‘HSE Is an International University that Represents Different Cultures and Peoples’
On December 19, the atrium of the HSE Pokrovka building hosted the ‘HSE Is the World’ festival, which brought together over 20 student cultural clubs and associations. Their representatives told the participants about the winter holiday traditions of various nationalities, ran quizzes, and held games. The event was organised by the HSE Department of Internationalisation.
Over 5,000 students from almost 140 countries study at HSE University today. Each culture is unique and colourful in its own way. The HSE Is the World festival helped students meet new friends, exchange cultural experiences, and grow closer to each other. The Russian Tea House also offered spicy mulled wine, hot tea, gingerbread, barankis (bagels) and biscuits.
HSE’s Arabic, Armenian, Belarussian, Kyrgyz, French, Latin American, Moldovan and many other cultural clubs took part in the festival. Their members offered workshops in calligraphy, origami, and traditional ornaments. The Indian Club organised yoga classes in English for anyone interested, while the Support and Career Centre for International Students and Alumni hosted creative workshops with holiday postcards and gingerbread painting.
Aziyata Septel, fourth-year student of Fashion Design at the HSE Art and Design School, believes that such events are important and worth attending for every member of the HSE community. ‘I represent my student organisation—Tyva Club,’ said Aziyata. ‘We demonstrate our culture and traditions through ethnic clothing, shamanic items, and a dice game. HSE is a university that hosts a lot of international students, and we should unite and become friends.’
Aisezim Murzakanova, fourth-year student of Economics, came to Russia from Kyrgyzstan. ‘Today, I’m telling the festival guests about our culture, national clothing, cuisine, games, and musical instruments. Furthermore, I’m showcasing our paintings and hosting quizzes. Such activities foster a sense of unity: during these events, I encounter representatives from diverse nationalities. We form friendships and begin to frequently gather together,’ the student said.
Ali Kafayat came from Pakistan. Today, he is studying on the HSE International Prep Year and is going to enrol in the Master’s in Critical Media Studies next year. ‘Pakistan includes many diverse cultures; travel just 20 kilometres and you'll find that even the language changes. Pakistan is a country of a thousand cultures,’ Ali Kafayat shared.
Sheripher Dinala, first-year student of Political Science, represented Africa at the festival. ‘I’m demonstrating what Africa is like. There are many countries with different cultures here, but we are united by one continent. I love the idea of the festival: HSE is an international university that represents different cultures and peoples. It is great that we have an opportunity to learn more about them,’ Sheripher said.
Aksinya Kushner, festival volunteer, first-year student of Animation and Illustration
‘I have participated in a lot of volunteering projects at HSE University lately. And when I heard about the festival, I immediately wanted to join. It is a significant event—we have many students from different countries, and it helps us become closer.’
Arina Smirnova, festival volunteer, third-year student of Business Informatics
‘To be honest, one of my reasons for applying to HSE University was to meet interesting people from different countries. Today’s festival brings everyone together, regardless of their year of study or programme. Here, we understand that we are all working towards a common purpose and there is one thing that unites us—it is HSE University.’
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