Studying in Erasmus

Midterm exams are over and a second year master student Edoardo Alberti sends a small feedback on his experience at Erasmus. At HSE Edoardo is studying at the master program Strategic Corporate Finance. On successful graduation from Erasmus University he will defend his thesis at HSE and get two diplomas - HSE and Erasmus.

Rotterdam is a dynamic industrial hub which has nothing to do with the traditional Dutch style-towns (Amsterdam, The Hague, Delft). The city lives and expands itself in symbiosis with the biggest port in Europe. It is a real trade arena, a world gateway with an unique futuristic skyline. Despite being relatively small compared to Moscow, Rotterdam offers a large spectrum of cultural (museums) and social activities (active nightlife).

Erasmus University presents itself as an American-style campus, where all faculties are co-sited. Professors are very inspiring and always require active participation in classes, through challenges and pop-quizzes. Interestingly, Professors often shares the results of their ongoing scientific researches during their lectures.

The academic information system is very advanced, and offers easy access to all materials necessary for the courses (slides, papers, past exams).  Exams are quite intense and they are intended to assess your real understanding and knowledge on the topic, often beyond the exercises and theory covered in class.

 There are many similarities in the educational approach used by HSE and Erasmus. In fact, they both offer an high-quality economic preparation to their students

Edoardo Alberti
Second year master student, Strategic Corporate Finance

 

Clearly, Erasmus is an older and more experienced institution, able to attract many international students, offering flexible programs (entirely based on large pool of elective courses), building strong connections with private sector (company workshops, in-company trainings, case competitions), and effectively grouping students (student associations and fraternities). I think that HSE should follow these best practices for becoming even more competitive.