'I Think It Is Fate': Student from Vietnam on Her Exchange Studies at HSE University-St Petersburg
Dao Khanh Linh, exchange student on the track 'Economics', came from Vietnam for one semester. During her studies at HSE University-St Petersburg, she found new friends, fell in love with the Russian language and made a list of top places in St Petersburg. Read on to find out about her plans for the future, work at the International Partners' Week and other interesting moments.
— Why did you choose HSE University-St Petersburg?
— I think it is fate. I have always loved the music of Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich. It still inspires me to study Russian.
In summer 2024, I learnt about the student exchange programme between HSE University and National Economics University in Vietnam where I am studying 'Corporate Finance' in the third year. At that moment, I thought: 'If there is an exchange programme on which one can go to Moscow, there must be the same one in St Petersburg'.
I like the geographical location and the city itself. Classical European architecture, a sea port... I thought that St Petersburg was more spacious and diverse than Moscow.
I spent a lot of time looking for information about the programme, checking all the sources: from news to graduates lists. Finally, I reached my goal, plucked up the courage and prepared all the documents required for the application. It is the decision I have never regretted!
— What was your impression of Russia?
— Russians are interesting and open people. When I need help, no one refuses me. An interesting story happened at the airport: it was my first international flight—completely independent and very long. My friend from HSE University met me. He had to wait for several hours because they lost my luggage. But he did not complain and enthusiastically helped me to get to the dormitory.
— What profession do you want to get?
— At HSE University-St Petersburg, I study corporate finance in the framework of the exchange programme. I want to get practical experience in the sphere of investments and additional skills in foreign languages, psychology and communications.
— What is the difference between higher education in Vietnam and Russia?
— In Vietnam, the system is aimed more at theory with the focus on memorising the information. Russia, especially such institutions as HSE University-St Petersburg, prefers a more analytical and practice-oriented approach. A lot of attention is given to the research and students' involvement in them, as well as the development of critical thinking.
Obviously, daily life is different too. Vietnam is very focused on tourists, we have very tasty and affordable food. At home, I feel daily support from my family. In Russia, life is more independent and structured—students often live on their own. At first, the weather, language barrier and cultural differences can be challenging, but they also contribute to your personal development and knowledge building. In general, both life and studies in Russia give more independence. I think it's very useful.
— Could you tell us about your professors and groupmates.
— My favourite lecturers are associate professor Ignaty Telekhov and Russian language professor Olga Tarakanova. I like every class with them. They always try to help their students. To my mind, their approach is very creative and positive. Classes are very comfortable for me, so I always look forward to them.
My groupmates are well-versed both in theoretical and practical parts of our courses. They have a huge professional experience, it impresses me a lot! I try to take the best from them.
— Are you considering an opportunity to stay in Russia after completing your studies?
— After completing my studies, I will go back to Vietnam, nevertheless. There, I will explore the opportunities for work and studies in different parts of the world. Of course, Russia is one of the places which will be on my list.
— How are your studies of Russian going? Does it seem difficult?
— I started my preparations for the arrival in advance. The studies of the Russian language became a part of my routine a year before I applied for the exchange programme. But, to be honest, when I arrived in St Petersburg, I completely forgot everything I knew.
In fact, the Russian language is difficult: there are a lot of rules and cases, declension and so on. I am grateful to my tutor, who makes my studies much more pleasant.
— Do you have any favourite places in St Petersburg? How do you spend your leisure time?
— I was born and raised in the port city, so the proximity of a sea is important to me. I like enjoying the breeze and smell the salt... I really like Kronstadt and Peterhof, places near the gulf. I often spend time there, walk around, look at trees and the sea... I feel in the right place when I go to such sites.
— Could you tell us about your communication with other international students?
— At HSE University-St Petersburg, there is one Vietnamese student with whom I get on well. He is preparing to get a master's degree. We have very warm relations—he helped me a lot when I was new in this city. Having learnt that my semester was coming to an end, and I was going back to Vietnam, he got really upset as I am his best friend here.
In the dormitory, I met people from all over the world—Europe, Asia, America—and thanks to it, I felt like a part of the global community. Everyone brings the peculiarities of their culture to our common life. International students organise plenty of events such as cultural festivals, which do not only help us feel at home but also allow us to get to know the traditions of other peoples and communicate beyond academic environment.
— What was the highlight of your stay in Russia?
— Perhaps, it was the International Partners' Week. I accompanied the delegates from my university in Vietnam, made a lot of new friends and contributed to promoting the reputation of our university.
It was pleasant for me to communicate with the students of HSE University-St Petersburg in my native language. Every time the students saw me, they tried to speak only Vietnamese. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to participate in such a professional and huge event which gathered people from all over the world.
