Dinislam Almazbekov: "I deem this semester to be successful– I experienced growth along with challenges and revelations about it."

May 11, 2023

The decision to participate in BGIA was driven by the fact that I could study and intern for academic credit in the centre of New York City (the first thing to come to mind when you think of the ‘American dream’). The Bard Globalization and International Affairs program encompasses theoretical and practical aspects, making it a unique study-abroad opportunity. Because my previous experience in the United States back in 2019 appeared to be transformative, I knew beforehand that it would be a challenging but transformational experience, both for personal and academic growth. Thus, as I enjoy challenging myself, this opportunity corresponds to my career and academic aspirations.

Currently, I am interning at Mission: Cure, a nonprofit organization focused on researching and accelerating cures for rare diseases through innovative outcome-based impact investing. Chronic Pancreatitis is the first disease we are trying to tackle and find a cost-effective treatment. Due to my experience with that severe disease, the organization’s mission and values evoke my most profound commitment. In a semester, I was able to improve and learn various skills, such as copywriting, search engine optimization, and visual content making, all of which I find essential for my future career and beginnings.

Being able to take a wide variety of politics and economics courses taught by experienced, world-class professors, I could deepen my knowledge in those fields and answer what I wanted to do after graduation. It is a timeless question bothering most juniors; with this, I deem this semester to be successful– I experienced growth along with challenges and revelations about it.

My experience at AUCA assisted me a lot during my study abroad. Through a more or less inclusive and open-minded community at AUCA, I could easily make new connections and lifelong friendships here in NYC. Additionally, the work ethic I acquired through taking raw academically challenging classes and opportunities at AUCA helped me stand out from the crowd and my internship organization.

I would love to highlight that NYC is not a city for everyone; it may ultimately crash you or make you feel the greatest. Your experience is totally up to you. If you ever want to travel and live here, prepare for the mental, cultural, and social challenges this ‘rush city’ may cause.

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