‘I Have Found My Second Family Here’: Waiz Siddiqui on His Studies at HSE University–St Petersburg
Waiz Siddiqui is a second-year student of the Master's programme 'Data Analytics for Business and Economics.' Having completed a bachelor's degree in business management in Pakistan, he decided to continue his studies abroad. He opted for HSE University–St Petersburg, and the Open Doors international scholarship programme helped him to carry out his plans. Read on to find out more about his adaptation to HSE University–St Petersburg and studying the Russian language.
Moving to Russia
I wanted to get a master's degree outside Pakistan. This is how my trip to Russia started. After completing my bachelor's degree in business management in my home country, I learnt about HSE University–St Petersburg thanks to the international olympiad and scholarship programme 'Open Doors.' HSE University–St Petersburg attracted me with its strong training in data analysis and attentive approach to international students. It also offers a rare combination of theory and practice. The scholarship gave me a chance to make my dream come true: the contest was tough, but my academic training and persistence helped me. The main challenge was adjusting to the new educational system and the Russian language. But support from HSE University–St Petersburg made the adaptation much easier.
Now, I've completed my first year in the Master's programme 'Data Analytics for Business and Economics.' After graduation, I would like to work as a data science specialist or a business analyst and help to turn data into real strategic solutions in the sphere of IT, finance, or even sports.
Russian and Russian People
Before my arrival in Russia, my ideas were based on common stereotypes: cold weather and even colder people. But the reality surprised me! Russians are very warm-hearted when you get to know them better. Rich culture and history are incredibly impressive, and I truly respect people's endurance in winter. With its architecture, canals, and museums, St Petersburg resembles a fairytale city. Yes, in less than a year, I fell in love with pelmeni and blini!
Differences in Educational Processes in Russia and Pakistan
In Pakistan, studies are more aimed at exams. In Russia, the focus is more on developing critical thinking and individual research. Professors are more open to discussions, and access to various resources like HSE digital libraries allows us to develop constantly. I would also like to highlight group projects—they truly teach us teamwork skills.
One of the most memorable moments at HSE University–St Petersburg was organising the Nowruz celebration. We introduced guests to the cultures of Central and Southern Asia. The event gathered various peoples: we showcased various dishes of our national cuisines, dances, and traditional activities, for example, mehndi (henna body art) and a workshop on cooking national treats. United students are the true spirit of HSE University!
Groupmates and Professors
Our cohort is incredibly multinational: Russians, Europeans, and Asians—everyone has different worldviews. The professors are experts with experience in the industry who teach us to think bigger and go beyond the programme framework. I would also like to highlight my study group and our joint programming marathons. I am sure that such an approach allows us to grow professionally.
Studying the Russian Language
It is very, very hard! But it's worth it. Cases and verbs of motion are my main opponents. However, the locals are happy even with my humble attempts to speak broken Russian. HSE University–St Petersburg courses help me learn the language, and I practice in my daily life all the time—for instance, when I buy coffee or ask passersby how to get to a certain place. I also discovered a life hack: watching Russian cartoons is a surprisingly helpful assistant in mastering the Russian language!
Favourite Places in St Petersburg
The Hermitage is my personal escape from reality. I could spend days exploring the cultural masterpieces there. The embankments of the Neva River are truly magical in summer. I also have some favourite cafes. My friends and I explore the city and get to know various districts and their peculiarities. In our spare time, we play cricket with our small Pakistani community. In winter, I sometimes go skating, but I still have to master this skill. I dream of visiting more distant places in the country and seeing what life beyond metropolises looks like.
Most Memorable Moment in Russia
The highlight of my life in Russia is the New Year celebration at Palace Square: fireworks, snow, and toasting with strangers. At that moment, I experienced the embodiment of Russian warm-heartedness and swing. The second highlight for me is my friend's succinct phrase: 'You are an insider.' That is when I realised that here, in St Petersburg, I have found my second family.
Future Plans
The IT sector in Russia is on the rise, and St Petersburg is a modern innovation hub. If a good opportunity comes up, I would be glad to stay here to live and work. If not, I will implement the skills I gained here at the global level. Perhaps I will return to Pakistan to develop the sphere of data science in my homeland.