published on 06.06.25
Discover how a Russian-French TBS Education student found new passions, perspectives and even love during his exchange at MGIMO University
Meet Denis, a Master in Management alumnus at TBS Education, with dual Russian-French nationality. For a student who moved from Russia to France at the age of five, returning to Moscow for an exchange semester at one of Russia’s top universities, MGIMO, in 2023 was more than an academic adventure – it was a return to roots, a cultural rediscovery, and a deeply personal journey.
Originally aiming for an exchange in East Asia, he was redirected to MGIMO due to pandemic restrictions in China. “I ended up choosing MGIMO after Beijing closed its borders,” he explains. “It turned out to be one of the best academic – and personal – surprises of my life,” he adds with a smile, hinting at the long-distance romance that followed.
The first thing that caught his attention was the campus itself, which, he says, is like a mini-city, complete with cafés, sports centers, medical facilities and underground walkways connecting the buildings. “It was way bigger than anything I had seen in France!” As part of orientation on the first day, he joined a university-wide treasure hunt to answer questions about Russia and MGIMO – and won a gift bag signed by Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov!
Unlike his experience living in private housing in Toulouse, he spent the semester in a student residence in southern Moscow, sharing an apartment with students from Belarus and Uzbekistan. “It was my first time living in a dorm – 45 minutes from campus, on a bus! But it was worth it for the cultural immersion and gave me a real taste of local student life,” he says.
However, what surprised him most about MGIMO wasn’t just the massive campus or the high-tech infrastructure – it was the diversity. “Many courses were taught by international professors, including Russian-speaking lecturers from Washington D.C. and former diplomats.”
Outside the classroom, he found that Moscow was nothing like the rigid image often portrayed in the West. “It’s an incredibly multicultural city. I met students from the U.S., Europe, Asia and even Mongolian friends I later reunited with in Paris.” Events like the International Day and career fairs allowed him to network and explore different cultural perspectives, adding layers to his worldview.
The exchange offered freedom to choose from over 100 courses in English and Russian, across levels. One course left a lasting impact: Risk Investment Analysis. His assignment was to evaluate foreign direct investment risks in Georgia. “It made me realize how passionate I am about international business and political economy.”
This led to a pivot in his career focus – from finance to international marketing and business development. “It gave me clarity on what I really want: a dynamic career in international marketing or business development – ideally one that lets me travel, negotiate and work in multiple languages.”
After the exchange, he took a gap year to explore internships abroad, including a position in a communication agency in Estonia working with EU organizations. “It opened my eyes to professional opportunities beyond Western Europe,” he says.
Denis didn’t confine his exchange experience to the lecture halls of MGIMO University: he embarked on several journeys and visited Saint Petersburg, Samara and Sochi.
“Traveling across Russia by train was an adventure in itself. The vastness of the country is something you truly grasp only when you spend hours watching the changing landscapes from a train window,” Denis reflects.
These travels not only enriched his understanding of Russian culture and geography but also provided him with memorable experiences that complemented his academic pursuits.
“Be open-minded and adaptable. Take time to choose what you really want because there are so many specializations – TBS Education has something for everyone. And be prepared to adapt – it’s a different world.”
“Expect the unexpected. You’ll grow, you’ll learn and you might even end up loving herring salad!”
Are you interested in broadening your horizons through an international exchange? Explore the diverse opportunities at TBS Education and discover how you can embark on your own transformative journey in our Master in Management program.
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