Africa track
The Africa Track is a system of interconnected and integrated activities that will prepare economists and international relations specialists for working with African countries, gaining expert analytical skills, intercultural communication skills, and knowledge about the peculiarities of working in African countries.
The Africa track is being implemented at the Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs of the HSE University with the methodological, organizational, and informational support of the Centre for African Studies.
The track is implemented within the bachelor's degree programs, including:
What will I study?
- Working with sources and data in an information-opaque environment
- Economy and political systems of African countries
- Basics of interaction with government agencies in Africa
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Educational courses
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Scientific activity
Project: Preparation of an analytical report
Coursework/thesis on a priority topic
Scientific work (participation in conferences and preparation of publications)
Project: Working with data
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Practice
Internship in a commercial company/state agency
Exchange/Internship in Africa
Participation in Russia-Africa format events
Internship at the HSE Center for African Studies
Demand
The urgent need for training personnel to work with Africa is being emphasized by relevant ministers in 2024–2025. Requests for expert analysis from Russian companies with interests in Africa and media commentary are growing. Russian companies are increasingly showing interest in HSE graduates with relevant training.
Where will I work?
Graduates of the Faculty who choose the "Africa" track are highly qualified specialists possessing the knowledge and skills necessary for expert analysis, organizational management, diplomatic work, foreign economic affairs, and scientific research. Successful completion of the "Africa" track is confirmed by a letter of recommendation.
Potential employers:
- Russian companies with interests in Africa (Rosatom State Corporation, Sber, Uralchem, Lukoil, Renova Group, etc.)
- State agencies (the Ministry of Economic Development, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Agriculture, etc.)
- The UN, the ICRC, and other international organizations.
As part of scientific and educational activities, staff and interns of the Center for African Studies participate in trips to Africa.
"The internship allowed me to gain invaluable professional experience; meet officials, directors of state agencies in Tanzania and Ethiopia, and international organizations, participate in negotiations. It became clearer to me that Africans expect action from us, not just talk. My personal highlights were meetings with the regional director of the International Telecommunication Union and the head of the ICT sector at the UN Commission for Africa. Their warm welcome and willingness to cooperate gave me hope. For me, they are proof of the need to work 'in the field.'"
— Olesya Kalashnik (graduate student of the "International Relations" bachelor's program)
The "Africa" track's Coordinator