Joining Continents

The HSE – Nizhny Novgorod recently completed its traditional Summer School in Russian Language and Culture for U.S. students.

Eleven American students, led by Professor Jennifer Bown from Brigham Young University in Utah, spent nearly six weeks at the Higher School of Economics Nizhny Novgorod campus. During their time, they lived with host families and attended classes to practice their Russian and learn about Russian national identity and culture.

The Summer School was not limited to lectures and workshops, however. Visitors were taken on a fascinating trip to Gorodets, Suzdal and Murom, as well as to the matryoshka factory in Semenov where they not only learned about the production process, but also tried to master the skill of painting famous the Russian souvenirs. The group was also blown away by a cable car ride over the Volga River – the largest such structure in Europe.

According to Anastasia Tsvetkova, Deputy Head of the International Relations Office at the HSE – Nizhny Novgorod, the campus continues to cooperate actively with foreign partner universities. From July 7 to 30, a new summer language school will open for students from France, Austria and Brazil.

For the first time at the HSE – Nizhny Novgorod, a summer school devoted to Russian law will take place this summer. Beginning July 21, the top instructors from the Faculty of Law will spend three weeks delivering lectures and conducting seminars and workshops for students from the Southwest University of Political Science and Law in Chongqing, China.. In September 2014, a visit by students from the HSE – Nizhny Novgorod to Chongqing is planned.

Another specialized summer school – the International Summer School on Russian Economics – will be held at the Faculty of Economics from September 7 to 26. It will bring together students from different countries who are interested in learning about the peculiarities of Russia’s economic system. Students from Austria, Belgium and Italy have already expressed interest in the school.

Thorough training in English is one of the most important features of the educational process at the HSE - Nizhny Novgorod, as a high level of English proficiency helps students and instructors actively participate in international projects.