Invaluable experience: G. Mason University

Tamara Petrova, the LCSR research assistant, talks about the exchange program with George Mason University, USA. 

Tamara Petrova, the LCSR research assistant and master student at Higher School of Economics (Saint-Petersburg) talks about the exchange program with George Mason University, USA.

I left my university in the middle of January with 2 other master and 5 bachelor students to take part in the exchange program between Higher School of Economics and George Mason University. The campus where I study is located in Fairfax, Virginia. The adjustment process went pretty quickly, because we were met very friendly here. Campus life is very comfortable, there are plenty of facilities for students: libraries, study rooms, computer labs, sports and recreation centers, etc. Local students pay much attention to sports, and basketball is one of the most popular here.

George Mason University is the most diverse campus in the USA, with a great number of international students from all over the world. It makes time here even more interesting, as you meet people from different countries. The colors that unite everyone here are green and gold - the symbolic colors of the university. Many people wear them during important events such as basketball games when the University’s team plays.

I was very excited about the opportunity to choose courses from different colleges. I attend classes at the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and the College of Education and Human Development. The project I am working on is devoted to inequality in educational achievements, so one of the courses I am attending is “Education Research”.

I am sure that participation in this exchange program will benefit my future studies, research and that this invaluable experience will help me in life a lot. I am very thankful to the organizers of the program for such a great opportunity!

Tamara Petrova