Nada Mohamed, Syria

I’ve been accepted to study for my master’s degree at HSE University in Financial Economics, on a scholarship provided by the Russian Government. The programme is fully taught in English. I got my bachelor’s degree in mathematical statistics back home in Syria.

I chose to study in Russia due to several factors. First, many of my family members studied and graduated in Russia. Second, my mother has Russian ancestry. I moved to Russia after graduation and started searching for universities to continue my academic journey. There are many good universities in Russia, but I chose HSE University because it focuses on economics. I graduated from a university that is economics-related, and I chose to continue my studies in Financial Economics.

Before coming here, I was able to say a few words in Russian, the bare minimum for any foreigner. Before enrolling in the Preparatory Year, I had lived here for one year, which gave me an advantage. I knew some of the language, but it was not academic.

During the Preparatory Year, I learned more about the structure of the language, its grammar, and how it works

Mathematics wasn’t hard for me because I’m familiar with the topic, and I can say that I’m a mathematician. In History and Social Science, we learned a lot of theoretical information. But most of all, I enjoyed the Russian as a Foreign Language course, because I was excited about its practical focus. I can’t say I had any major difficulties with studies: all of the teachers and our office were helpful and supportive whenever we had any issues.

I’m in love with Moscow. I feel a personal connection to this city, and wherever I go in Russia, I still feel that Moscow is the best

When I started thinking about getting a master’s degree, I had a plan to upgrade my knowledge, to make a career shift. I’m a mathematician, but I dream of working in banking and finance. I’m not sure yet, but maybe I will stay in Moscow, because this city and this country have given me a lot. I’m thinking about giving back to Russia by working here and being an active person.