Akima Anarbekova: "AUCA is great for upgrading networking skills, learning how to communicate properly, and adapting to new environments and challenges."

March 27, 2024

My name is Akima Anarbekova, and I am a junior majoring in Journalism and Mass Communications. During my Fall 2023 academic semester, I spent time in New York City, based on the exchange program from the collaborative work of OSUN and AUCA.

Since my freshman year, I have wanted to participate in the exchange semester, and it was my long-term goal, so I decided to achieve that. I had been watching my older university peers going to an exchange semester and exploring different parts of the world. So, I wanted to experience studying abroad at the top world universities in a completely different environment. I always strived to be in the middle of something big, and my eye was drawn to the Bard Globalization and International Affairs program in New York City.

I chose BGIA due to its requirements of combining an internship and classes all in New York City since my goal was to experience life in a concrete jungle. Also, the international affairs classes seemed helpful for my career path in journalism. It was such a mesmerizing feeling of freedom and accomplishment that I was responsible for handling my internship in a NYC-based organization, completing school tasks from highly respected professors, and fulfilling the social life of bustling New York City.

The most fascinating part of my BGIA experience was getting ready for my internship and school because it gave me the feeling of a main character in a 2000s Hollywood comedy about life in New York City. Also, I fully enjoyed exploring the rich cultural life of this city. I visited museums such as The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Museum of Modern Art, and dozens of exhibitions in galleries. The most entertaining aspect was going to see Broadway musicals near Times Square. Spending sunny afternoons in Central Park was such a pleasure that is hard to describe because you have to live through it. Honestly, it is hard to specifically highlight some moments from New York cause the city is a highlight itself.

Since it was my first time being abroad by myself, the experience in AUCA helped me a lot with socialization. AUCA is excellent for upgrading networking skills, learning how to properly communicate, and being adaptive to the new environment and challenges. Moreover, the academic curriculum at AUCA helped me to engage with other exceptional students and professionals to discuss the challenges of modern times on a deeper scale.

I suggest being more confident in your skills and personality to get such experience. Be more open and honest with yourself and your surroundings!

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