'International Exchange': How HSE University-St Petersburg Project 'Cultural Cafe' Breaks Stereotypes about Student Mobility Programmes
HSE University-St Petersburg unites students from the majority of continents. University extracurricular activities help to shape a unique educational and cultural experience. The project 'Cultural Cafe' brings together students from various academic concentrations and countries who are interested in exploring academic mobility opportunities.
'Cultural Cafe' appeared at HSE University-St Petersburg in 2024. Students from different countries shared the main sights of their motherland and its cultural peculiarities. A special focus is on educational prospects in the framework of academic mobility. During the work of the project, HSE students have already 'visited' Turkey, China and South Korea. This time, the meeting was devoted to Armenia.
According to Maria Kutsenko, assistant at the International Student Mobility Office, the meetings of 'Cultural Cafe' and national clubs broaden students' minds and open authentic directions for exchange to them.
'International experience is a great opportunity, and studentship is the best time for it. In February, the call for the autumn semester is to start. Many students want to go to Europe, but India, Brazil, and Armenia are also beautiful countries with a high quality of education. 'Cultural Cafe' helps to get rid of stereotypes and discover unexpected sides of each country. I hope, next year, HSE University-St Petersburg will hold even more events devoted to some exotic destinations for exchange', underscored Maria Kutsenko.
Participants of 'Cultural Cafe' presented the Armenian club, a new community which appeared at HSE University-St Petersburg. They presented the opportunities at the Russian-Armenian University in Yerevan, among graduates of which are leading politicians of the country. Anna Kachachyan and Lilit Babalyan, students of the bachelor's programmes 'International Bachelor’s in Business and Economics' and 'Law', and co-founders of the Armenian club, shared the story of the main summer holiday—Vardavar. Its participants pour water on each other and dance to national songs. They introduced HSE University-St Petersburg students to the ancient monastery complexes Tatev and Zvartnots, views of the Ararat and the museum of ancient manuscripts Matenadaran.
Ogannes Arutiunian, a PhD student, highlighted the advantages of the student academic mobility programmes in Armenia. According to him, the adaptation will go more smoothly as the country is close in its culture to Russia, and the locals are very friendly.
'Cultural Cafe', in my opinion, is a very important project for HSE University-St Petersburg because it creates a lively and informal space for dialogue. It is much easier to talk about culture, languages and personal experience at such events than at lectures. It helps students to get to know each other better and shapes a friendlier attitude towards various countries and cultures. For those who plan to study under the academic mobility programmes, such events become the first opportunity to learn about the country at their university. It is especially valuable that each participant can ask their questions and share their experience, not just listen', emphasised Ogannes Arutiunian.
The students shared that the project of the Armenian club 'NUR' (which means 'pomegranate' in Armenian) was inspired by a large international family at HSE University-St Petersburg. They say that the goal of the community is to unite students of various nationalities. For instance, the events raised interest among students from Pakistan.
'We knew there was an Armenian club, so we decided to organise a similar community in St Petersburg. We wanted to show that we've got each other and give all HSE students, regardless of their nationality, some happy moments. Our goal is to demonstrate that students can rely on each other', shared the club co-founders.
'Cultural Cafe' about Armenia sparked a lively interest among students of different educational programmes.
'The event of the International Office, 'Cultural Cafe', has already become a tradition. It is always truly inspiring: it unites Russian and international students and gives an opportunity to exchange impressions. We have already held 'Cultural Cafe' about China, Turkey and South Korea. This time, we opted for Armenia, as now there are three of our students, and a large number of students from Armenia are studying at HSE University-St Petersburg in bachelor's, master's and PhD programmes. We are glad to state that we've reached the goal of the meeting: many participants got interested in an opportunity to go on the international academic mobility—our students from Armenia inspired everyone with their lively presentations about studies and life in Yerevan', summed up Sofia Kotereva, manager at the International Student Mobility Office.
The academic year of 2025/26 was a record year for HSE University-St Petersburg in the number of international students: 192 people enrolled in the bachelor's programmes, and 152—in the master's programmes. They represent 42 countries, among which are India, Ghana, Kazakhstan, Chile and Thailand.
