Meet the new NGA faculty member Christina Villalovas!

September 26, 2019

Cristina Villalovas is a graduate of the University of Minnesota- Twin Cities where she studied languages and Sociology. Currently, Christina is a Princeton in Asia fellow at AUCA.

Read a short interview with Christina below.

- Why were you interested in coming to AUCA?
I first heard about AUCA through the Princeton in Asia fellowship and after researching the University became very interested in the school's educational system and culture.

- What courses are you teaching at AUCA?
At the American University of Central Asia, I teach test preparation for the TOEFL and English classes at the New Generation Academy as well as at the high school level.

- What do you think about AUCA students?
I find the NGA students to be hardworking, kind, and determined students who strive to succeed in the NGA program.

- What is your previous experience with teaching?
I have taught in the US at the elementary level as well as in Chile where I taught grade-school children, University students, and administered one-on-one tutoring.

- What has been your favorite part about Kyrgyzstan?
There are many things I have found enjoyable about living in Kyrgyzstan. However, what stands out most to me is the kindness and hospitality of the people here.

- What did you feel about the local food when tried for the first time?
I eat neither meat nor gluten so there are many dishes I have not tried. However, I find the dairy, such as the milk and the ice cream, to be delicious.

- What would you advise students at the beginning of the academic year?
I would advise students to take advantage of the many clubs and organizations at AUCA and to speak English as much as possible!

Note: New Generation Academy is the only program in Kyrgyzstan that have a partnership with Princeton in Asia (PiA) fellowship since 2016. This year three PiA fellows joined NGA team for teaching English.

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