Heeran Lee: "Kyrgyzstan has a unique culture and is filled with natural beauty"

May 30, 2016

Heeran Lee, an exchange student from Hannam University, Daejoen, South Korea at the American University of Central Asia (AUCA), shares  thoughts about studying at AUCA and living in Kyrgyzstan.

How did you decide to study at AUCA?

I had made things I wanted to do before I graduated and applying for a student exchange student program was one of them. I knew about AUCA through an exchange student organization at Hannam University, and so I applied for the program. At the time, I really wanted to experience life in another country and make friends from other countries. I also really wanted to learn English, and that’s why I chose AUCA. I heard AUCA had a few Korean students, but Hannam University hadn’t yet sent a student to AUCA on the exchange student. I tend to like adventure, and I wanted to bring back information about AUCA to my university. That’s why I came here.

I think you have a better chance to learn English studying it in some country other than Korea. Precisely for that reason I chose to room with a Kyrgyzstani girl in the dorms--we can only speak in English with one another. As a bonus, we can easily share our cultures.

What do you think about studying at AUCA?

I think AUCA has a good education system. The professors are nice and kind; they always give me a lot of good information. Sometimes, though, the professors speak in Russian, making me feel a bit embarrassed. But I understand that those situations happen.

Would you recommend the AUCA exchange program to other students from Korea?

Coming here, they would have a lot to experience. They could study English on campus surrounded by beautiful nature and make friends with both local and international students. So, yes! I recommend they apply to the AUCA exchange program.

What were your first impressions of Kyrgyzstan?

When I came to Kyrgyzstan, I was very interested in the country. There certainly are a lot of differences between my country and Kyrgyzstan. Kyrgyzstan has a unique culture and is filled with natural beauty. Sometimes I go to the bazaar to see local culture, and I can feel Kyrgyzstan’s active lifestyle.

What are your plans after you finish at AUCA?

One thing on my to-do list is to help foreigners living in Korea now that I have also spent time adapting to a new culture and country. I feel like I can really understand them and help them.

In closing, I want to say thank you to my professors and classmates. They always have helped me when I am in trouble.

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