‘Moscow Offers a Unique Academic and Cultural Experience’
Stephen Sodoke, from Ghana, is a recent graduate of the Master’s degree in Population and Development at HSE University in Moscow. Having completed his programme at the end of June 2025, he now plans to continue his research work on a doctoral programme. In this interview with the HSE News Service, Stephen talks about what surprised him about life in Russia, his involvement in extracurricular academic activities, and more.
— Why did you choose to study at HSE University–Moscow?
— I chose HSE because of its strong international reputation, especially in the social sciences. The programme in Population and Development matched my academic and research interests, specifically in sustainable development, urbanisation, and energy transitions. Moscow also offers a unique academic and cultural experience that I wanted to explore.
— What did you enjoy most about the programme?
— I enjoyed the courses on Anthropology, Environmental Protection and Regulation, and World Economy and Welfare.
The courses helped me understand the links between society, the environment, and economic development. They also guided me in shaping my research focus.
Prof. Ilya Ermolin, my supervisor, was very helpful and supportive throughout my research. His expertise in sociology and his in-depth use of qualitative research methods to develop models for understanding human behaviour was excellent and helped me greatly. I also appreciate the guidance of Prof. Alexander Larionov, the academic supervisor of the programme.
— What are your impressions of Moscow?
— What surprised me most was how modern and clean the city is. I didn’t expect the metro system and public spaces to be so beautiful and well maintained. Also, Russians are actually welcoming and this changed my perception. At HSE, I enjoyed the academic environment and the chance to learn from international and Russian scholars.
I like how Moscow is well organised and safe. The public transport system is efficient and fast, and the city has many beautiful parks.
The language barrier is my major hurdle. Most people in the city speak Russian, so daily communication outside the university is challenging. Also, adjusting to the winter weather took some time.
— What did you do outside of your studies?
— I tried to balance my studies with other activities. I was involved in volunteer work through my research group, especially with my religious body. As a Christian, I actively participated in church services and fellowship every Sunday, which helped me stay spiritually focused and build a sense of community. When I have free time, I also enjoy walking in the parks with my best friend Joe.
I was involved in academic extracurricular activities at HSE. I participated in two research conferences, which helped me gain new ideas and connect with other researchers.
Based on this experience, I co-founded the GREAT Research Hub, which is a research-based initiative focused on environmental sustainability, climate change, and the development of technologies that are socially embedded. The hub brings together students, researchers, and practitioners to promote applied research and innovation in sustainability.
— What are your favourite places in Moscow to relax? Have you visited any other cities?
— One of my favourite places in Moscow is VDNKh Park. It is a large and peaceful area, perfect for relaxing and sharing good moments with friends. I especially like the Atomic Energy Pavilion because of its educational displays and modern design.
Visiting places like VDNKh helped me unwind and stay inspired during my studies.
I had the chance to travel to Obninsk, which is known as Russia’s first science city. The visit was interesting because of its connection to nuclear research and innovation. Apart from that, I mostly stayed in Moscow due to my academic schedule, but I still hope to visit other cities like St Petersburg before I leave Russia.
— What are your plans for the future?
— This summer, I plan to rest and take some time to prepare myself for my PhD. I also want to reflect on my academic journey and get ready for the next stage. I need to regain some energy for another three or four years of intensive research work.
I would like to work in research and policy related to sustainable development, energy transition, and urban resilience in the Global South. I am also preparing to start a PhD focused on these topics.
Studying at HSE helped me improve my academic thinking and research skills. It also exposed me to international perspectives and showed me the importance of evidence-based policies.
This experience has strengthened my goal to contribute to development planning and environmental research in Ghana and other parts of the world.
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