ICEF has prepared a cohort of students from different countries and universities for their master’s study through ICEF Summer Bridge School. A short-term course, ICEF Summer Bridge School is for undergraduate and graduate students who are planning to apply for admission to ICEF Financial Economics programme next year or a related master’s programme at other universities.
First launched in the summer of 2021, ICEF Summer Bridge School was held for the second time as a project aiming to strengthen the academic background of the students majoring in economics or finance and planning to enroll in master’s programme. For those intending to apply for ICEF’s Financial Economics programme, the Summer Bridge School is a perfect opportunity to experience what it will be like to study at ICEF.
ICEF Summer Bridge School offers five independent modules. Participants are free to take as many modules as they wish. All modules are designed to refresh and advance learners’ knowledge of the fundamental courses they completed during their bachelor’s degree study. This year’s courses included Mathematics for Economists by Daniil Esaulov, who is a graduate of ICEF master’s programme himself and a faculty staff member at ICEF; Microeconomics by Yuri Avtonomov, an associate professor at the Faculty of Economics Sciences; Macroeconomics by Andrey Dementiev, a senior lecturer at the Faculty of Economics Sciences and Finance by Dmitry Kachalov, a senior lecturer at ICEF.
The participants got to learn about the academic requirements of the ICEF master's degree as well as those of other leading graduate programs in economics and finance. They also gained the understanding of the basic theories and concepts, acquired the mathematical and econometric skills essential for solving economic problems, and could experience the mindset and the learning strategies that lead to successful completion of a master’s in financial economics. Some of the course materials had engaged the students and their teachers in intense discussions.
ICEF Summer Bridge School was held online, which made it easier for students in different geographical locations, and among them Uzbekistan, Russia, Ghana, Azerbaijan, Italy, Armenia, Nigeria, China, and Turkey, to access the courses. Upon completion of the courses and passing of the tests, the participants will be issued with certificates and gain the status as preferred candidates for admission to ICEF Master’s Programme in Financial Economics at portfolio competition stage.
Taisiya Pimenova, St. Petersburg State University of Economics, bachelor’s student
I major in Applied Mathematics and Computer Science and have completed my third year of study. Although I’ve mastered both mathematics and computer science quite thoroughly, my true interests lie in the field of economics, econometrics and finance. I study economics on my own and through university courses. ICEF Summer Bridge School has been a good opportunity for me to streamline and advance my knowledge by following the expert lecturers and trying on the role of ICEF student – I hope to get enrolled in Master of Financial Economics programme and will spend this year preparing for admission.
Denis Lobanov, Financial University, master's student
I am thinking about enrolling in Financial Economics programme because my current programme is more about financial analysis and audit and, hence, cannot give me the in-depth knowledge of mathematics and economics which I think will be essential to my further academic and professional success. I decided to do a course at ICEF Summer School in order to better understand the level of complexity of the courses that are taught here. It’s been a great opportunity for me to refresh my knowledge of mathematics, microeconomic and macroeconomic theories, and learn the English terminology. What is more, doing the Summer Bridge School gives applicants additional points at the portfolio competition stage.
Ivan Vereshchagin, Financial University, bachelor's student
I chose my career while in high school. Mathematics – figures, graphs, formulas – has been my passion since childhood and, with time, this passion started to embrace economics and, particularly, finance (I view finance as a more dynamic version of mathematics). I’m studying to become a portfolio manager – the position which is challenging to achieve and which requires me to do a master’s. Why ICEF? The answer is simple: this place turns students into the strongest and most competitive job applicants ever (I became convinced of it at the 2014 IEEF Alumni Summit). ICEF Summer Bridge School has given me the knowledge that I needed and has set the path for me to follow – in 2024, when I complete my bachelor’s study, I will apply for admission to ICEF Master’s programme.
Elena Korobova, HSE, bachelor’s student
I got admitted to Financial Economics programme. For me, ICEF Summer Bridge School has been an excellent opportunity to adjust to ICEF’s academic level and standards. In addition to basic theories and concepts of economics and finance, ICEF Summer Bridge School has equipped me with an expanded range of tools for solving economic problems. It has broadened my academic experience and prepared me for the upcoming training.
Darina Calogero, Bocconi University (Italy), bachelor's student
I am a Management major at Bocconi University. I am interested in finance as a field of study and I discovered the Higher School of Economics and ICEF as a wonderful place for me to learn finance. By doing this course at ICEF, I have significantly improved my knowledge of economics-related topics. It made me look at usual truths from a new perspective and I am very grateful for this opportunity, which I know will definitely contribute to my professional growth. The school has been a great chance to meet students in other countries and expand my social circle. Notably, many of ICEF’s lecturers are young and are, like us, interested in exchanging views and getting a fresh look at the study of newly emerging economic issues.
