Kirgizova Madina: “The memories I made will last forever”

November 14, 2022

Kirgizova Madina is a junior student of the Anthropology department at AUCA. Her sophomore spring semester she spent studying at the Caucasus University in Georgia. In this interview, Madina talks about how a spontaneous decision had a life-changing impact on her life.

Madina has never had big plans about applying for an exchange semester, studying somewhere abroad was not on the list of her important goals. Once she applied to AUCA, she learned that the university offers many exchange opportunities, sparking her interest.

“Initially, I did not plan to apply for an exchange program. This decision was the most random decision in my life, it just so happened that I filled out the application. I didn’t expect that I would have a chance to spend six months studying and living in another country. I was so happy to receive an acceptance letter from the university. I was excited to study and experience something new and unfamiliar.

Before I applied to the exchange program, I had plans of visiting Georgia to see my friends and experience the culture of the country. Therefore from the big list of options of opportunities provided by AUCA, I chose the Caucasus University in Tbilisi, Georgia. I really enjoyed my time at the university, and I can say with confidence that each professor is a master of his craft. They clearly and easily conveyed the material to the students, and if I had any questions, they are happy to help and discuss them. While studying abroad, I was introduced to a completely new way of learning. Studying abroad is fundamentally different from what I'm used to at AUCA. It was very helpful to experience different methods of teaching and learning as it helps to broaden one's horizons.

The six months that I spent as an exchange student were, by far, the best six months of my life. I had so much fun and I gained so much knowledge. I met great people and made a ton of friends to whom I still talk daily. My time in Georgia was something that I’ll never regret - the memories I made will last forever. Being in a completely new environment was sometimes scary, but also very interesting and eye-opening. This experience has matured me and helped me grow into a more open-minded person. It was a great opportunity to learn how to adapt to a new environment, discover new strengths and abilities, overcome fears, and learn to solve problems on my own.

To all my fellow students I would like to say: know that if you are excited about an idea, nothing can stop you from implementing it. Besides, we only live once, so why not go away for a while, see the world and gain experience? This will certainly open up many unpredictable paths for development, personal growth, and unforgettable adventures for you."

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