Pursuing Your Educational Goals

Komal is a brilliant student and a source of motivation for female students from Pakistan.

Photo by Kyle Glenn on Unsplash

For every Pakistani female education comes first. Only a small number of women succeed in getting the chance to pursue higher education abroad. This a story of Komal Mahboob.

Komal Mahboob,

Major: Linguistics

Hello, Komal! First of all, will you tell us about your academic background?

Previt) I completed my formal education in Punjab, my home country. I am from Pakistan, a lovely city of Jhelum. My undergraduate degree is in Linguistics, which I obtained from a public University. Now I study at HSE receiving a Master's degree.

Why did you choose HSE?

I moved to Dubai for a better career after receiving my degree from Pakistan, and I had been searching for scholarships to fulfill my desire to pursue a higher education. I searched for Dubai and applied, but the opportunities did not fit my profile. I aspired to attend one of the best institutions in the world, where I could study at a program of my choice. This University is HSE in Russia. I applied and got enrolled. Then I received a scholarship which is a good chance for me.

What are new things that you learned while attending HSE?

Before I got to this point, I was a student who had no idea how digital technology was used in the classroom. HSE has a fantastic infrastructure and we have access to a contemporary library. To be really honest, this is the first time in my life that I am a self-sufficient student who can manage anything. Professionals, my teachers guide me and help me anytime I need assistance.

Can you say some words about teaching techniques at HSE?

I appreciate all my HSE teachers. They are certainly skilled and competent in their work; there is no doubt about that. Class involvement is a key strategy they use in the classroom to keep students engaged throughout lectures, and it is one of the things I like the most. The task-based seminars requires actual performance, which sharpens students' critical thinking. In addition, HSE has a system of assignments that requires students to conduct research on the assigned themes.

How is it for you to live among students from all over the world?

First of all, the majority of international students live in one of the top dormitories in the world, which is where I am located. They are kind, considerate, and encouraging. I'm a part of a bilingual community for the first time in my life. The intriguing part is that I pick up new words in different languages every day. I'm learning a ton of vocabulary from languages other than German right now, like French, Chinese, Russian, and others. Since we are all from other countries, I don't miss home.

What is your opinion about Moscow and Russian weather?

Since I'm in good health, I don't mind a chilly climate. Moscow to me is one of the best cities in the world. There is no need to worry about the weather. The transportation system is fantastic, and I adore the standard of living in Moscow. 

Do you have a piece of advice for prospective HSE students?

For those who are motivated and want to learn more about the world, this is, without a doubt, the ideal place. You will be living with the best people in the world, so you don't need to worry about the culture or the nation. Get ready for a new journey as a result. 

Thank you, Komal.

Interview by

Azeem Ullah