Armine Abrahamyan on Exchange Studies at HSE University-St Petersburg
Armine Abrahamyan studies philosophy at the Russian-Armenian University in Yerevan. She came to St Petersburg under the mobility programme to expand her horizons and live up to her motto of 'never limit yourself'. This aspiration for new knowledge and experiences led her to HSE University-St Petersburg. Armine shared her impressions of the university and explained how studies in Russia and Armenia are different.
— Why did you decide to take part in the mobility programme? Why did you choose HSE University-St Petersburg?
— My father told me never to limit myself in choosing my future profession. I wasn't looking for anything specific. Philosophy seemed like the perfect choice for me as I didn't want to limit myself to only one field or study law, medicine or biology. I like that philosophy covers various fields of study. The same was the case when choosing my home university.
As for HSE University, I had heard the slogan: 'Above HSE University Only Stars'—and it is indeed true. I had heard a lot about the university from friends, and so I decided to come here.
The selection process for the programme wasn't easy, and the requirements were strict. I had to prepare a motivation letter. My motivation was my family. I didn't believe I would get through until the last moment, even when I received the list. But I was beyond happy!
— What did you study at your home university? What courses do you take at HSE University-St Petersburg?
— At my home university, I studied philosophy. Here, I study the economics of the public sector with economists and legal literacy with lawyers. There were no particular courses for philosophers. But still, I had a chance to immerse myself in the atmosphere of student life in full and get new knowledge. HSE has a different level, different knowledge, and a different depth. I also took 'Introduction to Social Anthropology', a course which is unfortunately not taught in my country. It is important to me as a philosopher, sociologist and psychologist.
— Why did you choose philosophy?
— Lawyer and doctor may be the most profitable professions, but I was always told to choose only what I like. For a long time, I couldn't choose a programme for myself, though there were plenty of options. I couldn't decide, as I saw some limits in every programme. But I was passionate about everything! In the end, I opted for 'Philosophy' and do not regret it a bit.
— What are your impressions of HSE University-St Petersburg, your studies and lecturers?
— I cannot put it in just one sentence! HSE University-St Petersburg is something special. Here, the level of teaching is very high, and you can clearly see how professional the staff are. You could say that each professor here is also a psychologist. When I faced difficulties in communication with my groupmates and other spheres, all the lecturers were attentive to me and talked to me as an equal. They always wrote to me, for example, 'Do you know about this assignment for tomorrow? Could you prepare that?' They use an individual approach for each student. Though I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to study here and would have to ask for help, everything went well.
— Are the educational processes in Russia and Armenia different? In what way?
— Yes, they are. Perhaps it depends on the mentality, but Russian students have more freedom. I mean that all the classes are interactive. The majority of seminars on social anthropology went like this: we discussed what we had read at home during the whole seminar and did not have enough time to discuss what was planned. There were a lot of different opinions, and the professor listened to everyone. We expressed our opinions freely. In my country, it is the same but the students are not as active as here.
Besides, at HSE University, the educational process has strong digital support. Smart LMS was of great help to me. I cannot imagine such a service in my country. I would really want it to be implemented, as it literally saves students! For example, we had online tests after every seminar—it was like a game. Studies did not complicate my daily life in any way. It was very convenient and easy, but informative at the same time. I took tests and realised that I had learned all the material without spending 5–6 hours studying.
— Your education is very broad, and now you have experience of studying in different countries. How do you picture your future? What would you like to do after graduation?
— After all the experience I gained here, a lot has changed for me—including my plans for the future. Now I see and realise the pros and cons of different educational systems. Knowing the difference, I'd like to share with others not only my knowledge but also my experience.
Here, I realised what I want to be and what I see my future like. HSE University played a key role in it. I want to change the future starting with the past. Education plays a significant role in the formation not only of individuals, but of whole states. Love for my homeland has always guided me in life. Now, I can express my love through deeds: I want to work in the Ministry of Education and influence the future of my country this way. It was here that I realised that I could be useful to my country. The exchange of experience and knowledge gave me this idea.
— What do you think about St Petersburg? Do you like the city?
— I like it a lot. It is very atmospheric at both day and night—though it is hard to tell the difference between them at the moment as the 'white nights' season is in full effect. In winter, St Petersburg had one sort of energy, and in summer, it is completely different.
— Did you learn anything new about Russia, its people and its culture after your arrival here?
— I wouldn't say that I learnt something new, as I was born and lived in Russia for a long time. People smile a lot here. Earlier, I associated Russia with cold. Even though St Petersburg is the northern capital, people are very warm here.
As for my favourite places, I want to single out St Isaac's Cathedral. Its history would impress anyone. Besides, Christianity is very close to me as I come from Armenia. That is why an opportunity to have a look at Orthodox Christianity from the inside left unforgettable impressions.
— What advice do you have for those going on a mobility programme?
— Don't be afraid, don't be shy, and don't feel self-conscious. Those are just a waste of time! At first, I was worried because I was alone. But as soon as you open up, you have a new experience. You should be open to knowledge both academically and culturally.