conferences and events that involving Chinese and English perspectives (which was a good experience); I was also a participant in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) Model hosted by HSE where I had lots of fun. Altogether, I am absolutely satisfied with my choice of programme and I will keep striving for better results, as I do believe that everything is in our own hands.

I am from Russia and I am glad that my Master’s programme courses are being taught in English. I have improved my skills in writing essays and completing other analytical tasks in English. Moreover, this experience gives me an opportunity to study with students from different European and Asian countries. I did an internship at UNIDO, where I gained invaluable experience in working in a specialized agency of the United Nations.  In addition, I was a Teaching Assistant and taught at the HSE Lyceum. Thanks to HSE, I also participated in the International Summer School in Seoul, South Korea. I am currently continuing my research, including a project conducted by an international team of scholars from Russia, Japan, and South Korea.

I graduated from the State University of Jakarta with a Bachelor in (visual art) 'Education'. Now I am a student of MA Programme, 'Socioeconomic and Political Development of Modern Asia'. I highly recommend the courses of our MA Programme because they provide students with professional knowledge and experience in Asian studies. Although the programme is taught in English, we can also attend classes of Russian as a Foreign Language. Russian is quite difficult at the start, but it is so interesting and unique.

I hope to use my skills for a career in the international sphere and to promote Indonesian and Russian culture through art, music and dance.

I am from Yogyakarta, Indonesia. I graduated from Osmania University, Hyderabad, India, in the Department of Social Science. After I graduated, I took the Russian Language Course in Belgorod Technological State University for one year. In 2016, I enrolled at the National Research University Higher School of Economics in the Master's Programme 'Socioeconomic and Political Development of Modern Asia', administered by the School of Asian Studies.

Being Indonesian, I understand Indonesian needs in the professional world – “planners” (assistants with possible solutions) and “searchers” (those with a desperate need) working towards international development, mostly in the Asia region. The programme curriculum has thus far been more than adequate in providing the information that I need to achieve my goals. I also had the opportunity to collaborate with both international and Russian organizations in Moscow. Right now, my goal is to find a position at a company, preferably in Indonesia, where I can continue to develop and take on new challenges, and, over time, to give back to my country. Ultimately, I’d like to assume more management responsibilities. I want to build my career in the field of urban planning strategy.

I graduated from L.N.Gumilyov Eurasian National University in Astana, Kazakhstan. While doing my bachelor's degree in Regional Studies (U.S. and EU) I was interested in diplomacy and had the opportunity to work in different embassies in Astana. I have also been volunteering as part of a project in the social adaptation of orphanages, 'bestforkids.kz', for the last 4 years. Besides, I am a freelance journalist.

My research experience includes 'Terrorism and Extremism in Western Europe' as a Bachelor's student. Here, as part of the MA programme 'Socioeconomic and Political Development of Modern Asia' at HSE, my academic interests include conflict studies with a focus on the Middle East and, in particular, political Islam and the anti-terror policy, Alliance of China-Pakistan-Tajikistan-Afghanistan.

You can find some of my articles here.

I am a Ukrainian student and graduated from Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University with a bachelor’s degree in Philology (qualification of Bachelor of Philology, Teacher of English Language and Foreign Literature) in 2015 and obtained a further degree in ‘Translation’ (qualification of Philologist, Translator from English and Chinese, Teacher of English and Chinese Languages). I also studied the Chinese language at the College of Intensive Chinese Language Studies (Beijing Language and Culture University and Zhejiang Normal University).

Since 2016, I have been a student in the MA Programme 'Socioeconomic and Political Development of Modern Asia' at HSE. This programme gives me the opportunity to improve my knowledge and to widen my perspective in the field of economic and socio-political studies of modern Asia. I am also enhancing my research/scientific skills. The knowledge I have gained over the course of my study will help me to be an expert in my field in the future.

I graduated from Padzhadzharan University, Indonesia, in International Relations. Now I am focusing on Asian Studies in my Master's programme. I have participated in HSE's seminars and cultural events, and even did an internship. Since last June, I have been working at HSE's International Admission Office and I obtained valuable knowledge and experience as a result.

Here are the two greatest and memorable pieces of feedback that I received from HSE teachers: 

1) Professor Rogozhina: 'The essay is really good, although the conclusion could have been a bit longer. I think it definitely deserves 9 points. Maybe even 10, if you improve the conclusion and some other minor things!'

2) Professor Volosyuk: 'You have chosen the right title for your Master's thesis, but I recommend a different one for your PhD!'

I graduated with a bachelor's degree in Asian Studies (China and the Chinese language) from Far Eastern Federal University, 2016. I was the initiator and co-founder of 'Pacifica Student Science Club' (as I did a major in educative activities concerning the Asia-Pacific Region). I also worked as a volunteer at the XXVII Summer Universiade in Kazan and taught Chinese to primary school pupils in Vladivostok. My scientific interests include cinema studies, cultural studies, and anthropology and my professional interests include social entrepreneurship, public policy, and social work. I am currently studying in the MA programme: 'Socioeconomic and Political Development of Modern Asia', which I very much enjoy.