What did you do before you came to Huron?
I was a third year student of Higher School of Economics in Moscow, Russia. I also had a part-time job in an insurance company.

Why did you choose Huron University USA in London?
I found the idea of studying in a small private university located in one of the greatest cities in the world an opportunity hard to miss.

What have you learned since being at Huron? How have you benefited both academically and socially?
The academic workload of weekly assignments and essays seemed demanding at times but this was what really stretched me. Although hard work, it greatly helped me to extend my horizons, improve my English and made class discussions lively, with different points of view flying around the classroom. I particularly enjoyed my course about Victorian London where the whole city was a backdrop to the studies. It feels like it visited every museum and gallery in London – I can easily give anyone a tour now! I also made new friends at Huron who introduced me to wrestling – a sport I have never done before. I have now been in training for 10 months and already took part in two competitions.

What was it like to study at Huron?
I enjoyed studying in smaller groups and being able to participate in class discussions. I felt tutors’ constant support and personal interest in my progress. I have met some amazing people, both students and professors from different parts of the world. It was fascinating to listen to their stories and achievements and I learnt a great deal about myself, too. It was also very easy for me to travel to France for my summer break. I also loved Huron parties – and Commencement Ceremony and Graduation Ball were fantastic, a real day to remember.

Did anything surprise you in your time here?
At first I was surprised to see how relatively small Huron was – having been to a large state university such reaction was probably not unusual. I then began to feel really privileged to be a part of this smaller close-knit community. I felt that my voice and efforts made an impact in and outside of the classroom. I was also surprised by a degree of personal attention and friendliness Huron had – and I surely enjoyed that!

How has Huron prepared you for your future career?
For me Huron provided a supportive environment which facilitated learning and achievement. I learnt about fitting in with different cultures, trying new things and doing my best in situations which I would have previously found foreign and insurmountable. In the next year I will be completing my Russian degree in Moscow so I still have time to decide on what career path I would like to follow. Having taken part in Huron’s internship program, I had work experience with several firms in London. It gave me a real taster of the City business world and I have a few ideas about where my academic and professional future might be.