The structure of AUCA courses, lectures and homework assignments, everything is pretty much similar to American universities

September 20, 2018

Sabrina Beaver, an exchange student from the Wellesley College, US, came to Kyrgyzstan for the first time. She is impressed about a beauty of the country, “Last week we went to Ala-Archa for hiking, it was just gorgeous. I really like Bishkek, I am looking forward to get to know the city better.”

In the following interview, Sabrina shares her impressions about AUCA and Kyrgyzstan.

Did you already have a chance to enjoy our national dish?

I live with the host family. My host mom made sure that I’ve tried a hundred different ethnic dishes. She asked me about the most favorite one that I liked, so she could cook it again. I definitely enjoyed getting to know national cuisine and music.

My host father works at AUCA and it is really nice because he knows faculty and structure of the university; my host family has been helpful in orienting me in the city and making sure that I know how to get to particular places, and whom to talk to.

Comparing AUCA with your university, what kind of similarities and differences you see?

I think, the structure of AUCA courses, lectures and homework assignments, everything is pretty much similar to American universities. The difference is that majors in the US are more fluid, so sometimes people can create own majors, for example: majoring in International relations or Economics combined with the Russian language.  When people ask you, what department you are from, the answer is: “Well, it is kind of multiple”.

AUCA is one building, a big difference is that in the US most of the campuses are multiple small buildings, which is not a big deal, but a little bit different. It is nice to have everyone here, at the same time it is really loud and I get distracted when doing work.

What place you already have seen during the time you are staying in Bishkek?

During the second day here, we’ve spent time in downtown, so we visited the Art Museum and different squares; also we had a chance to see the old campus building of AUCA, and a couple of Parks. I didn’t see a lot of places in Bishkek yet, because it is only a week we are staying here. I really enjoyed orienting myself and exploring the city. It feels like I have to go back to review some of those spots and get to know them a little bit better.

Once you said that you learn the Russian language, how it is going on?

I am really enjoying it because I’ve had two years of Russian language courses at the university in the United States. And now I am taking Russian course in here, which is completely speaking course. It is just me and professor now; we supposed to have another girl.

Since I live with a host family I am also using the language at home, which is a good opportunity for me to practice. Both my family and faculty are super understanding, so they are always willing to help me at the moments when I just forget some words.  Living with a host family, doing a daily stuff, and then have my classes that are more about literature and grammar is an intensive and good combination.

What do you wish to AUCA students?

I wish everyone to have a very productive and rewarding year, use the most of the opportunities that the university provides.

<< go to news list