From Mexico to Buenos Aires: HSE University–St Petersburg Enhances Cooperation with Leading Universities in Latin America
New mobility programmes, academic exchanges, and unexpected collaborations—these are the results of the HSE University–St Petersburg delegation's mission to Latin America. Read on to find out about the key agreements made.
HSE University–St Petersburg held its first major academic mission to Latin America in 2023. The main result was the launch of the Latin American track: HSE University was the first university in Russia to launch a track in Spanish. In 2024, a delegation from Russia's Northern Capital visited about 10 leading universities in the region to explore new avenues for cooperation. This year, HSE returned to Mexico, Peru, Chile, Brazil, and Argentina to expand research and exchange programmes.
The detailed plan of cooperation with partners entails the creation of general educational projects, research, supervision of PhD students, and, of course, student and staff mobility. The work on the roadmap involved colleagues from Latin America, as well as Pavel Kuzmin, Deputy Director for Study Process and Digital Transformation; Maria Kiseleva, Head of the International Office; Magdalena Gaete, Head of the Mirror Laboratory for Reputation Management in Education; and HSE professors and managers.
Pavel Kuzmin
Deputy Director for Study Process and Digital Transformation
The third academic mission to Latin America clearly showed that the strategy of systematic development of partnerships has provided tangible results. Over three years, we came all the way from first contacts to creating a whole ecosystem of academic partnerships with leading universities in the region.
This time, we have visited five countries and 15 universities, and held more than 20 negotiations. An important thing is that we do not simply sign memoranda of understanding. Our students can already choose between a semester-long mobility programme at the Panamerican University, research internships at UNESP laboratories (São Paulo State University), or participation in joint projects with UNAM (the National Autonomous University of Mexico). Latin America is a vital element of HSE University–St Petersburg's international strategy. I am confident that our students and professors will gain the maximum benefit from this cooperation.
The first stop on the academic mission was Mexico. HSE University–St Petersburg students can already go to the Panamerican University (Universidad Panamericana—UP) on an academic mobility programme, and the partnership network of universities is only expanding.
The Autonomous Popular University of the State of Puebla (UPAEP) is ready to offer internships and an opportunity to participate in summer and winter schools for bachelor's and master's students. The National Polytechnic Institute (IPN) is interested in joint research for term papers and theses. 'We held several lectures for students and professors. All the classrooms were full, and the audience got involved in the discussion. We agreed with the university representatives on joint work: comprehensive research and expertise exchange,' shared Victor Krakovich, Academic Supervisor of the programme 'International Bachelor's in Business and Economics.'
In the near future, the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) will hold a selection for student mobility. The university also has a demand for expertise on research topics which HSE University–St Petersburg is actively working on, said Aleksei Sorbale, Academic Supervisor of the programmes 'Data Analytics for Politics and Society' and 'Political Science and World Politics.' 'UNAM has a great demand for expertise in research on Eurasia, the post-Soviet space, and Europe—this is what the educational programmes at our school offer. We are planning to develop an academic partnership not only in the context of student and faculty mobility but also in double-degree programmes. In the near future, we will organise webinars with the university's professors to build close relations,' underscored Aleksei Sorbale.
HSE University–St Petersburg presented opportunities for international students at an educational fair in Lima. Peruvian applicants showed an interest in the programmes of the International Prep Year, the Master's programme 'Arts and Culture Management,' and majors related to economics and computer sciences.
Another outcome of the trip is an increase in the number of members of the Latin American track at HSE University–St Petersburg. The University of Piura (UDEP)—one of the youngest educational institutions in Peru—is ready to join the project.
'Our colleagues focus on research in ethics and sustainable development in the context of management. We presented our Latin American track and agreed to cooperate. UDEP is an interesting opportunity for short-term mobility programmes. The university has a large campus in Piura, where one can get to know the culture and nature of Peru,' said Victor Krakovich.
In Chile, the Russian delegation participated in the exhibition 'Russia: Education without Borders'. Together with Dante Castillo, Chair of the Association of Chilean Universities, the parties developed a roadmap for enhancing research cooperation.
Negotiations with Bernardo O'Higgins University were held both in Chile and St Petersburg. In early October, Rector Claudio Ruff Escobar met Director of HSE University–St Petersburg Anna Tyshetskaya in the new Rope Shop educational space. The parties agreed to introduce digital cooperation formats via the Digital Professors programme, which is designed to attract international specialists from leading global universities.
In return, representatives of HSE University–St Petersburg visited the university's campus in Santiago. The story of the Chilean university is very similar to the development of HSE University: both institutions were founded in the 1990s and have been gradually developing their expertise in various scientific fields. 'We have a lot of overlaps in terms of research on sustainable development, education, social work, psychology, and ecology', explained Aleksei Sorbale.
HSE University and Brazilian universities jointly presented the BRICS Summer School in 2024, and the latest trip allowed them to enhance their cooperation.
One of the meetings focused on mobility programmes. For instance, the University of Campinas (UNICAMP) is ready to nominate two students for a trip to Russia. For applicants from HSE University–St Petersburg, the deadline was extended until November 7. 'UNICAMP is very interested in short-term programmes, especially in studying the Russian language and culture. The university can provide funding for outgoing mobility,' said Daria Sanochkina, Head of the International Student Mobility Office.
São Paulo State University (UNESP) has been working on research cooperation programmes with HSE University and is ready to provide its laboratories for Russian students' internships. Another prospective direction is double-degree programmes. 'Both UNESP and our university have vast experience in implementing such programmes. To launch it, we only have to get the programme approved, which won't take long,' underscored Maria Kiseleva, Head of the International Office.
The mission came to an end at Universidad Austral in Argentina—a new partner for HSE University–St Petersburg. The university is ready to join international projects without delay and take part in student exchange programmes.
Summing up the results of the trip, Maria Kiseleva highlighted that in the near future, HSE University–St Petersburg students will have the opportunity to study at the best universities in Latin America via semester- or year-long mobility programmes. The cooperation plan includes partnerships between HSE University—St Petersburg and Latin American universities to create online projects and organise expeditions.
'Academic missions are an integral part of HSE University–St Petersburg's internationalisation efforts. We're pleased that all our partners place a high degree of trust in our university. Our colleagues recommend us to other global universities and offer assistance in developing new international contacts. There's no doubt that HSE's visibility abroad has increased significantly, which is a testament to our status as one of the most active Russian universities on the international stage,' summed up Maria Kiseleva.