Academic Mobility at Shanghai University

The last class on "International Trade," photo of students with the professor

Personal archive of Alexey Kovtun

Alexey Kovtun shares his impressions of his trip to China

Expectations and First Impressions

I chose China because I have always been interested in Asian culture, but I had not previously had the opportunity to visit countries in this region. Shanghai attracted me as a global technological and financial hub, making it the ideal place to combine academic growth with cultural immersion.

My hopes were to to broaden my horizons, get acquainted with the Asian mindset, and gain a unique educational experience. Shanghai University, being one of the leading financial centers, seemed like an excellent platform for studying modern economic trends.

The university impressed me with its infrastructure: from the variety of cafeterias to convenient services like fast delivery from TaoBao. I particularly appreciated the up-to-date study materials and the lively discussions during seminars. Although I expected more interaction with international students, my experience fully met my expectations.

Learning Experience

The "International Trade" course, conducted in a case-study format, was my favorite and exceptionally practical. We explored current topics, such as new tariffs imposed by the U.S., and discussed them with a professor who encouraged debate. I was introduced to in-depth analyses of trade models and examined the impact of globalization on inequality and the service sector. I am grateful for the opportunity to study abroad, and I believe that HSE University maintains its leadership in education quality.

Adaptation

The only challenge I faced was the lack of a student ID card during the first week, but that was resolved quickly. The internet was sometimes slow, but it was always sufficient for studying. I did not require support from the international office—everything was clear intuitively. I lived in a double room on campus (approximately 24,000 rubles/month). This was convenient: academic buildings were within walking distance, and renting bicycles was reminiscent of electric scooter services in Russia. In my observations, Chinese students tend to be more reserved, and building trusting relationships takes time. However, this only highlighted the value of openness that I acquired.

Leisure Time

Shanghai is beautiful in the evening: the skyscrapers of the financial center, boat rides on the river, and cozy neighborhoods. Among my trips, I particularly enjoyed Shenzhen (for a resort getaway) and Guangzhou (Canton Fair).

Discoveries During Mobility

Cultural: The spiciness of local cuisine! What we consider "very spicy" is perceived by Chinese people as "not spicy" ("Bu La").
Personal: The readiness to accept people without judgment.
Professional: A deep understanding of the Chinese economy, including nuances that are not covered in textbooks.