The Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs is launching a student exchange programme in honor of the late Prof. Andrey Karneev in partnership with Dalian University of Foreign Languages
The programme was one of the last projects that Prof. Karneev devoted his efforts and energy to in his final years. He had been personally fostering connections with Chinese partners, developing the framework of the programme, and had faith that this project would open new frontiers to WEIA students. The selection of the first cohort of participants is set to take place in September 2026, and the exchange will begin in the spring of 2027.
The programme is founded in memory of Prof. Andrey Karneev. He made an enormous contribution to the advancement of Chinese studies at the Faculty, furthering cooperation with Chinese universities and creating new international opportunities for students. Under his leadership, the School of Asian Studies significantly diversified its student body, implemented new language concentrations, and advanced cooperation with Russian and international partners to new planes.
Song Zhihao, WEIA Master’s alumnus, former doctoral student who had worked under the supervision of Prof. Andrey Karneev, played a special role in the creation of the programme as an assistant to the Director for International Cooperation and senior lecturer at the DUFL Russian Language Institute. Owing to his initiative and personal engagement, in April 2026 the Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs and the Russian Language Institute signed an Agreement on launching a new cooperation mode.
“Dear HSE sinologists!
My name is Song Zhihao, I am addressing you as a student of Prof. Karneev. You have a unique opportunity to get to know the real China.
Dalian is a charming city, with mountains, seas, a pleasant climate, and a rich history intertwined with that of Russia. Dalian University of Foreign Languages is a multidisciplinary university with a focus on the study of foreign languages and cultures. I am confident you will find much that is useful and interesting at our university.
I sincerely hope that during your studies at DUFL you will not only study assiduously, but also enjoy your young, promising and happy lives in China, and that upon your return, you will be able to talk about China with great pleasure, using introductory phrases such as "I have a joke. When I studied in China..." in the style of our beloved Prof. Andrey Karneev.
See you soon in Dalian!
Song Zhihao”
Every year, ten select outstanding participants from both institutions will be able to take part in the exchange. All participants will be provided with student accommodation at the host university, as well as support in compiling a personal study plan and course selection in alignment with their academic interests and study tracks.
Students majoring in Chinese studies know Dalian University of Foreign Languages as one of the leading linguistic universities in China. The university is distinguished by the top-tier quality of Chinese language teaching as well as attentiveness to every student. Considerable emphasis is placed on the development of speaking and writing skills, and constant immersion in the target-language environment enables students to quickly overcome the language barrier and confidently practice Chinese in the academic context and day-to-day interactions.
DUFL also stands out because of its international environment. Students from countries all over the globe comprise its student body, which facilitates inter-cultural exchange and language practice. Cultural events, public speaking contests, thematic meetings and tours are regularly organized for international students.
DUFL campus is located in a quiet area of Dalian near the sea. The campus features modern dormitories, sports facilities, green recreation areas, cafeterias, and cafés. Convenient transportation links allow students to easily reach both downtown Dalian and the historic Lüshun district, renowned for its museums, architectural monuments, and scenic views.
The launch of the exclusive exchange programme named after Prof. Karneev will mark an important milestone in the development of cooperation between our Faculty and Dalian University of Foreign Languages. The programme will create new opportunities for students majoring in Chinese studies at the Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs at HSE University and students majoring in Russian studies at the Russian Language Institute at DUFL to study and practice their target languages, gain insight into the cultures of both countries, and acquire international academic experience.
Detailed information on selection procedures for the programme will be published at the start of the Fall semester of the 2026/27 academic year.