Jeff Potts: "AUCA was the best choice for my academic interests"

April 3, 2016

Jeff Potts, an exchange student from Colgate University in New York, USA, is currently studying Environmental Management and Sustainable Development at AUCA. Jeff is originally from Pennsylvania, USA. He talks to us about why international students should apply for AUCA’s exchange program.

 

Why did you decide to study at AUCA?

I wanted to study at AUCA because it offers the perfect combination of both environmental studies and Russian language. I had been to Central Asia once before and I decided I wanted to come back to study abroad. I searched for universities where I could complete a semester exchange. AUCA was clearly the best choice for me and my academic interests. I first found out about AUCA online, but a Bard College representative also came to my school and told me about it.

 

Was it difficult to apply for study at AUCA?

It was not difficult to apply through the Bard exchange program. Bard made the forms that were necessary, and the deadlines were very clear. The process was not very time-consuming, yet it was still very thorough.

 

What do you think about education at AUCA?

Class at AUCA has been very interesting for me. I am taking two language classes (Russian and Kyrgyz) and three environmental management and sustainable development courses. The language classes are taught differently than what I am used to. I have had to work with the professors to adapt teaching styles to fit my learning style more closely. The environmental management classes are primarily lecture and student presentation-based, which has been somewhat effective. Students will only get as much out of these courses as the focus and effort they put into following along with the work.

In general, students at AUCA are very energetic and motivated. They are friendly and like to talk about their different cultures. Their university spirit is evident in the many ways they get involved in extracurricular activities--including celebrations. The most vivid examples are Diversity Week, Men’s and Women’s Day, and Nooruz. They are quick to exhibit their talent and passion for such a great university at these special events.

 

Would you recommend students from the US apply for AUCA’s exchange program?

I would highly recommend students from America apply for a semester or even a year of study at AUCA. It is such a unique place in the Bishkek, and moreover, in the world. With many students coming from all over Central Asia, and still others coming from around the world, AUCA brings together many different and unique perspectives. Especially for an American, this university is full of students with different worldviews--worldviews you likely would never be exposed to otherwise. Also, the new campus is beautiful and has almost all of the amenities that I have come to enjoy in the university context.

If apply to AUCA, I suggest you do so with an open mind to prepare yourself for the completely eye-opening experience you will have when you get here. In a relatively new and developing university, you never know quite what to expect. Nonetheless, you can be assured that whatever AUCA offers you in your educational experience, it will be new and fascinating.

 

Tell us about your first day in Kyrgyzstan.

My first day in Kyrgyzstan was an exciting one! The beauty I saw en route from the airplane was only matched by the beauty I saw driving from the airport into the city. The towering mountains were staggering, both literally and figuratively. My first impression was that Kyrgyzstan had a lot of beauty that was foreign to me, yet, I was ready to explore. Not only its landscape, but also its culture and society. As I walked down a long street my first afternoon in search for a grocery store, I felt pretty different from the locals right away. However, I would soon find out feeling different was not necessarily something to be feared, but something that would lead to a very different experience over the next few weeks.

As a foreigner, and specifically as an American, I am perceived as a guest. For the first few weeks, I had to get used to this new role in society. But, through this new position, I discovered one of my favorite things about life in Bishkek: the hospitality of Kyrgyz people. People here have been so warm and welcoming to me, always taking their roles as hosts very seriously. I enjoy learning about their culture, and they are happy to share their traditions and history. Another thing I really like about Bishkek is the magnificent mountains that surround the city. Lastly, I would be remiss to leave out the food. Kyrgyz and Central Asian cuisine is tastier than I could have imagined. The food is a big hit and unique compared to anything I have had before.

Student life is pretty great here in Bishkek. The days start with an always-adventurous minibus (marshrutka) ride to the university where the walk from the bus stop to the front door of the university gives me just enough time to take in the breath-taking scenery at the edge of the city. Once at AUCA, the atmosphere of a building filled with natural light gets me excited for class or whatever other meetings and work I have that day. Still, I often find myself not being able to accomplish everything I want because the conversation-inducing campus spurs lots of impromptu conversations with friends and acquaintances. The one thing I can count on every day is the excellent food of the kitchenette and coffee shops. In any case, my ability to set my own schedule is very refreshing.

 

What are your plans after AUCA?

My plans are to stay in Bishkek for a month and a half to volunteer. I really want to extend my stay and have many more great experiences here. After that, I will go back to the US and finish my last year of university.

 

Do you have anything you’d like to say to your classmates and professors at AUCA?

I would like to thank, first of all, Iliyas and Zukhra from the international student office. They have been pivotal in my positive experience here and I appreciate their endless work to help me and the other international students feel welcome and comfortable. I would also like to thank my classmates and professors for working towards creating a truly liberal arts university where students can feel safe to share their ideas and develop critical thinking skills. In Kyrgyzstan, and Central Asia in general, AUCA really sticks out as being one-of-a-kind. I appreciate the commitment of all who make AUCA to be what it is today and their drive to continually improve the university.

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