«I always recommend being open-minded»
Oscar Mendoza graduated from the Political Science and World Politics program in 2023. He has recently finished his master’s program in Europe and is planning to continue his academic career. We have asked Oscar to share his impressions of studying at the HSE University and advice for international students.
Oscar, how did you learn about HSE, and why did you decide to study here?
I wanted to study abroad, and I was looking for the best university I could afford. I looked through some international university rankings and found HSE, which was not as expensive as other institutions of comparable quality and status. So, I started reading reviews about the education process, dormitories, and the country in general. For me, that was too attractive, so I decided that it would be the place I wanted to study in.
Then I checked the curriculum of the program and saw a variety of courses about politics, international relations, and international law. Also, the program offered robust training in quantitative and qualitative methods of research, and I always knew it was very important for those pursuing a career in academia.
Was it easy for you to adapt to the study process and generally to living in Russia?
Well, it was difficult, on the one hand. I had never been to Russia and did not know the language. At the same time, such challenges motivate you. You want to know about the people, the language, and the culture. The university also supported us throughout the whole migration process, so all went smoothly. When I met my friends in St. Petersburg, from Russia and abroad, it all became much easier. People here are open and ready to help.
So maybe at the beginning it wasn't easy, but it was very rewarding afterwards.
What would you consider the most interesting part of the study process?
There are a lot of things. First, it was the one that I mentioned before: there were a lot of different subjects, and we had an opportunity to specialize in something we liked the most. For example, we could choose a regional track. I focused on Europe and learned a lot about the European Union and its politics.
What I also liked a lot is the communication mode with professors. All professors here are available and eager to help you. You may even contact them on social media, and that’s super nice. The university provides you with great opportunities for networking with your fellow students and the faculty.
Also, I should mention facilities at the university: not just the classrooms, but also the library and the cafeteria.
Speaking of St. Petersburg and Russia in general, what was the most interesting for you?
St. Petersburg is super beautiful. It's like an open museum. The whole city is interesting, especially in summer, during the white nights, when the city is alive 24/7. There are a lot of activities to do, like going to the sea and taking a boat. But there is something to do in all seasons. I personally like winter. The atmosphere when it snows is wonderful.
I had an opportunity to travel through the country. I went to places like Moscow, Samara, and Sochi. All cities are very different. Russia is huge and diverse. Here the transportation system is well developed, so it was easy for me to travel by train.
Which skills you obtained from the program were the most important to you?
When I finished HSE, I went for a master’s program in Europe. There I realized how important it is to be proficient in various research methods. It is also crucial for the contemporary labor market. We had very useful courses in qualitative and quantitative methods. We studied different software, as well as how to conduct interviews, ethnographic research, etc.
Also, networking skills have proved to be important. This is an important skill I got from HSE. It helps to make friends and communicate with your colleagues.
What are your future plans?
I have graduated from my master’s program. Now I am waiting for replies from some European universities regarding my PhD applications. I like doing research and would like to pursue my career as a researcher.
What advice would you give to our future applicants from Latin American countries?
When I tell someone that I have studied in Russia, they are surprised, maybe because they think it is too difficult and expensive to study there. In fact, it is not. So, I always recommend being open-minded. There’s the world outside, and I would recommend stepping out of the comfort zone. HSE is a very prestigious university and is definitely worth it.
So, at the end, I would just encourage my Latin American fellows to go and to try and live that experience because that's very unique. I really think that that's very unique, and that's something that I'm really glad to have experienced. That's why I go back to Russia every time I can, because I really like my life there.