Ibragim Khasanza: “Studying abroad taught me the importance of believing in myself and being open to new opportunities.”

February 15, 2023

- Looking back, I can confidently say that my student life here has been an unforgettable journey filled with ups and downs. My most challenging period was during my first semester, when I failed FYS and had to withdraw from one class, resulting in a GPA of 2.3. However, that failure turned out to be a defining moment for me, as it made me stronger and more resilient. I bounced back the next semester with a 4.00 GPA and maintained that until today. Along the way, I also became a Teenagers in Free Enterprise (TIFE) coordinator, joined the Neobis club, and even won an Arm Wrestling competition. AUCA provided me with a great foundation, and the professors were always very supportive and willing to help me in any way they could. During my junior year, I did my exchange semester at one of the partner universities, SolBridge International School of Business in South Korea.

My journey continued when I decided to apply for an exchange program in the United States. I was thrilled when I found out that I had been selected for the Global Undergraduate Exchange Program, a fully-funded academic and cultural exchange program that is designed to increase participants' knowledge and global connectivity. I was one of only five students from Kyrgyzstan who were selected this year. The application process was quite rigorous, and I had to go through several stages, including submitting my transcripts, recommendation letters, personal statements, and past achievements. The next step was interviewing and finally passing the TOEFL IBT test.

During my exchange semester, I had the opportunity to explore many aspects of American culture, from visiting iconic landmarks to sampling the local cuisine. Additionally, I studied a range of courses that helped me develop new skills and knowledge that I can apply in my future career, such as the Public Speaking class. I also made valuable connections with students from all over the world, which helped me broaden my perspective on global issues.

As part of the program, I was enrolled in full-time, non-degree undergraduate coursework chosen from the university's existing curriculum. I was required to take one 3-credit U.S. studies course to enhance my understanding of the United States. In addition, two courses were from my field of study, which allowed me to explore different aspects of my major.

During my time in the US, I participated in various extracurricular activities, including volunteering in the local community, attending sports events, and exploring the campus with my new friends. These activities helped me to become more involved in the community and create lasting memories of my time in the United States.

One of the highlights of my exchange semester was the opportunity to travel to different American cities. I visited New York City, Washington D.C., Nashville, Miami, Navarre, Savannah, and Chicago, and each city had something unique to offer. From the bustling streets of New York City to the historic monuments in Washington D.C., each destination was a chance to learn more about American culture and explore new places. I was assigned to Oglethorpe University, a private university founded in 1835 with nearly 1500 students enrolled and located in Atlanta, Georgia. Despite the small size, the university had everything I needed to experience American college life fully. All the buildings looked like castles, and the whole campus was surrounded by trees that looked breathtaking, especially during the fall season. Studying at Oglethorpe University was an incredible experience. I was impressed with the university's commitment to community service and how much it valued its students' involvement in it. In fact, community service was a mandatory part of my program, and it gave me the opportunity to get involved in meaningful projects that made a real difference in the local community. What I liked the most about studying in the United States was the opportunity to learn from the diversity of perspectives American students bring to the classroom. It was also amazing to have the chance to explore a new culture and meet new people from all over the world. It was a great opportunity to step out of my comfort zone, embrace a new environment, and grow personally and professionally.

Living abroad on my own was actually not as difficult as I thought it would be. Prior to my exchange semester, I had already spent some time living independently, so I was accustomed to taking care of myself. Additionally, I kept myself busy with my studies, extracurricular activities, and exploring the city, which left me little time to feel homesick or lonely. Of course, there were moments when I missed my family and friends, but thanks to technology, I was able to stay connected with them through video calls and messaging apps. Overall, living abroad on my own was a valuable and enriching experience that taught me a lot about myself and my ability to adapt to new environments.

Studying abroad taught me the importance of believing in myself and being open to new opportunities. If you're interested in applying for exchange programs, don't be afraid to take the leap. Keep an open mind and make connections. I would recommend talking to your professors, advisors, and peers, and don't be afraid to reach out to organizations that interest you. Sometimes, people can open many doors for you.

Remember, success is not measured by the number of times you fall, but by the number of times, you get back up. If you face challenges or setbacks, don't give up. Believe in yourself, and keep pushing forward. As the saying goes, "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts."

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