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Gisel Sarahi Vergara Herrera, second-year student of the Master’s programme ‘Arts and Culture Management,’ became a winner of the StudRussia all-Russian competition for international students. Her project was awarded the first prize in the ‘Creative Spirit’ category. Read on to find out about Gisel’s work and experience of participating in such a large-scale contest for international students.

Language anxiety, crumbling of the usual ‘self’–practically every international student faces these and other challenges. On October 10, the World Mental Health Day, psychologists from HSE University-St Petersburg Tatiana Kazantseva and Ksenia Kashentseva shared how they help students overcome difficulties and adapt to life in a new country.

Expert sessions, an introduction to Russian culture, and international networking—on September 17–22, Nizhny Novgorod hosted the World Youth Festival Assembly. It united more than two thousand people from 120 countries and various Russian regions and universities, including HSE University–St Petersburg.

HSE University held a diploma-awarding ceremony on the 1st July, 2025 to honor the graduates of its master’s programme in Arts and Culture Management. The event celebrated the academic achievements of students, with special recognition given to those who graduated with distinction.The ceremony brought together graduates, faculty members to commemorate the hard work and dedication of the students. The programme, known for its rigorous curriculum and interdisciplinary approach, equips students with advanced knowledge in art history, cultural studies, and arts management, preparing them for leadership roles in the creative and cultural sectors.

On March 16, the New Stage of the Alexandrinsky Theatre will hold the fifth CIBA—an annual educational conference devoted to creative industries. The event is organised by curators and students of HSE University-St Petersburg together with representatives of the New Stage. This year's topic is trend watching, as symbolised by Tetris—reflecting the need to adapt quickly and think ahead in the industry. Entry to the event is free, but advance registration is required.

A delegation from HSE University-St Petersburg participated in the largest educational forum-exhibition of the Asia-Pacific Association for International Education 'APAIE 2024'. The twentieth-anniversary conference was held in the Australian city of Perth.

As the academic year comes to its end, Master's students begin to wonder more often what is awaiting them after graduation. International students from the School of Economics and Management share their plans for future professional and academic life.

Arts and Culture Management unites students from variuos regions and different backgrounds. Today, second-year student Sun Yihan shares her experience with getting to know St. Petersburg, studying at the programme, and taking an internship at a luxury hotel located in the heart of the city.