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Studying in Kyrgyzstan

25 February 2026

Kristina Silina, a second-year student majoring in Social Work at the Institute of History, Political, and Social Sciences at PetrSU, shared her first impressions of the exchange program at Osh State University (Kyrgyzstan):

“I'm an exchange student at Osh State University majoring in Social Work, which perfectly aligns with my major at PetrSU. I came to Kyrgyzstan for the spring semester, choosing it because of the slight difference in the curricula and a strong desire to see the mountains.

The process of collecting documents for the internal and external stages was quite simple; I even managed to obtain my international passport fairly quickly. If you already have a passport, you can collect all the documents in just 1-2 days. My university supported my decision to participate in the program: the administration, department head, and faculty helped me create an individualized curriculum.

Before arriving in Kyrgyzstan, I spoke with the Osh State University coordinator, but I was especially pleased with her prompt responses once I arrived. I was immediately met at the airport and helped with my orientation.

Osh itself reminds me of Russia in some ways, but it's definitely very different! I was very surprised by Mount Sulaiman-Too – it's a huge mountain right in the center of the city, and it looks absolutely stunning. Overall, the city is quite easy to navigate; almost everything is within walking distance. There are shops similar to Pyaterochka, as well as countless stalls, literally everywhere. As for prices, some things are very cheap, while others are expensive, so the average bill is about the same as in Russia.

I've already managed to learn a few phrases in Kyrgyz, but almost all the locals understand Russian, even if they can't speak. I'd like to visit a huge number of places in Kyrgyzstan, but I'd especially like to visit the emerald lake.

I'd especially like to note, dare I say it, the majesty of the main university building! Inside, it feels like a symbiosis of a museum and something very modern. I attended a meeting with the university rector, where students from other cities and countries shared their impressions and feelings. It was absolutely fantastic!

I also immediately noticed the incredible hospitality and friendliness of the locals! All the university professors treat me with respect and try to teach classes in Russian (when possible). The local students, particularly my group, were very welcoming – they took me to try local samsa, invited me to iftar, showed me the way to the dorm, and simply helped me with all my questions.

I recommend everyone to visit Kyrgyzstan, experience its culture, and see those magnificent mountains.