Asal Ulmasova: “It was an honor for me to be in France representing AUCA”

May 26, 2016

Asal Ulmasova, a sophomore in the Department of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the Department of International and Comparative Politics, is finishing up her semester at Sciences Po Campus de Reims in France. Asal took a moment to share her thoughts with us about her exchange semester abroad.

“For me, this whole experience started with a dream. I have always dreamed of studying in France. Maybe that is why I was originally interested in the exchange program in France. I stumbled upon some information about Sciences Po, explaining that it was one of the best universities in France specializing in the social sciences. Honestly, this was the first time I had applied for an exchange. I figured applying itself would be a good experience, but, to my astonishment, I was chosen! The application process was actually pretty easy for me because everyone was very helpful. I had to write my motivation letter in French, I asked my professors for letters of recommendation, and asked them to help me write an academic plan for the semester.

My first day in France was exciting, I arrived in Paris late in the evening and there were no trains to Reims. I spent the night in Paris and in the morning bought a train ticket to Reims. Future students should note that no one met me at the train station in Reims because Sciences Po has an astounding number of international students. I took a taxi from the railway station to the student residence hall I had chosen while back in Bishkek. I quickly dropped off my suitcase and ran to the university for a french oral exam. The first day was very eventful! Orientation Week went by quickly and my (French!) education began.

I found the education at Sciences Po is exciting, intense, and difficult all at the same time, resulting from some of the differences between the pedagogies at Sciences Po and AUCA. It’s telling that in France, the grading system starts goes from one to twenty, and no one gets a twenty.

Of course, there differences also extend to culture. The first thing I noticed was the French are fond of sports; every person, regardless of age, is involved in sports in one way or another. Also, the French are very affectionate; couples of all ages like to hold hands. Overall, my impressions of life and studies in France were positive. The professors and students at Sciences Po are always working to improve themselves, and by seeing how they are trying to make their work better, I can also work to make mine better than it was yesterday. This exchange program changed me every day and helped me grow into a more independent and mature person. If you want to work hard, learn a lot, and experience France, the exchange program at Sciences Po will give you exactly what you’re looking for. It was an honor for me to be in France representing AUCA.

I sincerely want to thank my professors Mariya Antonova, Michelle Hoffman and Mike Thicke for the knowledge they have bestowed upon me and for the beautiful recommendation letters they wrote. I want to also thank Liubov Jdanova for her language training and moral support. I can’t forget to thank Ilyas Mamadiyarov and Zuhra Iakupbaeva who both helped me in all matters related to the exchange program.”

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