Immersing into GSB: the 2025 Study Tour Experience for international prospective students

From April 7 to 20, the Graduate School of Business at HSE University took part in the Study Tour Experience project — a format that allows international applicants to explore HSE Master’s programs both in person and online, while immersing themselves in the atmosphere of their dream university.

In 2025, the project marked its fifth anniversary. Out of a large number of applications, about 30 finalists were selected for the online track in the “Business and Management” field, and three participants for the on-campus format. The in-person track welcomed students from Syria, Turkey, and Vietnam, who chose Russian-language academic programs.

Staff from the GSB International Exchange Center gave the visiting students a warm welcome, organized a campus tour at Shabolovka, and handed out souvenirs with the school’s branding.

Over the course of two weeks, Study Tour participants had the opportunity to attend undergraduate and graduate classes, explore course content, and evaluate the quality of education. Professors did their best to involve the students in the academic process and help them feel like a part of the learning community.

According to statistics from previous years, about one-third of Study Tour participants go on to apply for a Master's program at HSE, and we hope this number will continue to grow.

Students' testimonials:

Dina Nimeh (Syria)

I wanted to learn more about GSB, meet professors and students, and gain new knowledge in the field of business management. I really liked everything — especially the program Strategic Management: Investments and Consulting. Among the classes, I particularly enjoyed International Management in English (focused on Asian countries) and Strategic Management in Russian. Since I use Russian at home, it was comfortable for me to study in this language, even though I completed my undergraduate degree in Arabic. I’m very happy I got the chance to join this internship — thank you so much for the opportunity!

Nguyen Xuan Tung (Vietnam)

I’m currently enrolled in a research-focused Master’s program, but I’m thinking about switching tracks, so I’m considering the International Management program. I understood the language of instruction well, since I already study in Russian. The class that impressed me the most was Management in Asian Countries taught by Associate Professor Sergey Vyacheslavovich Shaposhnikov. His teaching style was both engaging and informative: he shared not only theoretical knowledge but also many real-life examples, which helped us better understand the specifics of management in different cultures. His ability to explain complex concepts in English made the class accessible and interesting for everyone. I was impressed by how he encouraged discussion and critical thinking. This course not only deepened my understanding of management but also inspired me to continue exploring the subject.

Mert Degirmenci (Türkiye)

It was important for me not only to get to know GSB’s programs and professors but also to obtain a participant certificate to strengthen my portfolio when applying. I had some difficulties understanding the classes in Russian — people often spoke fast and it wasn’t always clear. Still, I’d like to highlight the professors who made the biggest impression on me:
– Sergey Vyacheslavovich Shaposhnikov — excellent classes in English;
– Konstantin Amiranovich Bagrationi — incredible energy;
– Vasily Anatolyevich Toropin — top-level professionalism;
– Tatyana Lvovna Bardinskaya — always created a very welcoming atmosphere in class.
I was pleasantly surprised that all professors used presentations in their lectures, without exception. Among the programs, I was particularly interested in Marketing: Digital Technologies and Marketing Communications and International Management. And I must mention the GSB cafeteria — tasty, affordable, and no lines 😊