‘Unlearn, Relearn, and Do Not Study Alone’
Celestina Adu, from Ghana, is pursuing her Master’s in Economics and Economic Policy at the HSE Faculty of Economic Sciences. Recently, she won silver at a scientific student conference in Nizhny Novgorod. In her interview, she delves into her research on AI and its impact on education, offering advice for prospective international students based on her experiences in Russia.
Celestina Adu
Adjusting at HSE University
I have a bachelor’s in economics from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). I chose to pursue my master’s in Russia and HSE University because of a recommendation from a professor at KNUST and also because of the quantitative nature of the master’s programme.
My experience as an international student did not begin smoothly due to difficulty adapting to the environment of Moscow and the style of teaching at the university, but over time, I made friends with both international and Russian students in my class, which lessened the burden.
In addition, my professors were very kind and friendly—especially Prof. Dmitry Veselov and Prof. Arsenii Mishin. I could easily approach any of my professors for assistance with the course and to interact, which made me feel like I belong.
Studying AI
Along the journey, I got very interested in artificial intelligence—my final thesis is actually on AI and educational incentives. AI is a new wave of technology that is growing rapidly and has a great impact on human decisions, and from the understanding I have gotten from my work so far, I need to advance my technological skills to make the most of AI and be able to compete fairly with it.
I recently participated in the IX All-Russian Scientific Student Conference at HSE University–Nizhny Novgorod. I took part in the ‘Economics and Data Analysis’ section and won second place in the report competition.
I learned a lot during the conference, as peers share their research. After graduating from my master’s programme, I intend to apply for a PhD in economics at HSE, in Australia, and in other parts of Europe.
Leisure Time in Moscow
Something that surprised me about Russia is the fact that everyone minds their own business without being very interested in others’ business. It is the only cultural aspect I still cannot adapt to. I am currently learning Russian on Duolingo and hope to become fluent very soon.
In my daily life, apart from school, I love taking boat rides on the Moscow river with my friend Ruby. We both live in Dorm 10 around Okskaya Metro. I also like listening to music—such as gospel afrobeat and K-pop (especially BTS)—and watching Asian dramas.
Regarding sightseeing, I recommend visiting Red Square during Christmas.
Advice to Future International Students at HSE University
After spending almost a year in Russia, my advice to international students is to learn Russian, be ready to unlearn and relearn in your field of study, and do not study alone—form groups to ensure success. My life motto is ‘live your life as Christ would at every point in life,’ and my last piece of advice is to live life to the fullest. Go out and have fun with Russians and your fellow international students!
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