Breaking Borders: The Power of Academic Mobility
The Higher School of Economics is often described as a university of opportunities. One of the most valuable — and at the same time challenging — among them is academic mobility. HSE offers multiple exchange programmes for students across different faculties, from short-term summer courses to full-semester or year-long mobility. These programmes allow students to study abroad, experience new academic cultures, and temporarily step outside the familiar educational framework. Beyond the official paperwork and university partnerships, academic mobility is about the personal decision to leave one’s comfort zone, to face the unknown, and to see how far learning can take you — not only academically, but also personally.
I am currently a fourth-year student, and at the very beginning of the academic year a new student joined our group. She immediately made a strong impression on me. Calm, confident, and strikingly self-aware, she stood out without trying to attract attention. Her name was Katya Elagina. I soon learned that Katya was actually one year older than the rest of us. She was supposed to have already graduated, but because of academic mobility, she had to complete the fourth-year programme together with our group. This fact intrigued me. It did not feel like a delay — rather, it felt like a conscious and brave choice. Her story inspired me to learn more: not only about where she studied abroad, but about how academic mobility can reshape one’s educational trajectory and inner priorities.
I am currently in the fourth year of the Advertising and Public Relations programme. I chose it because it seemed to me the perfect combination of a more structured, “rational” education with analytical and even scientific components — and at the same time creativity. This is not a field where you just sit and memorize material; here it is important to express yourself, think, and invent. That really attracted me. When I first enrolled, I had very high expectations for student life. In grades 10–11, I spent a lot of time studying to prepare for university and promised myself that, once I became a student, I would live a fully engaging life: travel, socialize, develop, and study with pleasure. I really wanted to make my student years bright and truly memorable.
I really love this period of my life and sincerely love HSE. I think it is a wonderful university, and I really enjoy my programme. People often say “HSE is about people,” and on our programme this is especially noticeable: both students and professors. During my studies, I changed groups, and in each there were interesting, strong people from whom you feel inspired and motivated to act and strive for something. For me, this is the most important. As for challenges, probably the biggest drawback is the uncertainty of the schedule. Sometimes you don’t know exactly when exams will be or in what format they will take place, and things may change at the last moment. On one hand, it teaches adaptability — in adult life, this happens often. On the other hand, sometimes you just want stability and clear rules.
The decision came quite unexpectedly. I always thought mobility was not for me: documents, applications, deadlines, competitions. It seemed to me that only “top” students — extremely confident and smart people — went there. Everything changed in 2022 when my sister went on mobility to Germany… I clearly realized: studying is important, but it is equally important to create memories and a life you want to live… Going as a student is completely different from going as a tourist. Then I also spoke with Regina Vykova, who had just returned from mobility in Indonesia, and that confirmed my desire to go myself. My family’s encouragement and the experiences of people I trusted made me finally take the step.
My first mobility experience was in 2024. At the end of August, I went for the fall semester to Indonesia, to Jakarta. Initially, I wanted to go to Europe — I considered Italy, but the competition was high, and I wasn’t accepted. Indonesia became my second choice, and I instinctively felt I would enjoy it there. And it turned out that way. I applied to only one university and got accepted. I tried not to have expectations and went with an open heart. Many people discouraged me, saying things like ‘the education level is low,’ ‘you’ll be in the jungle,’ or ‘there are slums,’ but the reality was completely different: Jakarta is a huge, modern metropolis with skyscrapers and developed infrastructure. HSE helped with the application and study plan, and the host university assisted with visa, accommodation, and adaptation. Support was provided at every stage, and I can say for sure: you are never left alone.
It wasn’t difficult. Initially, I hoped some courses would be credited, but the Indonesian university changed the list of courses several times, and eventually, none were suitable. I took it philosophically: if something happens, it means it had to happen. There were also advantages. I could study without worrying about grades, choose only the courses I was truly interested in, and learn with pleasure. Yes, I felt a bit sad to miss some HSE courses I had heard much praise about. But I saw it as an opportunity to study again later at my favourite university. I feel completely calm about graduating a year later. In ten years, it won’t matter. In our field, experience is more important than the formal age of graduation.
It actually appeals to me. I love following my own path. I don’t feel like I lost anything: I completed the full HSE programme, but also gained a unique experience. In Indonesia, I studied subjects I was genuinely interested in, saw how education is organized in another country, and stepped outside my usual bubble. It allowed me to see the world from a wider perspective. That is an extremely valuable experience.
It differed in literally everything — from the atmosphere to the methods. The most unexpected thing for me was the lack of strict discipline. In Russia, everything is highly regulated: schedules, exams, deadlines. In Indonesia, everything is much more relaxed. Professors can be late — and that’s normal. Exams can be postponed — no one panics. Even during seminars, students could order food and eat while discussing loudly. It’s a different attitude toward life, time, and stress. Through this, you learn tolerance and acceptance of another culture.
Adaptation was relatively smooth because I went without expectations and was ready for everything. I treated difficulties as a game or challenge. The language barrier existed, of course. Before, I had only studied English in Russia, and initially, it was hard to communicate, especially with European students. But academically it was easier: for many, English was also not their native language. I wasn’t afraid to make mistakes, and we often turned word explanations into a playful group activity. Over time, it came naturally.
It influenced me greatly. In Indonesia, I took courses in directing and production related to filming. As a final project, we shot a short film in an actual Indonesian school. It was an incredible experience. Returning to Russia, I realized I want to develop further in production. Now I work at an advertising agency that focuses on production. One choice of courses abroad had a significant impact on my professional path.
Half a year in Indonesia was the best half-year of my life. It was an incredible amount of emotions, events, and encounters. Such an experience will never repeat in the same way. It changes you from within. Therefore, I want to go again. I don’t build expectations, just look forward and hope the new experience will be no less valuable.
Absolutely. I regret nothing and don’t feel I lost anything. On the contrary, I am very happy this happened in my life.
Firstly, I had more time for myself. In Indonesia, I started exercising: running, although I had always hated it, and I even ran 10 kilometers. I also started boxing — unexpected, but very rewarding. Secondly, I came to believe in human kindness. People genuinely wanted to help, without expecting anything in return. This influenced me: after returning, I wanted to be kinder and more attentive to others. Lastly, I became more confident. If I could solve complex everyday problems in another country and another language, I can handle anything in Russia.
Don’t be afraid. Yes, it can be challenging administratively, but in ten or twenty years you won’t remember the paperwork problems — you will remember the trip itself. This is one of the most valuable experiences in life. Many later regret not taking the chance.
It is important for me to see and preserve my desire to live actively: to travel, try new things, develop, socialize. My main principle is: always say ‘yes.’ It may be scary or difficult, but if, at an intuitive level, you feel you need it, you should try. I want both myself and others to live openly and with kindness toward the world and each other.
Katya’s story shows that academic mobility is about conscious choices, courage, and personal growth, not just formal studies. Her journey reminds us that one semester abroad can transform perspectives, confidence, and career paths— leaving a lasting impact that goes far beyond the classroom. Watching her study with us, I understood that diverging from the “standard path” can be the most enriching part of the HSE experience.
Interviewed by
Valeriia Shiryaeva
