Master’s Program in International Business in the Asia-Pacific Region: Student Insights and Opportunities
We conducted several interviews with students and graduates of the program to introduce you to the key reasons why students choose it. What can be learned here and in which directions can experience be expanded.
“THE REQUIREMENTS ARE CLEAR, TRANSPARENT, AND EASY TO UNDERSTAND…” Natalia Vasileva, HSE Student on academic mobility program In China
Aged 23, Natalia Vasileva is a Master degree student originating from Russia, where she integrated the Higher School of Economics, Saint Petersburg as a Bachelors’ degree student of International Business. Currently, she resides in China as a winner of the academic mobility program and shares her experiences
Natalia Vasileva: I completed my Bachelor’s degree in International Business at HSE, and I genuinely liked the academic standard and the range of opportunities the university offers. My Bachelor’s program gave me a strong foundation for professional development in my field and also allowed me to take part in extracurricular activities, especially research projects and international exchange. That overall experience made continuing at HSE a natural choice for me.
HSE: How did the transfer process go? Was it difficult?
Natalia Vasileva: The application process for academic mobility wasn’t very difficult. I would say it’s realistic to prepare the full document package in a calm, organized way in about a week. The International Mobility Office and the Master’s program office are also very supportive — they always help and answer questions quickly. The requirements are clear, transparent, and easy to understand. Yes, mobility programs are competitive, but I believe it’s absolutely achievable if you prepare carefully and pay attention to details.
HSE: Why did you choose China’s XJTLU for your university mobility program (https://spb.hse.ru/io/studyabroad/)
Natalia Vasileva: I was specifically considering universities in China, because during my first year of the Master’s program I started learning Chinese, and I really wanted to continue in a natural language environment. XJTLU attracted me because of its wide range of courses. It has a large and dedicated Business School with a very strong pool of modules that matched both my interests and my home curriculum requirements. I also liked that the university has an active international student community and strong partnerships that make integration easier. And honestly, the campus is very modern and beautiful. The location is another big advantage: Suzhou is a stunning city, and it’s also very close to Shanghai — only about 30 minutes away, which makes the experience even richer.
HSE: How were you received by the Chinese counterpart?
Natalia Vasileva: The reception was very well organized. There was a student pick-up at Shanghai airport, and a transfer directly to the university. So for anyone worried about arriving, getting to campus, or figuring things out at the beginning, it’s manageable and you won’t be left alone.
HSE: Have you been able to adapt to the Chinese educational system compared to Russia?
Natalia Vasileva: Yes, although there are some important differences. For instance, assessment can be stricter, and there is a mandatory attendance requirement (70%), otherwise the course may not be credited. But overall, these are the kinds of rules you can adapt to fairly quickly once you understand the expectations.
HSE: Did you transfer within the same field of study? If yes, why?
Natalia Vasileva: I chose courses within the same academic area as my Master’s program. Most of my modules are related to business and research. I also take a separate Chinese language course. Studying Chinese here is actually great, and I highly recommend it to future exchange students. There are two options — standard and intensive. The intensive track requires a lot of time and effort, but it gives you a very solid language base. The Chinese department also organizes extracurricular activities like calligraphy workshops, cultural experiences (for example, taking photos in traditional outfits), and small trips, which makes learning much more immersive.
HSE: Would you recommend your transfer university based on your experience?
Natalia Vasileva: Overall, yes. Even with some challenges, an exchange is an amazing opportunity to live in another country, learn a different culture, travel, and build new friendships. For our program, I think it’s especially valuable, if you study international business in the Asia-Pacific region but have never been to Asia, it can be hard to fully understand the cultural context.
HSE: What do you think HSE students seek from study abroad programs?
Natalia Vasileva: There are several reasons. Firstly, students want international academic experience: different teaching styles and new perspectives in their field. Secondly, studying abroad helps build strong career capital: language skills, cross-cultural communication, and an international network that can be useful for internships and future jobs. Another reason is personal growth — learning to be independent, adapting to a new environment, and gaining confidence. And finally, for many students, exchange programs are also a way to explore a country and culture more deeply and to understand where they might want to work or study in the future.
HSE: Any extraordinary event or something you’d like the HSE community to know?
Natalia Vasileva: What surprised me most is that in China, many things feel very different, especially the level of digitalization. Everyday life is incredibly convenient: many services — from payments to ordering food are handled through apps, and these apps often have built-in translation tools. Because of that, language barriers in cafes, shops, or other everyday situations feel much less intimidating, even at the very beginning. I was also genuinely impressed by the city itself: its beauty, cleanliness, safety, and how green it is. Suzhou feels very well maintained, and there are parks, trees, and landscaped areas almost everywhere. What stood out to me most is that even the smallest residential neighborhoods are thoughtfully designed and visually pleasant, which makes everyday life here comfortable and inspiring
“HSE ATTRACTED ME BECAUSE IT COMBINES ACADEMIC RIGOR WITH A CLEAR INTERNATIONAL VISION” Samuel Ayuk, HSE Ambassador, Alumni, 2023-2025
Samuel Ayuk, 27, is a fine communicator, public speaker and social activist who grabs every opportunity that comes his way, in a bid to share his vision with the world. Between 2023 and 2025, he read International Business in the Asian Pacific at HSE’s campus of Saint Petersburg, wherein he graduated as one of the best in his class
HSE: Could you tell us a bit about yourself, your home country, and what program you completed at HSE?
Samuel Ayuk: My name is Samuel Ayuk ENOWMANYI, and I am from Cameroon, a country with a young population and a strong aspiration for international education, but also significant structural barriers to access. I completed a Master’s degree in International Business at HSE University, Saint Petersburg, as a winner of the Russian Scholarship. My academic journey has always been closely linked to leadership, communication, and building institutional bridges between Africa and global education systems.
HSE: What attracted you to Saint Petersburg and HSE when you were choosing a university?
Samuel Ayuk: HSE attracted me because it combines academic rigor with a clear international vision. I was particularly drawn to its research-driven approach, its strong international student body, extra-curricular life and its openness to students from the Global South. Saint Petersburg, as a historic academic city, offered an intellectually stimulating environment that aligned with my background in debate, public speaking, and critical inquiry.
HSE: How would you describe the support you received from the International Office during the admission process?
Samuel Ayuk: The International Office played a critical role in making my admission process manageable. From scholarship-related guidance to visa documentation and enrollment procedures, the communication was structured and dependable. This support was essential, especially as a student transitioning from Africa into a different academic and administrative system.
HSE: Which aspects of the academic environment stood out for you?
Samuel Ayuk: What stood out most was the emphasis on critical thinking and dialogue. Faculty members encouraged questioning, structured debate, and applied analysis, an approach that resonated strongly with my background in competitive debate and public speaking. The academic environment rewarded initiative and intellectual independence rather than passive learning.
HSE: How did you find living in Saint Petersburg, and what resources helped you settle in?
Samuel Ayuk: Living in Saint Petersburg was both challenging and enriching. The cultural shift and climate required adjustment, but the university’s support structures, student dormitories, orientation programs, and international student communities made integration possible. Peer networks, especially among international students, were crucial in building a sense of belonging.
HSE: In what ways has your HSE degree influenced your professional trajectory or further studies?
Samuel Ayuk: My HSE education directly shaped my professional path in international education and leadership. It strengthened my capacity to engage institutions, design outreach initiatives, and represent HSE internationally. This was evident in my role as an International Ambassador of HSE, including my official academic visit to Cameroon, where I engaged universities, schools, and stakeholders on scholarships and academic cooperation.
HSE: What single piece of advice would you give to someone considering studying at HSE Saint Petersburg?
Samuel Ayuk: My advice would be: be intentional. HSE offers opportunities beyond the classroom, but students must actively engage academically, institutionally, and culturally to fully benefit from them.
The master's program attracts students from diverse backgrounds and with various bachelor's degrees. International students who had not previously studied international business share their impressions. What attracted them to the program and what are their main expectations from studying at the university – we found out from Daniel and Samantha.
“THE CITY IS COOL, EXCEPT FOR THE WEATHER…” Daniel Adu-Appiah, International Student on Scholarship from Africa
Masters 1 student reading International Business in the Asian Pacific region. The 29-year-old student originates from Ghana, in the Western part of Africa. Smart, Daniel has a scientific background with specialization in medics. He intends to run corporate activities after his studies at HSE
Daniel Adu-Appiah: I am Daniel from Ghana. I am a professional medical laboratory scientist. Ghana is the most peaceful country in Sub-Saharan Africa… I study International Business in the Asia Pacific region.
HSE: What attracted you to Saint Petersburg and HSE when you were choosing a university?
Daniel Adu-Appiah: I was first attracted to the school by reason of its location. I mean, the city of Saint Petersburg through my attention.
HSE: How would you describe the support you received from the International Office during the admission process?
Daniel Adu-Appiah: The support I received from the International Office was great. So immense and helpful. The admission office helped me every step of the way. They responded to my emails all the time.
HSE: Which aspects of the academic environment (faculty-student interaction, research opportunities) stood out for you?
Daniel Adu-Appiah: I have been enjoying almost all class seminars so far. Class is interactive, and I enjoy it.
HSE: How do you find living in Saint Petersburg, and what resources helped you settle in?
Daniel Adu-Appiah: Living in Saint Petersburg is great. Everything is great about the city, except for the weather… Regarding settling in, I was helped by a Ghanaian company upon arrival…
Aku Samantha
HSE: Which aspects of the academic environment (faculty-student interaction, research opportunities) stood out for you?
Aku Samantha: I would say the research aspect stood out for me; mostly because I didn't really study research methodology during my bachelor's programme.
HSE: What single piece of advice would you give to someone considering studying at HSE Saint Petersburg?
Aku Samantha: Well, I wouldn’t recommend HSE to an international student who would like to work and study at the same time. Combining both activities is quite difficult and time-resourceful.
HSE: Thank you!
