‘Meet Professors, Gain Experience’: Uzbek Lyceum Students Undertake Placement at HSE
The fourth off-site school organised under the Lyceum Classes project has taken place with the support of HSE University and implemented by the HSE Department of Internationalisation. This year, 79 students from International House Tashkent and Interhouse Lyceum came to HSE. The programme includes an introduction to the university, the opportunity to attend classes, and tours around Moscow.
‘The project is the next step in strengthening educational cooperation between HSE University and partner lyceums in Uzbekistan,’ said Kirill Kisel, HSE Director for Internationalisation. ‘Over the years of its implementation, this format has proven its effectiveness as a tool for the university’s long-term presence in the international educational environment.’
Kirill Kisel
As Kirill Kisel noted, it is important for the university that talented school students from other countries not merely consider studying in Russia, but choose HSE University specifically. ‘That is why we focus on full immersion in the HSE atmosphere: a campus tour on Pokrovsky Bulvar, on-site classes with leading professors, and live interaction—all this allows prospective applicants from neighbouring countries to experience real university life, assess the modern infrastructure, and appreciate the high quality of education,’ he explained.
This year’s placement programme included a range of lectures, seminars, a campus tour (covering the historic Durasov House, the library, the central atrium of the HSE building on Pokrovka, and the BukVyshka bookshop), as well as creative workshops organised by various faculties: economics, social sciences, computer science, creative industries, world economy and international affairs, as well as the International College of Economics and Finance (ICEF) and the HSE Graduate School of Business.
‘The aim of off-site schools is to turn an abstract dream into a concrete goal. For us, it is important that lyceum students walk along the corridors, see the modern classrooms and realise: “I can study here. This is my place,’” said Maria Mamonova, Head of the HSE International Marketing and Recruitment Unit. She noted that this year introduces a new feature—a day at the HSE Lyceum, where guests from Tashkent will spend time with students from Moscow. ‘I am confident that the “student-to-student” format will be valuable for participants of the off-site school. In a friendly atmosphere, they will be able to discuss with their peers everything that concerns them—from admissions to everyday life in the capital of Russia,’ she added.
The students also visited the HSE campus on Shabolovka, where they learned about the educational opportunities at the Graduate School of Business and the specifics of undergraduate study programmes.
‘We will be delighted to welcome today’s lyceum students as our future undergraduates and are confident they will be able to fulfil their potential here,’ said Ivan Prostakov, Deputy Director of the HSE Graduate School of Business.
The programme for the senior school students also included a walk around Red Square, Zaryadye Park, and the Moscow City business district, as well as visits to modern spaces on Pokrovsky Bulvar.
Ekaterina Ismagilova
As Ekaterina Ismagilova, a representative of Interhouse Lyceum, explained, close cooperation between the Tashkent-based lyceum and HSE University makes it possible to create an almost seamless transition from lyceum students to HSE undergraduates. ‘Senior pupils begin mastering university-style learning formats while still at school, which allows them to integrate more easily into student life at HSE University,’ she said.
Ekaterina Ismagilova also highlighted the special role played by HSE teachers involved in pre-university training at the lyceum. ‘We highly value their efforts and their deep engagement in the overall process—from designing academic modules to providing daily support to students. Thanks to this, our lyceum remains a reliable launching pad for prospective HSE students in Uzbekistan,’ she emphasised.
Lyceum students shared their impressions of their trip to Moscow with the HSE News Service.
‘I like it here. We have just had a tour of the campus on Pokrovsky Bulvar—it is very beautiful,’ said Elina Seit-Akaeva.
Lola Ikrami was also pleased to visit HSE. ‘I really like everything—the campus is so large and beautiful,’ she said.
Many prospective applicants have already set themselves the goal of enrolling at HSE. Abdurakhmon A’zamjonov believes that cooperation projects between lyceums and HSE University make it easier to realise this ambition. ‘I would choose political science because I am interested in this field and in how the state functions. On a trip like this, I see an opportunity to meet professors and lecturers and to gain experience,’ he noted.
Among the students were also those who have already been admitted to their first year at HSE. ‘We begin our studies in September, but I will arrive a bit earlier, in August, so that I have time to move into the dormitory,’ said Tair Bekmuratov. ‘I am really looking forward to coming sooner and getting settled. Yesterday I managed to take a short walk around Moscow—I really like the architecture and how beautiful the metro is here.’
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