‘Language Is the Key to Understanding the Soul of a Country’
Every semester, 21 countries and 52 universities open their doors to students from HSE University as part of the student international mobility programme. In the fall semester of 2024, Sofya Malyukova, a third-year student of the bachelor's programme ‘Foreign Languages and Intercultural Communication’ at the HSE School of Foreign Languages, went to study at Ca' Foscari University (Venice, Italy) through the student mobility programme.
Her studies at Ca' Foscari University, with a rich history spanning over 150 years, will consist of two modules, starting from September 2024 and ending in February 2025.
Why Italy and Ca' Foscari University of Venice?
— I have dreamt of studying in Italy since the 10th grade, and today, thanks to the HSE School of Foreign Languages, my dream has come true. I chose Ca’ Foscari University of Venice based on the positive reviews from students in our academic programme who had already studied there and were absolutely delighted with this university.
Studying at the HSE School of Foreign Languages
— In school I had been learning Italian with a tutor outside of the curriculum since I was 14 because I had always been drawn to Italy’s culture and history. Language is the key to understanding the soul of a country.
When I entered the first year of the bachelor’s programme at the HSE School of Foreign Languages, I chose French as my second foreign language because I wanted to study another language from scratch. I continue to actively develop my Italian skills through the variety of extracurricular activities related to Italian at the HSE School of Foreign Languages. I participate in the annual International Scientific and Practical Conference for students and postgraduates, ‘Lingua e cultura italiana: soft power nel XXI secolo,’ and I also help organise events for the Italian Club at the HSE School of Foreign Languages.
The Educational Programme at Ca' Foscari University of Venice
— This semester’s programme is intense. I will be studying English and French, the theory of the first foreign language, the theory of teaching foreign languages, and intercultural communication. My mobility experience at Ca' Foscari University will undoubtedly provide me with new, unique experiences for my future career.
Life in the City of Contrasts
— Venice is a city that feels magical and a bit unreal, especially when you see it for the first time. Walking through its narrow streets and crossing its many bridges, you realise that every corner is steeped in history.
Of course, at first, I had to get used to the absence of regular streets, avenues, and cars. Instead, locals get around by vaporetto water buses, which are very convenient and fast.
On rainy days, the streets can become slightly flooded—this phenomenon is called acqua alta (high water)—so you sometimes have to avoid streets near the canals. Life on the water is not just romantic; it comes with certain challenges. But there is a charm in that too: Venice is surrounded by water, and you always feel it.
When choosing housing, I did not want to live in Venice itself but rather on the mainland, where life is more convenient. So, I found an apartment in a small town called Mestre, 15 minutes away from Venice. These two cities are connected by regular buses and trains, so transportation is never an issue.
At Ca' Foscari—Feeling at Home
— Studying at Ca' Foscari university of Venice is an unforgettable experience thanks to the intercultural exchange, as students here come from all over the world. Among my friends, there are not only Italians, but also students from Japan, Korea, Turkey, the USA, the UK, and Russia.
Classes at the university usually start early in the morning, but some subjects can be scheduled in the evening, depending on the course. Classes last 90 minutes, which is standard across all Italian universities. In addition to my classes at the Italian university, I am also completing some required courses for my educational programme at HSE online.
Overall, my workload here is organised very conveniently, allowing me to find time for additional learning, my hobbies, and travelling around Italy.
Advice for Those Who Want to Participate in Student International Mobility Programme
— First of all, you need to create an individual study plan and coordinate it with the academic office. I chose subjects that I would study in Italy and that could be credited upon my return. It is very important to ensure that the content of the study plan aligns with the courses being taught at that time in our educational programme at the HSE School of Foreign Languages.
Another key document is the motivation letter, which is your only opportunity to 'speak' to the admissions committee. It is crucial to highlight your experience, personal qualities, and future plans.
In addition to the motivation letter, recommendation letters from professors also play a significant role. From my experience, it is important that these letters reflect different aspects of your activities. Start preparing for the competition in advance and carefully work through each document. Approach this process responsibly, keeping in mind that the committee considers not only your academic achievements but also how you engage outside of your studies.
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