ISET-PI researcher Laura Manukyan of the Social Policy Research Center is excited to share her experience gained through professional development programs over the summer. She participated in two international summer schools, entitled “Inequality of Educational Opportunities” and “BRICS Global Business and Innovations”, organized by the Higher School of Economics (HSE) in Moscow and St. Petersburg respectively. Both included lectures, practical sessions, as well as group projects.

The “Inequality of Educational Opportunities” summer school took place on July 2-7 in Moscow, and was focused on research into education inequality. Education specialists Barbara Schneider (from Michigan State University) and Ernesto Treviño Villarreal (from Pontifical Catholic University of Chile) thoroughly examined topics of inequality in individual learning achievement, variations in educational access across different income groups and communities, and ways to better address issues of social and educational inequality.

Being concentrated on global economic development, the business perspectives and practices of BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), the “BRICS Global Business and Innovations” summer school was not restricted to classroom lectures and practical sessions, with field visits to the Danone dairy product company and Baltika brewery being organized as well. Moreover, the participants enjoyed sightseeing and cultural events, again organized by the Faculty of Economics and Management at HSE.

Laura was thrilled to meet people from all over the world and have the chance to learn from accomplished professionals, and looks forward to sharing her experiences with her colleagues.