A Dance Studio as a ‘Power Place’ for an International Student in Moscow: Interview with 4th-Year ICEF Student Liu Minglin
Liu Minglin, 22, chose to study at ICEF in Moscow for two reasons: his Russian friends’ recommendations and the contents of the programme curriculum on the website. Liu says his admission went smoothly, without excessive red tape, and that ICEF staff were quick to respond to all his questions.
How have you been coping with the curriculum at ICEF?
The curriculum is vibrant, indeed, with many courses that require considerable effort and attention. The most challenging part for me was in years two and three when I started Probability & Statistics and Micro & Macro, they proved to be most difficult for me.
What helped you to pass the exams?
First thing, I studied hard. Second, I can always rely on my classmates and seminar teachers for help. It’s essential to know you can get help from people who are knowledgeable. It is perfectly normal in ICEF to seek help from friends, seminar teachers or lecturers. Feel free to ask.
Hospitality and a welcoming attitude are everywhere at ICEF, and the staff are ready to lend a hand with whatever problem you may have. Here on campus, classics and modernity form an amazing blend, permeating the indoor atmosphere.
Many of the student activities have been a good experience. One recent example is HSE Unity Fest on Pokrovka. It gathered students from different countries and created such good vibes that everyone felt happy afterwards.
Tell us about the tuition discount scheme and how it works at ICEF.
I got my first discount in year one. It was just 20%. To maintain eligibility for the tuition discount here, students should get all passes and not a single fail in the exams. It’s essential to attend all classes, do homework, and revise for the exams—this helps a lot.
The size of the discount depends on the student’s academic rating. This time I came 35th out of 180. Keeping your rating high is never easy, it’s always up and down, but I’m trying to do my best.
How is your life outside ICEF? Do you have time for anything apart from studies?
At first I lived in a dormitory in a room for three. There was a big study table in it that could accommodate us all. The dormitory offered free Wi-Fi on the campus network, and we had a new kitchen equipped with everything needed for cooking.
Now I live in a flat. Even though it’s more comfortable for me this way, I strongly recommend new students to apply for a place in the dormitory—you will have less trouble obtaining your migration clearance.
Studying takes less effort now, so I do have time to meet with friends. I have made many, both from Russia and abroad, but I mostly communicate with those from abroad.
Moving around Moscow isn’t a problem. I like going by subway—the Moscow Metro is very efficient, so I have no problem getting to my 'power place', which is Caucasian Dance School AssaParty. Dancing makes me feel good; I recommend it to everyone.
What things do you like about Russian culture?
I have come to like many Russian traditions and the Russian people. While conversing with people here in Moscow, I found many to be nice and have rediscovered the Russian culture as diverse and interesting to explore.
I particularly like Russian folk music, the stirring effect folk performances produce on the audience. And I’ve also been to classical music concerts and theatres.
I managed to travel to St Petersburg. It made a strong impression on me, but I must say that smaller, provincial places like Vladimir, with their fascinating architecture and heritage, also have a charm of their own.
You learned about ICEF from your friends. Now that you're in the final year of your programme, would you recommend ICEF to your friends?
Yes. I can safely recommend ICEF to anyone who wants to become an economics major or specialise in economics and finance. I plan to continue studies in a related field close to economics, finance, and banking.