HSE University–St Petersburg Hosts Record Number of International Students at International Summer School
The HSE University–St Petersburg Summer School brought together about 50 students from ten countries. The participants studied political geography, modern Russian culture and language, statistical analysis, and intercultural communications. Read on to find out what opportunities HSE University–St Petersburg offers international students.
The International Summer School has been held at HSE University–St Petersburg since 2018. Over eight years, the educational programmes of this project have gathered more than 160 people.
In 2026, the International Summer School hosted the biggest student group in its history: 46 people from China, Vietnam, Indonesia, India, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, Pakistan, France, Ireland, and Brazil.
Nadezhda Osipova
Manager at the Centre for International Education at HSE University–St Petersburg
This year, the number of Summer School participants increased, and we also prepared seven educational courses—the maximum since the project's launch. It is great to watch how international students get closer and discover Russian culture, our amazing city, and studies at HSE University–St Petersburg together. This was especially clear during the cultural events—apart from the academic programme, we organised excursions and boat tours along the rivers and canals. The Summer School created a friendly and international atmosphere.
The Summer School programme included seven tracks: from political geography to statistical analysis and intercultural communications with the use of AI in creative works. As always, there was a strong interest in the course 'Modern Russia: Language and Culture,' which many of the international students opted for. The professors of the School of Arts and Humanities immersed the participants in the historical heritage of St Petersburg.
Ikenna Nwodo
One of the attendees of the course 'Modern Russia: Language and Culture' was Ikenna Nwodo, student of the Master's programme 'Data Analytics for Business and Economics' from Nigeria.
'In the master's programme, the studies are in English, but daily life is hard without speaking Russian. HSE University–St Petersburg allowed me to finally master the language. I have great impressions of the intensive course—it offers complete immersion in the culture and history of the city. Before the trip, I didn't know anything about the Russian language, and now, I already have basic skills. I am especially happy to meet people from other countries— France, Brazil, Ireland, China, and Vietnam. This is an invaluable experience.'
Ping Yu
Ping Yu is a student of Heilongjiang University in the Chinese city of Harbin, located near the Russian border. She has been surrounded by Russian culture since childhood, but her real immersion in the country's history happened only at HSE University–St Petersburg.
'I learnt about the intensive course via the partner programme of our university. The Summer School seemed the perfect chance to see Russia with my own eyes and start learning the language in the native environment. During the course, I studied the spoken language—greetings, food orders, and others. But apart from the language, I learnt a lot about Russian traditions and social norms. It helped me to feel more confident.
During the Summer School, I met new friends from all over the world: from Nigeria, Vietnam, Brazil, France, and Ireland. Each conversation was a small cultural exchange. We became close quickly because we were in the same boat: we had to explore a new language and country. My groupmates helped a lot: practised Russian, explored the city, and shared their stories. The connection with another culture built through real-life experience and true friendship will stay with me forever.'
Hou Bowen
Another student from Heilongjiang University, Hou Bowen, managed to improve her basic knowledge of Russian.
'In China, I am studying to be a psychologist and learning Russian as an additional subject. Thanks to the intensive course, I have gained new language skills and practised the spoken language. I recommend future participants not to be afraid of mistakes and speak as much as possible. I will long remember this vivid adventure in St Petersburg.'
In their leisure time, the school participants visited the Hermitage, Peterhof, and an HSE educational space in the historical building of the Rope Shop on Vasilevsky Island.
At the end, the students received certificates and ECTS credits, which will be transferred to their home universities. In addition, the Summer School participants get extra points for their admission portfolios for master's programmes at HSE University–St Petersburg.
HSE University–St Petersburg is actively developing academic mobility programmes with foreign partner universities, creating opportunities for shaping international relations which students can use in their future careers. Since 2022, the university has started partnerships with more than 50 international educational institutions.
