HSE University Resumes Student Academic Mobility
HSE University Rector Yaroslav Kuzminov introduced amendments to to a university order on coronavirus prevention measures. International student travel for academic mobility is once again allowed, as is business travel abroad for staff members. The restrictions were introduced in March as one of the measures aimed at preventing coronavirus infections from spreading.
Vice Rector Ivan Prostakov talked to HSE University Life about how student academic mobility will work in the new academic year.
In the context of the changing epidemiological situation and the recent resolutions by the Russian Government, Rospotrebnadzor, and the Moscow Government on lifting the previously imposed restrictions, the HSE University administration has issued orders to resume international student mobility (which has been suspended since March), starting in the new academic year.
Please note that the situation in many countries remains difficult. Borders are still closed, and not many countries are ready to admit people travelling from Russia. That’s why outbound mobility is being restored with several important conditions.
The first is that travel abroad for academic or business purposes is only possible when participants follow all the sanitary and epidemiological standards and requirements established by the Russian Federation, local HSE University requirements, and the rules imposed by the host country and institution. Importantly, due to the pandemic, many HSE partners have not yet ‘opened’ for inbound international academic mobility. This list includes about 30 universities in Europe, Asia, North America and South America.
The second important condition is that students traveling abroad shall assume all responsibility for financial costs related to the risk that they may be unable to travel or may have to make an emergency return given the complex and rapidly changing epidemiological situation in a given region.
I honestly hope that the more than 300 students who have been nominated for the autumn semester will be able to fully bring their plans to life. At the same time, however, I urge them to monitor the situation very carefully and not expose themselves to unnecessary risk. As always, the Centre for International Student Mobility remains available to answer students’ questions.