Kala Brubaker: “Take the chance and just do it”

April 14, 2016

Kala Brubaker, an exchange student at AUCA from Ferrum College, USA, studies English Literature and English Pre-Professional Writing. Kala tells us about her life at AUCA and why she chose to study in Kyrgyzstan.

Why did you decide to study at AUCA?

I decided to study at AUCA because, as a Russian minor, I needed practice in the language. I also was not proficient enough to go to an entirely Russian speaking school. I chose AUCA on the recommendation of a professor who had heard about it at a conference. I am here from January to May; a single semester.

Was it difficult to apply to AUCA?

No it was actually very easy and exciting to apply to AUCA. I had never used my passport before so I was exceptionally excited to begin a trip abroad.

What do you think about studying at AUCA?

I like the way AUCA classes work. At my home university, you rarely have time to do anything but study or go to class. Here I find that I am able to explore the city and still find time to learn what I am studying in class. It seems to me that everyone here is really proud of what they have done to get into this school, and so it is very obvious that they have school pride.

Would you recommend other Americans apply to AUCA?

I would recommend any student to apply to AUCA because it is an opportunity to explore a highly misunderstood area surrounded by beautiful mountains. People are so often worried about coming to Central Asia that they don’t seize the opportunity and just do it. This area has something for almost everyone: there are horses, hiking trails, ski bases, and the city for anyone who doesn’t like to be inconvenienced by distance. My advice for any potential students would be to take the chance and just do it; there might be a bit of a cultural change, but it is well worth it.

What was your first day in Kyrgyzstan like?

My first day here is kind of a blur. I was still exhausted from jet lag and so I wasn’t able to take in the country as much as I would like. I was shocked by the amount of pollution though; I come from the countryside, so I have never experienced pollution quite like this. I love that the campus is outside the town rather than right in the middle of everything. It has a vibe a lot more like my home university. I love that the country is just so beautiful. Once you get outside of Bishkek, it isn’t overbuilt--just mountains and countryside for days.

What are your plans after AUCA?

Once I leave AUCA I am going back home to finish school. I am hoping to receive an internship in Texas for the summer, where I would work for the American Paint Horse Association. If not, I plan to work at my college with a Summer Programs job. After that, I will continue on to finish my senior year and hopefully start working right out of college.

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