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Exchange Studies at the International University of Central Asia (Kyrgyzstan)

24 January 2025

Polina Kozhanova, a student of the Institute of Forestry, Mining and Construction Sciences of PetrSU, shared her impressions of studying on the exchange program at IUCA (Kyrgyzstan) during the fall semester of 2024.

“This fall, I had an incredible opportunity to immerse myself in the educational process in a sunny and mountainous country - Kyrgyzstan. I became a student at the International University of Central Asia in Tokmok, choosing the program of "Linguistics of the English Language".

During the entire semester, I studied 11 disciplines, three of which were taught by native English speakers. Each lesson was unique due to different approaches and teaching styles. I was especially impressed by the course on Teaching Methods under the guidance of Natalia Eduardovna Tsukanova. This subject gave me not only a theoretical basis, but also many practical tools that I could immediately apply in my work. For example, we studied modern approaches to teaching languages, and also conducted training in real conditions.

In addition to the main disciplines, the university held fascinating meetings with representatives from Taiwan and China, and visiting speakers from America. At the meetings, we had the opportunity to communicate in English and learn a lot of new things. One of the meetings was devoted to the topic of artificial intelligence in education. At it, a teacher from Taiwan, who has been studying artificial intelligence for over 40 years, shared his opinion on whether technology can completely replace teachers.

My acquaintance with the country continued beyond the walls of the university. Following in the footsteps of the famous explorer Pyotr Petrovich Semenov-Tian-Shansky, enjoying the view of the majestic mountain range bearing his name every day is the dream of every geographer. Difficult to pass gorges, unearthly canyons, blue mountain lakes and walks to the cities and settlements of German communities - all this added to my impressions of the country. In 4 months, I managed to get to know the culture and values of the locals well, and even find real friends.

Kyrgyzstan is kind people, the smell of lagman and traditional pies - samsa, a combination of tradition and modernity, many tourists from all over the world, a rich culture and quality education. I will take with me not only knowledge, but also love for this country, which will remain in my heart.

I am very grateful for the opportunity to participate in exchange programs!