David KELM,
USA

Foreign Service Officer, U.S. Department of State

– Why did you chose MGIMO University and this education program in particular, having so many options? 

– I chose MGIMO for a true education – for the opportunity to think differently, to challenge my opinions, and to get outside of my comfort zone. I received exactly that from MGIMO, an experience for which I am grateful.

– What are your impressions about MGIMO University and the experience you’ve got during study?

– Two years at MGIMO immersed me in a wide range of perspectives, from faculty and students alike. Top Russian academics perform most full-time instruction, but guest lecturers included European parliamentarians, American businessmen, former Russian intelligence officers, consultants for McKinsey & Company, and more.

– From your professional point of view, what are the highlights of MGIMO and the MA program helping you in your current professional activities?

– Our students came from Europe, the Near East, East Asia, and the Americas. This diverse group of instructors and peers forced me – one of the only Americans in my program – to defend my points of view or rethink my previous conceptions. Passive participation was not an option!

Sas Jan-Yaap,
Netherlands

Attache of the Embassy of the Netherlands to the USA

– What are your impressions about MGIMO University and the experience you’ve got during study?

 – I decided to chose MA in Russia because I wanted to know what  Russians think like, what is their perspective on Politics and International Relations. And I though I can do it only by coming to MGIMO.

– From your professional point of view, what are the highlights of MGIMO and the MA program helping you in your current professional activities?

– All in all I gained interesting view on International Relations, better understanding of International Economy from Russian perspective and above all I learned a Russian language.

Dominique Chevolet,
Luxembourg

Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of Luxembourg – Directorate for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs

– What are your impressions about MGIMO University and the experience you’ve got during study?

– The experience at MGIMO University, both academically and humanely, has been very enriching and remains valuable to me to this day.

– Did study in MGIMO helped you in your career?

– After graduating, I joined the Embassy of Luxembourg in Moscow where my two previous years at MGIMO University helped me tremendously in my daily work. Beyond this, I keep numerous good memories and lasting friendships from my time at Prospect Vernadskogo, 76. 

– From your professional point of view, what are the highlights of MGIMO and the MA program helping you in your current professional activities?

– MGIMO University turned out to be a great institution to foster my understanding of current events and strengthen the academic knowledge necessary for making sense of it all in a structured and coherent manner.

Aleksandr Bobrov,
Russia

Lecturer MGIMO University

– As a Russian student, could you point out any highlights of MGIMO University compared to others you have possibly considered?

– In my humble opinion it’s the mixture of traditions and new approaches in education, such as role games or the United Nations simulation game is our Universities best assert.

– What would you say about international students community?

– As a former graduate of the School of International Relations and lecturer at the Department of Diplomacy I can say that our students have thrist for knowledge. You know there is arabic word talib that means both student and demanding that can be said about current students. And we as professors need to meet the demand.

Fahad Al-Faihani,
Kingdom of Bahrain

Diplomat, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain

– What are your impressions about MGIMO University and the experience you’ve got during study?

– I would always remember my years at MGIMO with great pleasure and gratitude, as it was a life changing and very interesting experience, I have enjoyed each class at the university, also I have met really good professors there, they really enriched both my academic and knowledge abilities.

– Could you say if there are any advantages of studying in Russia?

– It was a great chance for me as a Bahraini diplomat and a student to study and learn the Russian point of view of the world politics and global affairs, which really differs from ours in the Middle East and sometimes really close to ours.

– From your professional point of view, could you describe the bits of the education you’ve got helping you in your current professional activities?

– Thing I consider as very unique and a mile stone in my academic progression is multitude of view explored and represented not only by professors, but also international student community. This perspective did really help me during my mission  in the Kingdom of Bahrain Embassy in Moscow.