‘All the People in My Department Were Exactly Who I Needed’
Meet Deborah Obasa and Amos Adebisi Oluwadamilare, a dynamic duo from Nigeria who are partners not only in life but also in academia. While pursuing their international master's degrees at HSE University, they fully embraced the vibrant life of Moscow. In an interview with the HSE News Service, Deborah and Amos share their experiences of studying at HSE, adjusting to life in Moscow with a newborn in arms, and achieving academic success.
Choosing HSE University
Amos: I am studying Strategic Corporate Finance at HSE. Previously, I studied Banking and Finance at the Federal University of Agriculture in Abeokuta, Nigeria. I worked as an Accounting Clerk at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture in Nigeria between 2013 and 2014 and am currently employed as a Lead Verification Agent at Premium Consulting here in Russia.
My decision to study in Moscow was mainly motivated by my desire to be reunited with my wife, and this was made possible thanks to the fact that HSE Moscow offers the course I am interested in.
Deborah: I studied Agrarian Economics at HSE and graduated with distinction in 2024. Prior to that, I studied Economics at the Federal University of Agriculture in Abeokuta, Nigeria. In Russia, I had an internship for three months with Agroexport in Moscow as an international market analyst for agricultural products. While at HSE, I also worked with Maria Semenova from the Laboratory of Banking Studies on a new research project related to non-cash payment systems. Before coming to Russia, I worked for a non-governmental organisation called ‘Sustainable Livelihoods Development Network for Africa’ in Nigeria as a researcher focused on agricultural extension and development services, which helped me develop my interest in agrarian economics, and HSE allowed me to pursue this passion.
I learned about HSE while researching scholarships for a master’s programme. Although I was hesitant because the studies would be in both Russian and English, I managed to get a scholarship through the Open Doors Olympiad, which also included a free one-year language course. I decided to give it a try.
Upsides and Downsides of Studying at HSE University
Deborah: During my time at HSE University, the most interesting course I took was Agricultural Marketing in my second year. To be honest, it was quite stressful because it involved two big projects. For the first project, I had to research the nut market in Moscow.
I remember visiting almost all major supermarkets in Moscow and taking pictures of the price tags and characteristics of different nuts
I also conducted a small survey among Russian residents to learn about their preferences for nuts—I must say it was a challenging but rewarding experience. For the second project, I worked in a team to analyse the world’s poultry and fish feed market.
My favourite lecturer was my supervisor, Prof. Evgenia Serova, who taught Agricultural Economics and World Food Systems. I also enjoyed the courses taught by Renata Yanbykh and Valeria Arefieva.
During my studies, the most difficult period was when we were required to compete courses in Econometrics, Microeconomics, and Macroeconomics together within just three months. I found it to be a lot of content to cover at once, but I managed to overcome this difficulty by creating a very strict study schedule for myself.
I reduced social activities to a minimum and spent a considerable amount of time in the library
Additionally, I was good at case analysis, which proved to be helpful in passing my macroeconomics course on the first try.
Amos: From my first-year experience, the two most interesting subjects to me were Corporate Finance and Advanced Business Valuation. These courses were most practical and relevant.
Almost all of the lecturers had a great deal of experience in their field, but Prof. Svetlana Grigoreva stood out above the rest. She made her lectures and seminars so simple to understand, and her experience in the field enabled her to share the best knowledge with us. Her availability to provide extra lectures was also very helpful.
Classroom Atmosphere
Deborah: Working with my Russian peers was easy and enjoyable. I was the only African student in the class and the only one with a different skin colour. However, the teamwork was smooth and easy. I always felt at home with them.
Amos: I have had both positive and negative experiences working with my mates as a team on group projects. Collaborating with my fellow African and Asian students seemed more productive than with Russian students, as they tend to communicate in Russian within the group.
Living in Moscow
Deborah: I am currently living with my husband and our child in a rented apartment, located right near Metro Fiztech. During my preparatory year, I stayed in a dorm and I must say that it was a very comfortable experience. I had only one roommate, and fortunately, my room was near the kitchen, which made life much easier. However, I had to leave the dorm when I became pregnant.
Since the night I arrived in Moscow, I have fallen in love with the city. I like the people here because I believe we share similar views on life, especially regarding the importance of hard work
My favourite place in the city are the swings at every playground, where I seem to forget all my worries. I also enjoy visiting Lianozovo Park, VDNH, and Tsaritsyno Park.
While I am not involved in any HSE clubs for foreigners or Russians, I am an active member of the International Christian Assembly in Moscow, where I serve as the Secretary of the Student Guild.
My Russian is at a B1 level, which means I can easily speak and understand conversations, and I can attend seminars and conferences in Russian.
What I enjoy about Russian food is its adaptability: you can add or remove any ingredient to suit your preferences
Amos: Regarding Moscow, I love the city in general. The people are friendly, serious-minded, and always willing to help. The transportation system is also great.
Baby Steps
Amos: We have been married for three years now, and I met my wife in February 2012 in Nigeria. We began dating in 2017 and tied the knot in 2021. Before entering into a romantic relationship, we had been friends for five years, during which time we learned more about each other.
I love my wife because of who she is and her strength in pushing through challenges. She is incredibly supportive, and we share a similar outlook on life.
Our baby boy, Joel, is a wonderful addition to our family. He brings joy and happiness to our lives every day. He is growing up quickly and already showing signs of being a smart boy. I have always loved children, but having a newborn is a whole new experience.
Being a father in a foreign country can be challenging, especially when there are no family members nearby to provide support. This coupled with the fact that both parents are full-time students
However, it has been an amazing experience with God’s help. Joel has been easy to cope because I spend most of my time with him whenever I'm at home. This helps me understand him better and know what he needs at any time by observing his feelings.
Deborah: I met my husband in 2012, and I liked him not for what he had but for how much he was willing to sacrifice for me.
I wouldn’t have been able to get an honours degree without my husband’s support. He helped with the baby—holding, handling, and taking care of him
Seven days after giving birth, I had a presentation and left my newborn baby at home with my husband. Amos supported me because he understood how important an honours degree was to me. Once he even attended one of his classes with our baby in tow because I had a presentation.
As a mother, the experience has been awesome. Although it can be stressful and overwhelming at times, I am enjoying every moment. I often find myself running between classes, homework, presentations, thesis, and numerous deadlines that HSE University sets. I remember taking Joel to a few classes and even going to an exam with him because my husband had an econometrics exam at the same time. On that day, I answered my exam questions while holding my baby in a kangaroo pouch on my chest. It was challenging at the time, but looking back, it was an experience I wouldn't trade for anything.
Lessons Learned at HSE University
Deborah: The most valuable lesson I learned at HSE University was that 'I am not alone.' It may sound strange, but when I became pregnant during my first year away from home, all I needed was good people to believe in me. All the people in my department were exactly who I needed. I didn’t compromise on my studies, and they showed me that I wasn’t rejected nor despised because of my pregnancy. This kept me going and helped me avoid depression and suicidal thoughts. Knowing that I had people who loved and accepted me was all I needed. That was my biggest lesson.
Amos: The most valuable lesson I have learned from HSE University so far is that my mental health is essential for my success in life. I understand how important it is to be mentally stable in the face of life’s challenges.
Future Plans and Aspirations
Amos: Step by step, I am looking forward to completing my master's programme and then trusting God to guide me in life. My biggest professional dream is to become a financial adviser and run my own financial company.
Deborah: My biggest professional dream is to work as an agricultural economist at a large international research institution, such as HSE University, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the United Nations, the Ministry of Agriculture, or an agro-analytics firm. I am interested in food security, food losses, and food waste, and I believe that the market system and global food supply chains can solve these issues. This was the focus of my master’s thesis, and I demonstrated a portion of my viewpoint. I intend to continue exploring these topics during my PhD studies.
HSE University has given me a completely different perspective on life. It has been a complex fusion of career, family, and education for me.
As a student, I have had the opportunity to benefit from the services of the HSE kindergarten, to intern at HSE, to win an increased state scholarship from HSE University, to receive an HSE maternal payment grant, as well as to be rejected as a PhD applicant and a student paper applicant. I have encountered both the good and the bad, the beautiful and the ugly of the university experience
Because of this, I believe HSE University provides a comprehensive foundation for what students may encounter in real life.
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