– Where did you study? What field did you choose for your studies? What inspired you to study in this field?
I have studied at Higher School of Economics in Saint Petersburg. I chose MA in Global and Regional History Programme as the field for my studies. I cannot say that it was only my childhood dream to study history but also an understanding the crucial role the history occupies in the contemporary world by developing specific associations in our minds.
– How did you find information about your university? Did you have a scholarship? If yes full or partial?
Okajak website was the first place where I found out about Higher School Economics and that this academic institution offers a very interesting master’s program in history.
Yes, I had been granted HSE Gold Scholarship for Master`s studies which covered the cost of tuition. The admitted students have to cover the living expenses, including accommodation, themselves.
– When and how did you apply for university? What was the application process? What documents were required? How did you send your documents? Was there a requirement for any test results?
There were two main steps: meeting the portfolio criteria and the interview with the teaching staff of the university. For the portfolio, you have to collect all the necessary documents and apply via Personal account page. Necessary documents include CV, all scanned copies of diplomas that you have, motivation letter, two letters of recommendations, and test results of TOEFL or IELTS. After the submission, my documents were reviewed by the university, and afterwards I was invited for the interview with the academic staff.
– Could you share some of your future academic and career aspirations, and how your time at university has prepared you for them?
As I already mentioned, to study history was my childhood dream. I was always fascinated by the picturesque descriptions of foreign countries and how they develop over specific period. During my Master’s studies, I have studied that history of humanity should be analyzed comparatively from case to case because we all see our world differently. I always wanted to study history that helps to kind of understand our current world.
– What were some of the challenges you faced during application process and/or during studies, and how did you overcome them?
I have not experienced any problems while applying to the university. You have to follow all the instructions and collect all the necessary documents in advance. The studying was challenging and interesting, but I think that is the way it is supposed to be, if it was not challenging, I probably would not have learned anything. Studying hard is the way to overcome challenges.
– Lastly, do you have any tips or advice for prospective students who want to study at the same university?
I just want to share with the prospective students my very positive impressions of the Higher School of Economics. It is really innovative academic institution which concentrates in providing high-quality teaching and training. Students also have a possibility of choosing to major either in history or in anthropology if they apply for the MA in Global and Regional History Programme. Moreover, Higher School of Economics have many other programs that might interest you, so do not hesitate to explore the opportunities this university offers.