IBL Week: Interview with Begaiym Esenkulova

November 12, 2013

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

My name is Begaiym Esenkulova, and I have graduated from AUCA as the Valedictorian, have become the best student of my graduating class as part of the Central European University LL.M. program and now pursuing modular doctoral studies in the Central European University Legal Studies Department. At present, I am an Assistant Professor of the International and Business Law Department.

Which courses do you teach? What has been your teaching experience in AUCA like?

I have been teaching in AUCA since 2009. Among courses taught have been “Investment Law and Sustainable Development,”  “Legal Writing,” “Legal Research Methods,” “Moot Court,” and others. I enjoy teaching in AUCA, as it is an amazing institution famous for its integrity, academic excellence, and competence. I view teaching not simply as sharing of knowledge on concrete subjects with students, but as part of the greater process of preparing the future leaders of Central Asia to make a positive contribution in their respective countries. I would like my students to become worthy and responsible citizens, who can think independently, creatively as well as critically.

Employers are currently looking for people who have excellent communication skills (verbal and written), ability to think in the fast changing world, strong work ethic, analytical and problem-solving skills. Therefore, I do my best to structure my courses in such a way as to help students develop and improve these skills. My assignments are aimed at developing students’ strength of mind, critical inquiry, and ability to think for themselves. This stimulates students to be actively engaged in the educational process instead of being simply passive observers.

You have spent one semester of research in Columbia University, New York for your doctoral dissertation in 2013. How was it?

Being a research scholar in the Columbia University School of Law and Vale Columbia Center on Sustainable International Investment (VCC) has been very useful for my growth as a scholar and teacher. VCC is the world’s leading forum on issues related to sustainable development and foreign direct investment law, which are the focus areas of my doctoral work. This visit has allowed undertaking deep and comprehensive research in this field in close collaboration with the world’s top experts, scholars, policy makers, development advocates, and practitioners.

I have also made a number of presentations on select aspects of my doctoral dissertation in Columbia University (NYC), Bard College (New York), Harvard University (Boston) and University of George Washington (Washington, D.C.) during the course of my stay in the United States (March-May, 2013). All of these presentations went very well, as I received positive feedback and proposals for research publication and collaboration. Among the attendees were top experts in my field, including world renowned professors, representatives of international governmental and non-governmental organizations, master, doctoral and postdoctoral level students, and general public interested in issues raised.

What can the IBL Department offer to students?

The mission of the IBL Department is to educate a new generation of lawyers in Central Asia through a program with a focus on independent, analytical learning and practical skill building. I fully support this mission, as the preparation of well-qualified lawyers is essential for the promotion of the rule of law.  We make every effort to fulfill this mission by offering students the curriculum and resources that are directly related and appropriate to the mission as well as opportunities to apply the knowledge gained in a practical setting.

What advice can you give to AUCA students?

Be open-minded and pro-active in learning! It is important to improve each day, as learning is a never-ending journey. Set your goals and then do your best to achieve them!

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