Aiperi Kashieva: "Being an AUCA student and not studying abroad is like a 'sin'"

August 24, 2015

Aiperi Kashieva, a junior student of Economics Department at American University of Central Asia, spent her spring semester at Kyung Hee University. Aiperi shares her experience of studying in Seoul, South Korea.

“I have never regretted choosing the American University of Central Asia for my studies. I have learned that AUCA is not only about first-rate education, but it is also like a bridge, which connects AUCA students with students from all over the world. AUCA provides incredible opportunities to discover the world through different exchange programs, which are not always available in other universities in Kyrgyzstan. In my opinion, being an AUCA student and not using this priceless chance to study abroad is like a “sin”.

I could not be a happier than when, after competing with other students, I received my nomination letter for an exchange program of one semester in Kyung Hee University (Seoul, South Korea). I would not say that the selection process was easy, because to be selected a high GPA is required as well as good recommendation letters. I had prepared for all of this during my two years of studying at the university. All my required documents were ready, so the application was no trouble for me.

An exchange program is a cultural exchange, which expands your world outlook and helps you to see things from the perspectives of different cultures. For instance, in my first day in Seoul, I felt lost among millions of people with completely different culture. But over time I integrated Korean culture. I think that Korean and Kyrgyz culture are so different that it is impossible to compare them, both are perfectly unexceptionable. People, traditions, religion, beliefs, values, food, lifestyle, and shopping habits - everything was new, different and so interesting for me. Food, for instance, was really spicy (like really spicy) and it took me for a while to get used to it. Also one more important aspect is education in Korea, which I found innovative.

After studying with Koreans, I understood why Korea became a developed country so fast: they are amazingly hard working. This country gave me unforgettable experience not only in education, but also it improved my language abilities; I found friends from all over the world, which gave me opportunity to visit their countries later on; and, of course, it has significantly influenced my personality.

However, studying abroad is not only about studying hard. I visited a couple of cities and islands in Korea. It is unbelievable, but Korea, with its modern buildings, is also the greenest country I have ever visited. And one day, I will come back.

I would say that exchange programs have a huge impact on your personality, knowledge, world outlook, future and other things that you can only feel after one semester abroad. I advise you to just try it, you won’t lose anything.”

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