Carly Seedall: "Unique aspect of AUCA is its diverse community"

March 25, 2016

Carly Seedall, an exchange student from Franklin University Switzerland, currently studies International and Comparative Politics at the American University of Central Asia (AUCA). Carly talked to us about her time here at AUCA.

Why did you decide to study at AUCA?

A good friend from my university is from Bishkek and told me all about Kyrgyzstan (because I knew virtually nothing about the country). I was intrigued with what she told me and decided I needed to spend some time here!

 

How long do you plan on staying?

I will stay until the end of May 2016

 

Was it difficult applying to the exchange program with AUCA?

No, it wasn’t difficult, though since I organized my study at AUCA independent of the Bard Program, it was sometimes hard to communicate with the faculty from my home university and AUCA.  

 

What do you think about education at AUCA?

I feel very lucky to have gotten a taste of the vibrant community at AUCA. I think one of the most unique aspects of AUCA is its diverse community. I learned so much from my Central Asian classmates and I enjoyed taking part in class discussions and extracurriculars. Students at AUCA are proud to be here and it shows. It seems like a place where one can easily pursue his or her passions and find a community of likeminded individuals.

 

Would you recommend other students from the US apply for study abroad at AUCA?

I would recommend applying to study at AUCA for sure. Bishkek is a city with a lot of character and a lot of diversity, and Kyrgyzstan is a country with rich traditions, an intriguing past, gorgeous nature, and a delicious national cuisine. Kyrgyzstan is not just another “stan” country. It stole my heart and it will steal yours as well!  

 

Tell us about your first day in Kyrgyzstan.

My first day in Kyrgyzstan was kind of crazy. I honestly thought that my life would end before my taxi from the airport arrived at my apartment. After I realized that I wasn’t going to get in a car accident, I thought Bishkek was very unique—a mix between modern restaurants and shops and old Soviet architecture. People here are very patient and curious. Even if you don’t share a common language; there are still many interesting conversations to be had here.

 

What are your plans after AUCA?

I will return to Europe to complete my studies. I would love to return to Central Asia and Kyrgyzstan, whether it be for another semester as a visiting student or after I finish school. I would like to continue learning about the region and improving my Russian.

 

Do you have anything you’d like to say to your classmates and professors at AUCA?

I would like to thank Iliyas and Zukhra from the International Students Office for their hard work and for all of their help. I would also like to thank my classmates and professors for making me feel welcome, everyone I played volleyball with, and my roommates Bayan and Guldana for their patience and kindness.

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