In an interview with NUST MISIS, Soheil Seif from Iran, a winner of the Open Doors International Olympiad, shares his journey to studying in Russia. He talks about his academic background, how he prepared for the competition, and the opportunities it opened up for his research career. Soheil also explains why he chose NUST MISIS, describes his first impressions of Moscow, and offers advice to students considering taking part in the Olympiad.
— Could you tell us a little about yourself, your educational background, and your interests?
— My name is Soheil Seif, and I’m from Iran. I hold a master’s degree in Water Resources Engineering from a well-regarded Iranian university and have published two research articles in chemistry. Before coming to Russia, I worked as a groundwater specialist in water resources management at a major Iranian company.
— Why did you decide to pursue higher education abroad, and why did you choose Russia and NUST MISIS?
— It has always been my dream to pursue my research interests and continue my studies at a world-class university abroad. I would like to become an international scientist and collaborate with researchers from different countries. I’ve chosen Russia because it is a great country, and I feel that our cultures have certain things in common. Another advantage is its geographical proximity to Iran. Russia also has many world-class universities. I’ve decided to study at NUST MISIS because of its strong international standing in the field of mining, which is closely related to my research interests. This made the university particularly attractive to me.
— How did you prepare for the Olympiad? How much time did you spend preparing, and what was your strategy?
— I found out about the Open Doors International Olympiad online. As a PhD-track participant, I went through three stages of the competition. First, I prepared my documents and uploaded them to the website, where my portfolio was evaluated. The second stage involved an online examination. I prepared for it using the study materials provided on the official website. Finally, I had an interview with potential supervisors, during which we discussed our shared research interests. I was then selected for the programme.
— Which parts of the competition were the most challenging? How did you overcome those difficulties?
— I found the second stage of the Open Doors International Olympiad particularly challenging because I didn’t know what kinds of questions to expect. The subject area was quite broad, so I had to study a wide range of materials in preparation for the examination. However, I did my best to prepare thoroughly. My practical experience in the field also helped me answer the questions.
— What opportunities did winning the Olympiad open up for you? How did it help you pursue your goal of studying in Russia?
— The Open Doors International Olympiad helped me connect with my future academic supervisor. We are now planning to work together on research related to mining and groundwater. Another exciting aspect of my experience is that I’ve made many international friends. Everything in Moscow is new and fascinating to me. It’s a wonderful city, and I’m grateful to NUST MISIS for giving me the opportunity to study here.
— What were your first impressions of Russia? Was anything different from what you had expected?
— When I first arrived, the language barrier was one of the main challenges I faced. Since the local language is essential for everyday communication in Moscow and across much of the country, even simple daily tasks can be difficult without some basic knowledge of it. I would recommend that anyone planning to study here learn a little of the language before arriving. Even a basic level of proficiency can make everyday life much easier.
— What advice would you give to young people in Iran who are considering participating in the Open Doors Olympiad but are unsure where to start?
— I would definitely encourage students from Iran and other countries to consider studying in Russia and participating in the Open Doors International Olympiad. The Olympiad can open up valuable educational opportunities and make studying abroad more accessible financially. As far as I know, students may also be eligible for additional financial support, including grants for those with strong academic records and achievements. I believe that careful preparation is essential: students should study hard, prepare all the required documents, and follow the instructions on the official website. With dedication and thorough preparation, they can significantly improve their chances of success.
