Nicholas Mazik: "Central Asia is a fascinating region"

December 15, 2015

Nicholas J. Mazik is an Associate Professor in the International and Business Law Department at the American University of Central Asia (AUCA). He told us about his first semester teaching at AUCA and his thoughts about Central Asian region.

“Although this is my first semester teaching at AUCA, I am not entirely new to Kyrgyzstan. I visited Bishkek for a few months back in 2013, so my transition to living here now has been very smooth. I always find something new or surprising in Bishkek.

I have had a serious desire to teach law courses ever since I was a student myself. I had many inspiring professors who really set the example for what I try to be. My career as a practicing courtroom lawyer taught me the importance of the rule of law and fair legal systems. These combined experiences have given me the desire to teach and to produce graduates who can represent AUCA well through their knowledge and behavior. My goal is to teach legal materials, obviously, but logical reasoning and problem-solving skills are just as important. Students in all departments need to be able to evaluate facts and make objective decisions in all facets of their careers and lives.

This position came to me through the Career Services Office of Central European University (CEU) in Budapest, Hungary. I studied at CEU a few years ago, and I have always remained in touch with people there. Both AUCA and CEU share the mission of building fair societies, so I knew that AUCA would be a great fit for me. I knew a number of AUCA graduates while I was studying at CEU, and they are what initially brought me to Bishkek. I have continually been impressed by my students here at AUCA. I have no doubt that they will do great things in the future.

I truly enjoy teaching at AUCA, and it is my desire to continue teaching at AUCA for some time. While I am here, I am serving on the Student Intellectual Life Committee (SILC) and on the editorial committee of the Central Asia Policy Review (CAPR). I would like to encourage all students to apply to the SILC for funding for important academic research and activities, and to write for the CAPR. Central Asia is a fascinating region, and educating the world about our region through the CAPR and through conferences and exchange programs will bring more opportunities to Central Asia and to AUCA.”

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