'Business and Politics in Modern Asia': First Graduates of Double-degree Programme with Ca' Foscari University of Venice
In 2022 the first graduates of double-degree track with the partner university were three students of master's programme 'Business and Politics in Modern Asia' in HSE University – Saint Petersburg and three students of master's programme 'Language and Management to China' in Ca' Foscari University (Venice, Italy). The graduates from Italy Chiara Pizzuto, Valentina Pavan and Sara Moretto shared their impressions on their studies in Russia.
Double-degree track is brought into action on the grounds of the agreement between HSE University in St. Petersburg and Ca' Foscari University (Venice, Italy). It implies that the first-year master's students of the programme 'Business and Politics in Modern Asia' can spend their second year in Ca' Foscari University studying on the programme 'Language and Management to China' while the students of Italian programme can come to study at HSE University in St. Petersburg. If the students successfully complete their studies, they will receive the diplomas of both universities. It helps them to broaden their knowledge of politics and business in Asia, become more competitive in the international labour market and develop their scientific career on international PhD programmes.
During 2021/22 academic year three students from Italy — Chiara Pizzuto, Valentina Pavan and Sara Moretto — came to Saint-Petersburg. In June 2022 they successfully presented their master's theses to the board of examiners from both universities. The graduates of the Master's programme 'Business and Politics in Modern Asia' Maria Litvinova and Konstantin Dzhalilov decided to present their theses twice as they plan on continuing their studies and applying for a doctoral programme. They presented their theses on July 18 in Ca' Foscari University, the presentation in HSE University in St. Petersburg will be held in autumn. One more graduate of the programme, Ekaterina Zhizhina, will present her thesis to the board of examiners from both universities in autumn too.
Chiara Pizzuto, Valentina Pavan and Sara Moretto shared their impressions on their studies in Russia.
— What did you like the most in Saint-Petersburg?
Sara: I liked the atmosphere of the city. Saint-Petersburg is a place where you can do and see many things, especially, in winter when the city is covered with snow like in a fairytale.
Valentina: I liked the most how vivid and energetic this city is and also the cultural aspect: ballet, museums and churches.
Chiara: You cannot get tired of this city because there is always something to do. You can find some new places every time.
— What was the most outstanding thing to you in HSE programme?
Sara: Work and cooperation with other students and lecturers who represented different cultures and had their unique opinions on various questions. It was invaluable experience which helped to broaden the horizons.
Valentina: An opportunity to look from a different angle at the topics I have studied within the curriculum in Ca' Foscari University. Moreover, HSE programme focuses a lot on the research methodology which helped me in terms of understanding and analysis of research works.
Chiara: The approach to teaching which is different from Italian universities. At HSE all the classes are interactive and everyone actively takes part in seminars and lectures. It helped me to gain public speaking skills.
— How did the programme 'Business and Politics in Modern Asia' help your career?
Sara: The teaching approach and classes structure are a little different from Italian. The classes include seminars, open discussions between students and lecturers, work in groups, presentations and writing articles. All these things were very helpful for my thesis and work.
Valentina: While working during seminars and preparing presentation I developed critical thinking. On this programme I have learnt to work in an international team and create business projects.
Chiara: This programme is very useful for my future career as it helped me to study some interesting topics for me and develop research skills. In addition, some courses such as 'Project Seminar' gave me a chance to learn more about project management and get a general knowledge of how to develop a real project.
— What piece of advice would you give to those who are going to participate in HSE double-degree programme?
Sara: I would recommend to be curious and ready to study within a framework of a different approach. You will have to adjust to a different mentality and cultural habits. It's a great opportunity to self-development not just in academic aspect.
Valentina: Foreign students should start learning Russian as it is necessary for everyday life and think about your thesis before the academic year starts. At HSE they pay a lot of attention to your research.
Chiara: I would recommend to get the most out of this programme as you get a chance to study, live and work in the international environment and meet people from all over the world. You should also attend the courses of Russian language which the university provides to the foreign students as it may cause some difficulties if you don't know the basic and common phrases. Of course, I would recommend to live in a dormitory for foreign students because it is the only way to get the full experience of studying abroad and practicing Russian.
The partnership between HSE University in St. Petersburg and Ca' Foscari University continues. For the 2022/23 academic year three students of Master's programme 'Business and Politics in Modern Asia' applied for studying on the double-degree programme in Italy and were accepted.
In 2022 the Master's programme 'Business and Politics in Modern Asia' offers prospective students state-funded places and fee-paying places for foreign students. The detailed information about admissions is available on the programme webpage and in the section for the prospective master's students of HSE University in St. Petersburg.