ICEF International Summer School 2026 Brings Together Students from Partner Universities
The participating students represented a diverse geographic range and came from ICEF’s partner universities: China — Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, Guangdong University of Finance and Economics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Fudan University; Vietnam — Vietnam National University, University of Economics and Business; Turkey — Istanbul Bilgi University; and Russia — ICEF HSE.
Students studied the current state of the Russian economy, macroeconomic policy, and the long-term policy effectiveness of the Bank of Russia based on recent data, as well as the effects of sanctions and structural changes on economic development. These topics were presented by ICEF lecturers and practitioners Artem Arkhipov (First Vice-President, UniCredit Bank) and Vladimir Bragin (Head of Research, Alpha-Capital).
Dr. Elena Dimova, MBA, ICEF lecturer in Investment Management, introduced participants to the fundamentals of investment analysis of Russian companies and industries, emphasizing the specific features and challenges of the Russian market. During practical exercises in computer classes, she also covered specific investment opportunities in Russia, including IPOs, venture capital projects, and startups.
Theoretical models of information asymmetry were presented to the Master’s students by Dr. Sergey Stepanov, PhD, ICEF lecturer in Corporate Finance. Economic growth models and recent trends, including the role of AI, were covered by Dr. Ilya Voskoboynikov, PhD, Director of the Expert Institute, Director of the Centre for Productivity Studies, and ICEF lecturer in Economics and Economic Policy of Russia.
Stanislav Borisov, Research Lead at Sberbank CIB and ICEF lecturer in Statistical Data Analysis, presented approaches to pricing methods for financial derivatives. The session included an applied class where these methods were implemented in code.
ICEF lecturers Dr. Natalia Kogutovskaya and Dr. Ekaterina German discussed recent topics in international trade, finance, business, and management with students. Students actively participated in debates and group presentations at their classes. In addition to the extensive program in Economics and Finance, students also studied an introduction to Russian history, culture, and geography.
Beyond the classroom, the Summer School introduced participants to the Russian business environment through visits to the offices of some of the country's leading companies, including T-Bank, Sber, and Avito. These visits allowed students to gain first-hand insight into the work of major Russian businesses, learn about current industry trends, and engage with professionals.
The programme also featured a rich cultural agenda. Students explored Moscow's most iconic landmarks, including the Kremlin, Red Square, Zaryadye Park, St. Basil's Cathedral, the Tretyakov Gallery, VDNKh, the Museum of Cosmonautics, and Moscow City, giving them a deeper understanding of Russia's history, culture, and modern urban life.
The Summer School concluded with a final assessment, a mentoring session on the role of artificial intelligence in the global economy led by Nikita Khudov, Deputy director AI Alliance Russia and ICEF alumnus, and a closing ceremony celebrating the participants' achievements.
Students noted that the Summer School combined rigorous academic training with practical business insights and an immersive cultural experience. Participants shared their impressions of the programme and their experience in Moscow.
You Liyuan, Southwestern University of Finance and Economics (China)
"The Summer School gave me a completely new perspective on Russia. The lectures connected economic theory with the realities of the Russian economy, while company visits and exploring the city helped us understand how the country really works.
Economics cannot be studied only from textbooks — you need to see people, companies and everyday life. This programme gave us exactly that opportunity."
Xiong Zixi (Cecilia), Guangdong University of Finance and Economics (China)
"Before coming to Moscow, I expected to learn about Russia and experience a different culture. The programme exceeded my expectations. Everyone was very friendly, and I especially liked the interactive classes where students discussed and debated economic issues. Studying in such an international environment also helped me improve my English communication skills."
Bunyod Nosirov, Fudan University (China), Uzbekistan
"I was really excited when I learned about this opportunity. The programme covered exactly the topics I was interested in — financial markets, the Russian economy and current economic challenges. I especially enjoyed the lectures, company visits to T-Bank and Avito, and the opportunity to explore Moscow for the first time.
One of the greatest advantages of the Summer School was meeting students from different countries and discussing economics from different cultural perspectives."
Yildiz Akhmet Efe, Istanbul Bilgi University, Turkey
"The lectures helped me better understand the fundamentals of the Russian economy, and I particularly enjoyed the session on artificial intelligence in economics.
Visiting T-Bank was another highlight — I was impressed by the company's working environment and employee-focused culture.
The Summer School is not only about economics; it is also about meeting people from different cultures and discovering Russia."
Do Nhat Minh, University of Economics and Business, Vietnam National University (Vietnam)
"The most valuable part of the programme was the opportunity to study many different subjects in economics and business while meeting students from around the world. The international environment allowed us to exchange ideas and make friends from China, Malaysia, Turkey and other countries.
ICEF creates an atmosphere where you can broaden both your academic knowledge and your global outlook."
Too Louise Kaien, Fudan University (China), Malaysia
"Initially, I expected the Summer School to be mainly about lectures, but it turned out to be much more. Besides the academic programme, I discovered Moscow, met wonderful people and made friends from many countries.
The visit to T-Bank was particularly memorable because it gave me my first real impression of how a major Russian company operates. It even made me think that I would like to work in such a company one day."
