More than studies: the experience of academic mobility at the University of Malaya
My academic mobility at the University of Malaya, which took place from September 2025 to February 2026, became much more than just a study experience. It was a period of personal growth, new perspectives and meaningful connections that I will carry with me long after it ended.
My semester included courses such as Financial Economics, Accounting and Finance for Decision Making, Applied Financial Econometrics, Corporate Real Estate, Real Estate Finance and Investment, and Feminist and Gender Theories. Many of the topics in finance and econometrics were already familiar to me thanks to my studies at HSE University, which gave me confidence from the very beginning.
At the same time, some courses brought new and valuable skills. Applied Financial Econometrics was particularly useful because I was introduced to a new software program, EViews, which expanded my technical toolkit and will likely be helpful for my future academic and professional work.
My impressions of the courses were quite mixed. The real estate subjects — Corporate Real Estate and Real Estate Finance and Investment — unfortunately felt very theoretical and, at times, disconnected from real-world practice. In fact, this was a broader issue across most courses: apart from Feminist and Gender Theories, the teaching often lacked real-life cases and practical applications. The only opportunity to apply knowledge in practice was through final group projects, but this felt insufficient.
In contrast, some courses stood out in a very positive way. Feminist and Gender Theories was the most interesting course for me. It involved a lot of reflection, open discussions, and exchange of opinions. I am really glad I had the opportunity to take it as an elective, as it broadened my perspective beyond my main field of study. Another course I truly enjoyed was Financial Economics, mainly because the lectures were conducted almost entirely in a discussion format. It was a refreshing contrast to more traditional lecture styles.
Despite the fact that much of the material was manageable for me, the academic system itself was more challenging than I expected. The grading system was stricter, and exams required a high level of precision and preparation. This meant that even familiar topics demanded serious effort to achieve good results.
What truly defined my mobility, however, was the people and the environment. I was lucky to find a group of friends from other Russian universities, and very quickly they became an important part of my daily life. Together we celebrated New Year’s Eve far away from home, which was emotional and unforgettable. We spent evenings playing board games, talking, and simply enjoying each other’s company. We also went hiking, exploring nature and taking a break from the academic routine. These moments created a sense of belonging in a completely new place.
At the same time, being in an international environment was not always easy. Many students were from Asian countries, and I noticed that our approaches to studying, communication, and teamwork were often quite different. In group projects, this sometimes led to misunderstandings or disagreements. There were moments when I had to adapt and rethink my own communication style.
In the end, we managed to overcome these differences, and this experience became an important lesson in flexibility, patience, and collaboration.
Looking back, I realize that this experience changed me in subtle but important ways. I became more independent, more confident in unfamiliar situations, and more aware of cultural differences. I also learned how to balance confidence in my knowledge with openness to new perspectives.
For my future career, this mobility gave me much more than just academic knowledge. It strengthened my background in finance and econometrics and introduced me to new tools. At the same time, it showed me the importance of practical application of knowledge and helped me better understand what kind of learning and work environment suits me best. Most importantly, I developed strong soft skills — the ability to adapt, communicate across cultures, and work through challenges in a team.
My time at the University of Malaya was not just a semester abroad — it was an experience that challenged me, supported my growth and helped me better understand both myself and my future goals. It is something I will always remember as an important step in my academic and personal journey.
The article was prepared by Ksenia Turenko, a 2nd year student of the Master's Programme “Finance”
