51����

This academic year I was happy to have 2 international students from China in my English class. Throughout the lessons I have been amazed at their enthusiasm, diligence and responsible attitude to their studies. Studying abroad is always a big decision, because the benefits are endless. Once I was interested in the reasons why they chose 51���� University to do their Masters and how they feel  here in Kazakhstan- this is Bolat Shakura’s story:

The journey that led me to this university began in the summer of 2023. I came to visit my aunt and accompany my cousin as she started her university studies. At the time, I was also contemplating pursuing a higher degree, and this visit became a serendipitous opportunity. The university’s campus, with its serene natural beauty and vibrant atmosphere, left a deep impression on me. Further research revealed a robust graduate program taught entirely in English, with a solid reputation both locally and internationally.. Upon returning home, I applied for the Spring 2024 intake in the chemistry graduate program and was delighted to receive admission.

When I first arrived, adapting to a new culture was not without its challenges. Language was perhaps the biggest hurdle, but I was fortunate to meet kind and supportive classmates who helped me navigate both academic and social life. One of them, Eric, quickly became a close friend. My interactions with people here, even strangers, have been overwhelmingly positive. There is a genuine warmth and hospitality in the way locals treat visitors, often going out of their way to understand and assist me as a foreigner. I really liked very much the way people celebrate their national holidays. I was really amazed to discover how Nauryz and International Woman’s Day were celebrated in Kazakhstan. I was pleasantly surprised to receive flowers from strangers on the street—a gesture that made me feel valued and uplifted.

Life at the university itself has been a mix of challenges and rewards. The academic workload can be demanding, and navigating administrative processes is sometimes tedious. Yet, these hurdles are offset by the vibrant campus life and the support of some engaging professors.

Reflecting on my journey so far, I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunities and friendships I have found here. This experience has been a beautiful mosaic of academic growth, cultural discovery, and personal transformation—one that I will carry with me wherever life leads.

A.A. Muldagaliyeva,

Foreign Language

Department