HSE Helps You Believe in Yourself, Do Your Best and Get What You Want

A lot of graduates of HSE Perm continue their master’s education abroad. What difficulties do they face? Does studying at HSE help them to adjust to the programme in a foreign university? Elizaveta Korovina, graduate of the bachelor’s programme in Economics, shared her experience of studying on the master’s programme at IAE Toulouse Université 1 Capitole and her impressions of HSE.

Study at HSE

When I was applying for university,I had a choice of three in Ekaterinburg and Perm. At that time, I didn't have the opportunity to go far away to study, so I chose HSE Perm. This university is the best in economics in our region, I would even say that it is one of the best universities in Russia. I’m so glad that I chose it. HSE gives you a lot: you meet new people, you get contacts and opportunities. The university helps you to believe in yourself, do your best and get what you want.

During my studies there were both difficult and easy disciplines, but the lecturers managed to maintain a balance. Regular small tests during our studies meant that we were always prepared, and so it was quite easy to pass our exams. Moreover, our lecturers were always ready to help us if we needed it. I remember that during the first half of the semester we were pretty relaxed – there were few classes, and the lecturers didn’t give us many tasks. But later we had to concentrate as the workload increased. We had tests on difficult subjects and then the session, so we had to work intensively.

I have two particularly vivid impressions from studying at HSE. The first one is connected to studying the programme of student mobility at HSE Moscow.

It was very interesting to compare teaching approaches, the interaction between students and programme supervisors, student life and, of course, to visit this beautiful city, which is full of opportunities.

The second impression is connected with our graduate party. I couldn’t even imagine that it could be both so solemn and heartwarming at the same time. It was very nice to hear kind words and feel support from our lecturers.

From Perm to France

Now I’m a first-year master’s student at M1 Finance at IAE Université Toulouse 1 Capitole (Institut d'entreprise or Administrative Toulouse School of Management) in France. The programme is taught in English. The first year refreshes many students' knowledge of the last two years of their bachelor’s studies: a lot of subjects are repeated, though there are some new ones.

There are only two sessions here unlike at HSE, where we had a session after each module. At the middle of each semester we have a one-week break (excluding Christmas vacations). The first semester lasts from September to the middle of December, the second one – from January to the middle of April. Until the end of August we have a mandatory paid internship, which lasts at least three months. If you don’t apply for an internship, you won’t be able to pass the M1 exam. During our first year we don’t write research papers, instead, we apply for an internship.

During the second year you only need to write a thesis if you plan on choosing an academic career path. If not, you apply for a longer internship. The final assessment includes a test (making up 25-30% of the final mark) that is held in the middle of semester and the exam (75-80% of the total) at the end of it.

It’s rather interesting that during your studies the lecturers don’t share your marks for the tests and seminars with you. We got the results for the first semester only at the beginning of the second one. I should say that personally, I find it pretty annoying.

I have mixed feelings about studying in France. On one hand, it is very interesting. It's a unique experience, with new friends and opportunities. On the other hand, there is a lot of paperwork involved in getting a visa, insurance, and CAF (financial aid from the state to those students who rent accommodation). In any case, I'm glad that I had this experience. I plan to pass M1 and M2 on corporate Finance and then find a job. I might even start my own business. But now I'm just trying to gain some experience.