George Soros had lunch with the students at AUCA

November 17, 2014

While one-day visit to Kyrgyzstan, George Soros had a lunch with students and alumni of American University of Central Asia. Students of various departments and countries, exactly Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan were invited to lunch with famous financier and investor.

AUCA President – Andrew Wachtel, executive director of Soros-Kyrgyzstan Foundation, and first alumni of American University of Central Asia have attended the event.

Talk was held in two-way format, not only students asked questions, but Mr. Soros also interested students, their prospects and education in AUCA.

Farrukh Umarov, student from Tajikistan during the lunch shared his story about how he received scholarship from Soros Foundation.

“I am from family of migrant workers. My family works in Russia. I studied in School under the President of the Tajikistan, had won first place in English language competition and applied to Open Society Foundation scholarship. I passed through all AUCA test exams, won a scholarship and arrived to Bishkek. A scholarship was one of the determining factors in my life. In AUCA I had a chance to study one semester by exchange program in USA, and this has affected my life. My next aim is MA course. In future I have a plan to make career in my home country” – said Farrukh.

In turn, George Soros also shared his experience:

“In my days we had another ideology. I moved from Hungary when I was 17 and have arrived America. I wanted only to earn $ 5000. I consider myself as very lucky, because I have fantasies, typical to teenagers, and ideas on what I have to do with my life, which came true”.

Aizhan Chynybaeva, one of the first alumni of American University of Central Asia:

“I want to thank you for Your visit. I also dream and today all my dreams came true. You are also a dreamer and Your dreams came true. However, what do you do when you meet with failures?” – She asked.

“I was obedient child, and I always asked myself: what would have thought my parents? Will they be happy for my decisions or not?” – Mr. Soros answered.

Meeting was held in very friendly atmosphere and took about 2 hours.

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