‘HSE University–St Petersburg is Perfect for What I Was Seeking’
Every year, HSE University–St Petersburg welcomes international students from around the world not only for full-time programmes of all levels but also for academic mobility. This year, Michel Young Hernandez, a student from the Mexico Autonomous Institute of Technology, is among them. In this interview, Michel shares his experience of studying at HSE University–St Petersburg as an exchange student, why he decided to participate in the international mobility programme, and what his life in a new cultural landscape has been like.
— Why did you choose Russia and HSE University–St Petersburg in particular?
— I really wanted to experience a completely new culture, something totally different from what I am used to at home. I have always been curious about exploring places that feel like a world apart, and Russia suited this aspiration perfectly. The culture shock has been significant and sometimes challenging, but I have thoroughly enjoyed it. This experience is exciting and eye-opening. Russia is far more beautiful than I ever imagined. St Petersburg is incredible—I would rank it alongside some of the finest cities in the world, like top European ones. The culture one can experience here is absolutely remarkable, with so much history and art everywhere.
I chose HSE University because it is an outstanding institution with a wide range of courses to select from. It truly attracted me. In Mexico, my study plan is highly rigid, with mostly mandatory courses and only one semester to choose our own topics. Here, it is the opposite. I can take subjects I am genuinely interested in and learn from professors who bring professional experience to the table. My expectations have definitely been exceeded. HSE University–St Petersburg is perfect for what I was seeking.
— Can you give an example of a culture shock you experienced?
— In Latin America, we are passionate about playing music in public spaces. It is simply part of life. For instance, when you are cooking, you have music playing loudly, and everyone is enjoying it. However, here, it is not really common. I would be in the dormitory kitchen, cooking and playing my music, and the Russian students would look at me as if to say: ‘What is he doing? Why is he so loud?’ Initially, I found it strange. I was thinking: ‘Why are they so quiet? Do they not enjoy life? Come on, relax!’
However, later, I noticed that some people actually enjoyed my music. They would approach me and ask about it. Once, two people approached me near the dormitory and said that they had heard about me—a guy from the second floor who always played music while cooking. Their friends shared some of the songs I played because they said the music was really good. I was surprised but in a positive way. That moment showed me how music could bridge our cultural differences, and it had a significant impact on how I view those interactions now.
— Russian culture is very rich and vivid. Have you developed a passion for any part of it, like music, literature, or history?
— I have been fascinated by the history and culture of different countries since I was about 10 years old. It began with a general curiosity about the world. When I started learning Chinese, I became deeply interested in Chinese culture. It was as if an entirely new universe had opened up for me. At university, I went through what I call my ‘Russian era,’ during which I tried to absorb as much as I could about Russian history and culture, reading books and watching documentaries. However, living here is a completely different level. It is one thing to read about Russia, but to walk the streets and feel the history in person is entirely different. The stories I have read come to life here. This trip has deepened my passion for Russian history, particularly the revolutionary periods of it and their visible influence on today's culture.
— Could you share your experience with the Russian language course? Can you already speak Russian?
— I am genuinely enjoying it, though it is quite challenging. Russian is an undoubtedly difficult language to learn, but it is highly useful, particularly with current global developments. In Mexico, we see increased investments from Russia, so the language is becoming more popular at home. Being able to speak it fluently would be a significant advantage for my career.
The Russian courses at HSE University are excellent. They are well-structured and practical. I can understand far more than I can speak. I am not fluent but I am making progress. Honestly, I learn the most by immersing myself in situations where I must speak, such as going to bars or ordering food at restaurants. One has no choice but to try, and that is when one learns the fastest. The alphabet was somewhat daunting initially, but it is not as formidable as it appears. Half of the letters are from the Latin alphabet, and the Cyrillic ones can be mastered with effort. I appreciate how direct the language is. It feels straightforward once one grasps it. With study and practice, it begins to come together.
— How have your courses here contributed to your understanding of international relations?
— The courses here have been transformative for me. For instance, I am taking a course on Islam and Politics, which is something we scarcely cover in Mexico due to our historical context. There are perhaps one or two mosques in the entire country, so there is little direct engagement with that region. I took a course on the Middle East in Mexico, but it was quite basic compared to what I am learning here. The perspective at HSE University is clearly different, and being able to compare what I learned at home with what I am encountering here is immensely valuable.
It is not only the classes, however. Interacting with people from diverse backgrounds here enriches the experience significantly. One cannot achieve that from merely reading a textbook or attending a lecture. The discussions and real-world insights I am gaining are profoundly shaping how I perceive global politics.
— You are taking a class on Islamic political culture. Do you see a connection to global politics or your passion for international relations?
— That course is fascinating because it explores topics we do not address much in Mexico. I am also enrolled in a course on urbanism and politics, which I would love to pursue for my master’s degree. In Mexico, we do not have courses like that in our programme, so coming to HSE University–St Petersburg was a wise decision. I can select subjects that truly align with my interests, topics that are not typically taught where I am from. Both courses are directly connected to global politics. Urbanism concerns how cities shape societies, and the Islam and Politics course provides a deeper understanding of regions that are pivotal on the global stage. All these things are tied to my passion for international relations and are prompting me to think about the world in new ways.
As for the course on urbanism, it prompted me to consider a major question: how does one actually approach urbanism in a city? It is not just about buildings. It involves people, resources, and planning for the future. We had an exam in which each student presented a city from around the world. I chose Mexico City, and my classmates presented cities from America, Asia, and Europe. Seeing the diversity of urban challenges and solutions was astonishing. It broadened my understanding of how different cities address growth and modernisation. With the global population increasingly shifting towards cities rather than rural areas, the primary challenges of the future will be urban, such as traffic, housing, and sustainability. Those who understand these issues will have endless opportunities, as it is a global trend. It has led me to seeing modernisation not only as a matter of technology but also as how societies adapt to change.
— What has your experience of living in Russia been like?
— Coming from Mexico, the safety here astonished me. Russia is far safer than most places in Latin America. In my city, I would not contemplate walking around at three or four in the morning, but here, I can do it without hesitation. I enjoy late-night walks, so that has been a major benefit. The weather has been an adventure. It was only my third time seeing snow, so for me, it is a complete novelty. Even when it is freezing, I find it exciting because it is so different from Mexico. Locals sometimes complain about the weather, saying it is dreadful. But I find it exciting because it is so new. A month ago, I tried swimming in ice, which was the coldest experience of my life, but it was extraordinary. After that, even minus 10 degrees feels tolerable because my body has adapted. The only drawback is occasionally adjusting to the quietness, as I mentioned with the music, but overall, the positive aspects far outweigh the negative.
— You are Mexican, I am Nigerian, and in our class, there are students from Belgium, Kazakhstan, and Italy. Have you met other international students? What do you think about this multiculturalism?
— It seems that multiculturalism is one of the best aspects of HSE University–St Petersburg. At my university, we receive about 100 exchange students per semester, but they are all from Western Europe, so it is not particularly diverse. Here, it feels as though the entire world is represented. I have met people from countries I never anticipated meeting anyone from, and it truly expands one’s worldview. It is incredibly valuable in class because everyone brings in a different perspective. For instance, I organised a night out with friends from my dormitory and suggested getting some beer. Two of them, who are Muslim, responded: ‘No, we do not drink. Why do you drink?’ I was taken aback because in Mexico, drinking is simply a part of the culture. There is nothing unusual about it. That moment made me realise how something I consider normal can be entirely different elsewhere. It has been enlightening to see how one thing can have so many perspectives, and it has deepened my consideration of cultural differences.
— I believe you have already explored some historical sites in St Petersburg. Do you have a favourite one?
— Before arriving, I compiled an extensive list of historical sites I wished to visit, and I endeavour to go as frequently as I can. A friend gave me a book by Trotsky on the Russian Revolution for my birthday, and it has been extraordinary to read about those events and then visit the actual locations where they occurred. One cannot experience that anywhere else. It is like stepping into the pages of the book. My favourite place is the Primorskiy district. It is not as popular with tourists, but I am drawn to it because of its brutalist buildings from one of the last major urbanism projects of the USSR. We do not have much of that architectural style in Mexico, so it is captivating to see. Walking down these streets, one can sense the history of that era, and it is radically different from what I am accustomed to.
— How do you think this exchange programme will impact your career?
— I aspire to join Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs after my studies, but I do not wish to focus on the typical track (Mexico–United States relations). My university offers numerous courses on the United States’ history and politics, but I am far more interested in working on Mexico’s relations with Eastern Europe or Asia. Being here, learning Russian, and understanding how Russia perceives the rest of the world provides a substantial advantage. In Mexico, there are not many individuals who specialise in those regions, so I believe this experience will give me a significant benefit. It is not solely the language but also understanding the culture and perspective, which is crucial for diplomacy.
— What is your opinion of HSE University after being here for four months?
— HSE University genuinely impressed me. I have attended both the School of Economics and Management and the School of Social Sciences, and the diversity of ideas here is remarkable. It is highly enriching as a student to be exposed to all these different perspectives. The academic standard is exceptional, easily comparable to my university in Mexico, which I did not anticipate. The professors here are outstanding; they are very approachable, always willing to assist, and they provide personalised attention that motivates one to work harder. It is not merely about grades. They sincerely care about one’s learning. I have been struck by how dynamic and supportive the environment is. It is a truly excellent university.
— What is your advice for exchange students who are considering HSE University–St Petersburg?
— My advice is to prepare thoroughly and fully embrace the experience—it will be unforgettable. In a world that is constantly evolving, the ability to adapt to new situations and cultures is an invaluable skill. Coming to a place like Russia, where it is safe and people are welcoming, is an ideal starting point. Do not overthink it. Simply get ready, challenge your limits, and immerse yourself in everything this place offers. You will emerge with stories, friendships, and skills that will remain with you for life.
Text by Akabueze Daniel Onyekachukwu, 3rd-year student of the Bachelor’s programme ‘Political Science and World Politics’