American University of Central Asia
CONTENTS 08 Editor’s Note 09 President’s Column University Update 08 Finding a New Way to Travel: Couchsurfing and the Importance of Hospitality 12 Notes From the Road: A Life-Changing Trip to Rwanda 16 Smugglers, Sportsmen, and a Land Long Gone: Memories of Travel in the USSR 17 A City of Two Tales: Seeing the World Differently Through the Same Eyes 18 Promoting Study Abroad and Travel Opportunities: Reflections on Experiential Learning by AUCA Students 21
Celebrating Black History Month: US Ambassador Spratlen Addresses the AUCA Community 22 Updates on the New AUCA Campus 26 Congratulations to Professor Natalia Korosteleva and Other AUCA Faculty on Their Upcoming Book Publication Журнал АУЦА 28 Family Day at AUCA - семейный праздник, который стал доброй традицией 31 Кыргызстанцы победили в Азиатском дебатном турнире в Астане 32 Один из лучших проектов Enactus АУЦА - проект TIFE 33 Ежегодная математическая олимпиада в АУЦА 36 Alumni Spotlight
AUCA Magazine American University of Central Asia, founded in 1993, is dedicated to educating leaders for the democratic transformation of the region. It is the most dynamic and student-empowering education available, and is the only university in Central Asia with the authority to grant degrees accredited in the United States. AUCA equips its graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to solve problems and open doors in this rapidly changing and developing region and the world beyond...
Publication Team Editor-in-Chief: Stephen Lioy Russian Content Editor: Dinara Orozbaeva Contributors: Altynai Myrzabekova Dinara Orozbaeva Diana Tsoi Ihtiar Nasirov Nikolay Shulgin Natalia Korosteleva Natali Anarbayeva Nargiza Mamyrova Spencer Thiel
Pictures: AUCA Archives Bakhrom Tursunov Emil Akhmatbekov Stephen Lioy
Design and Layout: Emil Akhmatbekov
On the cover: Erlan Amiraev (AUCA ‘16) Photography by Bakhrom Tursunov, Emil Akhmatbekov. American University of Central Asia
You may send your correspondence and subscription inquiries to: AUCA Magazine | American University of Central Asia, 205 Abdymomunov St., Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic 720040 | Tel./Fax: (996 312) 66-45-64, E-mail: pr@mail.auca.kg, www.auca.kg
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Editor’s Note
Stephen Lioy, Editor-In-Chief In travel as in life, it is the challenges to our previously held assumptions that force us to grow personally, professionally, and intellectually. This issue’s focus on ‘Travel’ introduces the stories of some of your fellow AUCA students and professors from their own travels around the world, with a look at both the experiences themselves and how those journeys have shaped their thoughts and characters long after they returned home. Whether seeing the best of the human spirit via hospitality in the Middle East or the worst of our shared history through the genocide in Rwanda, travel can expose us to ideas and people that we may not be fully prepared to confront.
“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” - St. Augustine of Hippo
In a way, then, travel is also reflective of the sort of education one can expect at a liberal-arts college like the American University of Central Asia. Though each student sets off on a degree path with a defined end in mind, the twists and turns on that path are these often indefinable moments represent unpredictable. Often indefinable, these moments represent a substantial part of the understanding of the world that students will acquire by the time they finish their degrees. Through programs like the SILC grant, there are plenty of opportunities at AUCA to incorporate international travel into that learning process as well. For my first issue as the new Editor-in-Chief of AUCA Magazine, Travel is also a fairly appropriate theme for me personally. It was Travel that originally pulled me out of the US after graduating from a liberal-arts college in Louisiana, Travel that convinced me to leave a job in China to explore the world, and Travel that eventually drew me to Kyrgyzstan and AUCA. This month is also a special time at AUCA because the 31st of May is Commencement. For many reading this magazine, this marks the cusp of your entry into professional society and the start of a very different voyage. For you, I hope your own life journeys allow you to grow from the strong foundation you’ve built at AUCA. For the rest of the AUCA and Bishkek community, I look forward to sharing our collective academic and personal explorations with you in the coming years.
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President's Column
President’s Message Moving around! It’s what separates the modern from the pre-modern world. It has been estimated that in times of stability in the pre-modern world 90% of people never traveled farther than 30 miles from where they were born. Now, the statistic is probably the opposite. Mobility, whether for work or leisure has become the norm. Certainly it appears to be the norm for AUCA students, many of whom come to us for financial assistance to attend study abroad summer and semester programs a well as all kinds of shorter term exchanges, conferences and competitions. Indeed, over the past three years, AUCA has provided approximately $40,000 per year to support such activities for students and probably an equivalent sum for faculty and staff, and we wish we could support even more. At first glance, this seems paradoxical in an age when the internet, Skype and other services have brought the rest of the world directly to our desktop or smartphone (something like the paradox that technology does not seem to have put a dent in the amount of paper we produce at the university despite the advent of the “paperless office”). But when we think about it, it’s easy to see why technology does not and for the foreseeable future will not lessen the need to, much less the desire to, get up and get moving. First of all, we all have come to realize that as good as technology is for some things, it does not replace face-to-face communication, especially with people whom we don’t know. And the more people we are trying to deal with, the less adequate the technology becomes – that is, it may be OK to Skype with individuals we work with all the time or with our family, but it is hard to see how electronic communication can replace the excitement of being in the same space when we are participating in a debate tournament or a model UN, for example. And certainly, communication through technology does not allow for the kind of immersion in a culture that is necessary if we truly want to understand a foreign language, for example, or the mind set of those who speak that language. Finally, the worst part of technology-mediated communication is that it eliminates the serendipitous, which makes travel so incredibly valuable. You might think that you are going to the US to learn English, for example, but what you did not and could not guess was that while you are there you might, through your interactions with accidental people you meet along the way, have an experience that will totally change your life. So, to all readers of this magazine, I wish you to have the opportunity to get out of your comfort zone, go to places you haven’t been, and not only enjoy what you expect to find there but be open to all the things you don’t expect to find. Have a great summer! Andrew Wachtel President, AUCA
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Жа ы куурулган кофе, Жылуу тейл , Бекер Wi-Fi! Fresh-Roasted Coffee, Friendly Service, Free Wi-Fi! Свежеобжаренный кофе, Дружелюбный сервис, Бесплатный Wi-Fi!
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Кафе Москва, Бизнес-центр Россия
Razzakov St. / Moscow St.,
Moskva Cafe, Rossiya Business Center ул. Горького/ул. Жукеева-Пудовкина,
тц Таш-рабат Gorky St./ Jukeev-Pudovkin St.,
Tash-Rabat Mall ул. Байтик-Баатыра / ул. Горького,
тц Вефа Baytik-Baatyr St. / Gorky St., 7
Vefa Center
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Cover Story
Finding A new way to travel: Couchsurfing and the importance of hospitality.
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by Spencer Thiel
Cover Story
“Couchsurfing is great,” he told me. “You can contact local people on the website and meet up with them, or even stay with them if they invite you. When I get home, I definitely plan to host people. It’s a kind of way of traveling from home.” “Yes, but the pyramids- one of the seven wonders…” I countered. “You cannot have a conversation with a building,’ Andre
replied, ‘no matter how grand it is.” I had heard about Couchsurfing and was considering trying, but wasn’t entirely sold on the idea. I thought that Couchsurfing was merely a way to make travel cheaper and it seemed somehow ethically questionable – after all, if I have the means to travel to the Middle East should I be exploiting the hospitality of locals once I get there? Staying with a local family seemed an awkward proposition at best: rife with language barriers, a lack of privacy, and the inability to come and go as I pleased. In truth, all of these things can be an issue. As my trip progressed and I met and stayed with more and more Couchsurfers, however, I realized I was having experiences I’d never had before while traveling. Local people opened up to me and I opened up to them. Though there was at times a slight awkwardness, it was overwhelmed by positive interactions. Through Couchsurfing, I heard about the repercussions of premarital sex in Syria. With a
Saudi I discussed the realities of arranged marriage versus the pitfalls of America’s hyper-individualistic society. I stayed with the head of the Israeli Libertarian Party as he smoked marijuana and played Hey Jude on the piano. In short, I met many wonderful people who I continue to call friends. When I returned home to America and my friends and family asked about my trip to the Middle East, I found myself talking not about the Great Pyramids, Petra, or the Dome of the Rock. Instead I recalled simple conversations I’d had with local people and described how great Couchsurfing is. Under the best of circumstances you can experience being taken into the hospitable embrace of a family, eating home-cooked food, and getting to know the culture while befriending locals. Perhaps most importantly, I was able to tell my friends and family how wonderful it is to receive kindness from strangers. Since that first trip I have continued using Couchsurfing whenever I travel and encourage anyone about to go on a trip to do the same.
Published by American University of Central Asia | Bishkek | Kyrgyz Republic
I was surprised to learn that Andre hadn’t visited the Pyramids. A fellow backpacker on the bus from Cairo to the desert oasis of Siwa in western Egypt, we were comparing notes. “I have little interest in going to see a pile of rocks,” he explained. Having never heard of the Great Pyramids referred to as ‘a pile of rocks’ I was somewhat baffled by his argument. Although he had spent several weeks in Cairo, instead of sightseeing he had passed all of his time there chatting with his Couchsurfing hosts to try to learn everything he could about the people and culture of Egypt.
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Unfortunately several of my hosts have themselves not Couchsurfed because of financial restraints or the idea that, while happy to host travelers, they are hesitant to stay with strangers.
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I think this is a shame, as it denies them half the benefit of the experience. For those who cannot afford to travel, I hope they get as much from the experience as the travelers they host. Some hosts are interested in practicing their English, meeting foreigners from far off lands, or even traveling vicariously by listening to their guest’s stories. I try to be a polite guest and engage with each host in whichever way they’re interested. While I would never say there is one ‘right way’ to travel, I have always strongly encouraged my Couchsurfing hosts to surf themselves if they plan to travel and have never Surfed before.
Personally, I have had the rare pleasure of being able to directly return the Couchsurfing favor and host a Palestinian with whom I stayed in the West Bank. It was terrific to see him again! He stayed with me in New York City and I was able to dispel (I hope!) some of his stereotypes about New Yorkers while showing him a side of America he had never seen in a movie or read about in a book. I don’t know what my friend now remembers most about his trip to New York, seeing the Statue of Liberty or some of the conversations he had with my friends and me, but I hope that I was able to greatly enhance his time there. I do still think that Andre’s position on a ‘pile of rocks’ is a bit extreme (the Pyramids are well worth seeing if you are in Cairo) but I get his point. I have to admit, I even started following his example and seeking out local people again and again while traveling. For this, Couchsurfing opens plenty into others’ worlds.
Learning to Survive: A Lesson in the Mountains Karakol is the place where I learned how to walk and talk, lose and win, fall down and stand up, to love, and to value the people close to me. Though there are many attractions in the city, unbeatable nature and the white waves that roll in to the beach from Issyk Kul, the main draw for many tourists there are the high mountains just beyond the city. When I was sixteen, this was also the setting for one of the greatest lessons of my life: that bad is called good when worse happens. Like many Karakol locals, I have experience hiking with tourists into the mountains carrying 45kg bags and sleeping on the bare ground through many cold nights. One particular trip, a real test, taught me to truly rely on myself and the people I trust. Losing our food and water halfway into the hike, living for three days on two small packs of noodles because it was all we had left, showed me that not only is survival possible but that it teaches those who make it through an ordeal to become stronger. Now a freshman at AUCA and recent graduate of the New Generation Academy, the experience of living in harsh conditions for ten days at a time helps me properly value the opportunities I have now. I miss the chance to lie around a bonfire with friends and talk about life, but my economics studies present a new and different sort of challenge to be overcome.
Travel Notes
Notes from the road: A life-changing trip to Rwanda by Altynai Myrzabekova My first exposure to the tiny East African country of Rwanda was when a friend from there described the horrendous events that took place twenty years ago, and shared her own story from the time of the genocide. While we watched the movie “Hotel Rwanda” I could scarcely believe that such atrocities could take place in the twentieth century, but as my friend described the moment she witnessed her family being killed it became all too real. As time passed I continued to gain interest in Rwanda, its history, the genocide, and how the country is transforming as a post-conflict society. Finally, as a postgraduate student in Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of St Andrews in the United Kingdom, I was offered an incredible opportunity: to travel to Rwanda to mark the 20th anniversary of the Rwandan genocide. Between five hundred thousand and one million people were killed in Rwanda during the hundredday genocide against the Tutsi minority. The killings spared no friends, neighbors, or even family members – many turned against their own loved ones. The genocide touched everyone: men and women, children and the elderly. Writer Allan Thomson, in his book The Media and the Rwandan Genocide, attempts to put the number of victims into comprehensible terms: “Imagine that every word in this book is the name of a victim. This entire volume would list only 200,000 of the dead, a fraction of the estimated toll of nearly one million people. As you read this book, look at every word. Then think of someone you know. “
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March 7th, 2014: In nine days I will be in Rwanda. We will fly from Edinburgh to Istanbul, then to Uganda, and finally from Kampala to the Rwandan capital of Kigali. It has taken us over half a year to plan this field trip. For the entire semester we have been studying Rwandan history, civil wars, the 1994 Rwandan genocide, and genocide theories. The vaccinations and medications were difficult to find even in the UK but eventually our entire group got the necessary injections and now we are all set for the trip, at least on a physical level. When I travel to the US or to European countries, I know roughly what to expect, but in this case I have no idea what to anticipate once I arrive to Rwanda. I am purposely not reading anything about Rwanda, so I only hear rumors from my group mates. Most of them try to scare me with statements “Rwanda is the place where people get killed by grenades thrown into bazaars because of conflicts that still exist on the borders.” I decide not to panic. March 16th, 2014: Today is my first day in Kigali. Even though we arrive at two in the morning, I immediately notice how difficult it is to breathe - the humidity and high temperature are unrelenting even in the middle of the night. After so long in cold and foggy Scotland, however, I’m excited to feel the sunshine and warmth of the daytime. I feel so happy to see green and beautiful Kigali after a night spent in a hostel full mosquitoes and spiders. Two thoughts helped me get through the night: first, that we are moving to a nicer apartment tomorrow; second, that I received all my vaccinations!
The road from the airport to the hostel reminds me of the trip from Manas airport to Bishkek. Green trees lining the way and many small shops make me feel nostalgic for home. Despite our expectations, the roads are paved and smooth and in excellent condition throughout Rwanda. The shops along the roads are signed mostly in French (a remnant of Rwanda’s Belgian colonial past) or in English (which became an official language after the genocide). Only rarely do we see anything in Kinyarwanda, Rwanda’s local language. Kigali is a city of great contrasts. There are many low and tacky slum buildings just beside huge skyscrapers with business offices. Police cars, designed so that rifle-weilding officers can observe everything from their post on top of the vehicle, evoke feelings of safety and insecurity all at once. Some people are poorly dressed, panhandle, and try to sell trifles to passersby. Others wear expensive clothes and
drive around in Jeeps and expensive cars. I can see a clear difference between generations – youth seem happy and carefree, like teenagers anywhere. I find the young generation to be kind, smiling, open to the world, and ready for discoveries. Kids run after us while we shop at the local market, curious to know who we are. In the eyes of the older generation, on the other hand, I can still see pain. What strikes me as similar among all Rwandans is how polite they are: I would say they are the nicest I have ever met. Men address women with the word “sister”, even strangers. Their voices are discreet and they speak quietly, even in big groups. I keep wondering, incredulous, how such terrible events could happen to these wonderful people. I walk the quiet streets exploring the scenery and local shops and wondering why and how the genocide could happen here. Apart from the
parliament building with gunshots Kigali had almost no signs left of the genocide. Yet, almost everyone here was affected. They turned against each other; killing friends, neighbors, acquaintances, members of their families; just because they belonged to another ethnicity. It is striking how these people keep the memory of the genocide as a lesson from the past but also position themselves as a modern, developed, and progressive nation. March 20, 2014: I see a new side of Rwanda with each new day. Today a local journalist and survivor of the genocide tells us that the country has come to an understanding: they do not want more war. The new government has also helped to draw people’s attention to development of Rwanda by creating a vision for 2020. Representative of the local government introduce us to recent economic and social developments
in the country. The results of these reforms - how drastically the economies of these areas plummeted during the genocide and the enormous gains they made after – is shocking. Rwanda is now the fastest growing economy in East Africa, with almost no corruption. I recall that the first sign that we saw when we entered the country: “Investment – yes, Corruption – No.” If an official is caught for corruption they will lose their job, have problems find other work, lose face in front of their community, and most likely go to jail. This is just one facet of post-conflict Rwanda’s pursuit of equal rights and opportunities. The government has also introduced new ID policies since the genocide, without the Hutu or Tutsi ethnic identifications that were commonplace before. Even speaking too strongly on the topic of ethnicity here can see one in jail, afoul of a law prohibiting “divisionism” in modern Rwanda. The new generation
AUCA Magazine | Spring 2014
Published by American University of Central Asia | Bishkek | Kyrgyz Republic
Murambi, Rwanda
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Travel Notes
in these buildings to remind later generations how terrible genocide is. There are many children as well, often entire families together. Most of them still wear the same kinds of t-shirts or jeans that I have on today – a reminder of just how recently the genocide happened. I am shocked and speechless. I find it difficult to make a link between the people we met in the prison this morning with those here whose lives were taken away. It seems impossible to understand or to explain. April 1, 2014:
A New Generation of Rwandans is growing up with an identity of ‘Rwandan’ rather than identifying by the ethnic divisions along which the lines of genocide were drawn. Today’s most touching moment is at the Kigali Genocide Memorial’s monument to children killed during the ethnic cleansing. The final words of David Mingiraneza, a 10 year old boy, are shown on the wall: “UNAMIR will come for us.” The international community never intervened to saved David or any of the other fourteen children whose ages, hobbies, dreams, and deaths are recorded in the Children’s Room. “David Mingiraneza: tortured to death.” International organizations still express regret that they did not do more to stop the killings. March 25th, 2014 I feel at times like I am losing faith in people, and in humanity. A bus full of foreigners is quite rare here, so from time to time children run to the road to wave to us as we drive for three hours from Kigali to Mpanga prison. I’m taken aback by the beautiful road from Kigali and the prison yard full of exotic plants – it’s hard to reconcile with the 5600 inmates here convicted of crimes against humanity for their actions
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during the genocide. We’re welcomed with traditional African dances performed by some of the inmates while others stop to stare. Looking at almost two thousand people at once, into their eyes, I cannot believe they committed the worst atrocities that one can. I see waving hands and smiling faces with eyes full of hopelessness. These convicts manifested cruelty even towards small children. But what if these people are victims too? Victims of their government, who incited fear and hatred since independence from Belgium. Victims of propaganda by radio and newspapers that dehumanized Tutsi as “cockroaches” and called Hutu to kill them. Victims of poverty. Victims of the lack of education. Nothing can justify their actions, but I wonder what lead such happy people down such a dark path. Perhaps these are some of the same faces that once told Tutsi refugees that French soldiers would protect them at the hilltop buildings that now constitute the Murambi Genocide Memorial Centre. Originally intended to house a school, at the height of the genocide more that 50,000 Tutsi were directed here before being cut off from water and food. The Rwandan government made the decision to leave over a thousand skeletons and mummified bodies
A person is always much stronger than he thinks. This is the lesson that I have learnt during my trip to Rwanda. After the genocide, survivors and former perpetrators have had to work together to rebuild the country. Tutsi and Hutu women work together to sew “peace baskets” to make a living. Policemen work with those who have killed sisters or mothers, trying now to keep the country safe. Lawyers whose families have been killed during the genocide defend the very perpetrators in court. People continue their lives, but they never they forget what happened. They carry their pain and sorrow while deciding to move on. Now at the 20th anniversary of the genocide, many are questioning if Rwandans have reconciled. I do not know the answer, but I truly hope that these horrendous events will be a lesson not only for Rwandans but also for the rest of the world. Our last day in Rwanda is busy teaching English to youth and adult women at a local NGO. Seeing their thirst for knowledge is an exciting experience. Regardless of the noisy atmosphere or crying children in their arms, these women absorb every word and write them carefully down in notebooks. I am incredibly happy to see that these women have not given up on themselves, and are still inspired to keep learning. It is a lesson I’ll take back with me to Scotland as I reflect on my time here.
University Update
Travel can affect not only our understanding of place but often our perception of time as well. Here, Dean of Students Nikolay Shulgin reflects on his experiences of traveling in the Soviet Union. Read on to hear his thoughts on smuggling, sports, and his favorite moments of an era long gone. Traveling by plane in the Soviet Union was very cheap. I could afford to go to Moscow for the weekend without any problems… the ticket only cost 62 rubles! The USSR didn’t have tourist infrastructure exactly as we know it today. You couldn’t just go to a travel agency and buy a ticket. There were plenty of flight and train routes, but you had to go through the trade unions (like the ACCTU – All-Union Central Council of Trade Unions) to get permission. I did once manage to visit Czechoslovakia. To get the permit I had to apply through the Komsomol authorities, then the Communist party, and finally through the Committee for State Security to finally get permission! People traveled then less to see the sites and more to buy all sorts of junk as souvenirs. I remember traveling on bus where all the seats were ripped and thinking “Why are the armrests torn?!” As we approached the border of the USSR someone made an announcement: “Who has Soviet money? You need to hand it all in
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now!” I thought to myself, “Where can I hide it?” and stuffed it all into the armrest! It turns out that lots of people had been hiding this money here because they weren’t allowed to take it out of the Soviet Union. Then, if you did get caught, you could always say “Oh, this is not mine!” and then the authorities couldn’t take you to prison for it. At the border a Soviet borderguard came to our bus,, yawned and asked – “So, did you put lots of money under the seats, huh?” My heart shrank to the size of the button. The border-guard yawned once more and said: “You can go.” Then he left the bus. In Prague local gypsies exchanged my hidden rubles to koruna and with this money I bought the first jeans of my life. That is how happiness came to me. The rest of my travels were mostly associated with sports, for which I traveled to almost all the major cities of the USSR. I was already a grown man by this time and had the opportunity to visit Moscow, Lvov, Leningrad, Kiev, Chisinau, Armenia, Baku, and many other places. This was a very different kind of travel mostly sitting, lying, sleeping, and sitting
some more while the Administrators took care of all the logistics. Travel now is very different: I can freely go and buy a ticket, for example, to Turkey. In a way I still prefer the travel of my youth. Every year I would fly home to where I was born, which is now part of St. Petersburg but back then was just a suburb of the city. Tickets were very cheap, and as a 1314 year old my strongest memory is of my aunts meeting me to take me back to their house near a river. I would spend the whole summer there fishing or walking in the woods. When I got married many years later I suggested to my wife (who was born here in Kyrgyzstan and had never seen Russia) that instead of a traditional honeymoon we go to my homeland; still to this day we keep pictures of that trip. If I was offered the chance today to travel to any time, any place, and any location I would choose that time back when I was 15 or 16. I was nearly an adult; left to my own devices, back in my beloved village. For me ‘homeland’ is the place where the nettles grew, and where we pushed each other to grow. There were my favorite moments of travel and tourism in the Soviet times.
University Update
A City of Two Tales – Seeing the world differently through the same eyes. by Stephen Lioy “There are no foreign lands. It is the traveler only who is foreign.” - Robert Louis Stevenson Experiencing local life on the backstreets of the French capital.
My first real international trip, part of my own liberal arts experience as a sophomore at Centenary College of Louisiana, was a school trip to explore the theme of “Americans in Paris: The Quest for the Good Life” with twenty other undergraduate students. Wandering the cobbled streets of Paris’ student quarter for two weeks is the fantasy of many young travelers, and while we studied ‘The Good Life’ in depth I’m not certain we actually gained any real insight info French culture or the life of the city.
Where once I spent an afternoon in Paris eating crepes or baguettes for lunch in the shadow of Sacre Coeur with other Americans, I now search for the understated entrance to a cooking school where a lively French chef will instruct a group of Malaysians, Japanese, and
A quiet moment on the Seine.
American students in the art of pastry preparation. What was originally a rush through crowded halls for a discrete snapshot of the Mona Lisa is now a leisurely stroll through galleries of Greek Sculpture and French favorites. The popular spots and old tourist favorites are still there and still beautiful, to be sure, but somehow now just a facet of the city compared to the central focus they were before. There are countless factors in each of our lives that encourage a broader appreciation of the world – quiet conversations and small
moments of enlightenment whose importance is revealed only much later. To my mind, though, travel is the most powerful of these by far. Exposure to different cultures and languages and upbringings and opinions chips away slowly at our prejudices and assumptions. Travel for long enough, encounter enough new ideas, and eventually all that remains is a core set of beliefs that define who we truly are. By continuing to travel and explore, we constantly refine not only the way we see the world but also the way in which we understand ourselves.
AUCA Magazine | Spring 2014
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Comparing this fond memory of many years before to a recent visit to Paris, I’m convinced that travel and time since then have fundamentally changed the way I view the world. Wandering those same streets I remember from many years before, the quiet moments of resonance with the friends I knew and the person I was then reflect not only a different understanding of the city itself but also a new way of understanding the world in general.
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University Update
PROMOTING STUDY ABROAD AND TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES – REFLECTIONS ON EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING BY AUCA STUDENTS. By natali anarbaeva University life can be more interesting and educational when students have an opportunity to participate in projects and conferences abroad. These trips can be expensive, though, so how are students to afford them? There are two options – search for scholarships or apply for a travel grant. The second of these, travel grants, AUCA awards with the help of the Student Intellectual Life Committee (SILC). The Student Intellectual Life Committee supports student-initiated projects, professional development opportunities, and student research by awarding small grants to AUCA students every month . The goal of the SILC is to promote excellence in research, learning, and overall intellectual development of students in the
American University of Central Asia. The purpose of SILC is based on the understanding that a student’s scholarly experience is an integral component of a Liberal Arts Education and that such research-based learning will better prepare students to fulfill their aspirations, goals, and dreams. SILC encourages a move toward “research-based learning” at AUCA; promotes opportunities for undergraduate students to have experiences as student-scholars; and provides a venue for student’s scholarly accomplishments to be recognized, promoted, and made available to the broader AUCA community. More concretely, SILC administers the Student Research Fund to encourage and promote student research by evaluating applications for funding
and award grants to support students’ field or archival research. Activities supported by the Student Travel Fund have included students’ participation in international conferences, workshops, cultural exchange programs, and research-related activities. Almost every month SILC awards travel grants to students, some of whom have agreed to share their experience with readers. These awardees took part in such events as the Rome Model United Nations conference, Ritual World Theater, NATO International School of Azerbaijan, International Student Festival, and Central Asian and Caucasus Congress. Read about their experiences below, and contact SILC to learn more about how to apply for travel grants.
“I participated in the Rome Model United Nations 2013 conference which took place in Rome, Italy. It is a role-playing game in which each pair of students has the task to carry out the political positions of one UN member states through specific proposals on the issues in the agenda.”
Zukhra Iakupbaeva Rome Model United Nations 2013 Conference; Rome, Italy The goal of the conference was to bring young people to the biggest conference in Italy and discuss global issues. Participants of the conference had core debates in which each delegation was given two minutes to deliver its speech to the committee. Zukhra Iakupbaeva participated in the General Assembly committee discussing Millennium Development
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Goal # 1 – “Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger.” After these discussions participants wrote two-page position papers examining the poverty and hunger situation in a specific country, in her case representing Greece. According to Zukhra, “While writing a paper, there has to be a good research being done before to get to know the “country” properly. One of the advantages I possessed from the conference is that I became a specialist in economic and political problems of one of the European Union members – Greece. Before, I did not know the reasons and roots of the big economic crisis Greece is facing now.” There were three main blocks in
the General Assembly of Rome Model UN 2013: Eastern-European, African, and South-Eastern. On the fourth day of the conference Zukhra joined the Eastern-European block of countries (composed of countries of the European Union and Eastern Europe), where the participants were still working on their resolution papers. Each country of this block was expected to develop three possible solutions to eradicate poverty and hunger. By a simple majority of delegates’ votes the resolution of the African block was passed successfully, however the work of Zukhra’s team was also commended by the Chair of the General Assembly. At the end of the conference delegates were given certificates to mark their participation.
University Update
“My summer so far was the greatest summer ever, because I spent it in the Philippines where I was invited to represent Kyrgyzstan in international theater in the play “Ritual World”. “Ritual World”, the goal of which was to gather 5 international actors from different parts of the world and look at the rituals of the current days. The idea behind that was to show how shamans who summoned rain during ancient times changed to shamans of the 21 century who have their own rituals.”
Nikita Menshov Ritual World Theater; Manila, Philippines During the spring term Nikita Menshov was looking for an international internship. A few months after finding “Ritual World” he went to the country that he says has changed his entire life. “I went there for a theater project
The cast of Ritual World consisted of actors from the Philippines, Romania, Cameroon, the USA and Kyrgyzstan. During his three months in the Philippines Nikita met only a few people who had heard of Kyrgyzstan before, and says he invited almost all of his friends to visit Kyrgyzstan in the future. The Ritual World cast spent the first two months rehearsing and in August performed 17 shows in Manila. During those three months, Nikita
says, he met so many wonderful people who became friends: the amazing cast, production team, famous Filipino actors, directors, dancers, and many others. Outside of the theater this was also a traveling experience for Nikita. A few of the places in the Philippines that he visited include Palawan, El Nido - an archipelago of 1,780 islands, Boracay – the island with 4km white beach, and Taal – the smallest volcano in the world. Nikita’s final thoughts on those three months? “I would say that this experience gave me much more than I expected. And I would like to recommend everyone who has the opportunity to travel – go for it and be amazed how wonderful and exiting our life is.”
Nasiba Amanova NATO International School of Azerbaijan (NISA), Baku, Azerbaijan Nasiba Amanova, an AUCA student from Turkmenistan, received a SILC travel grant in her senior year with the ICP department to visit the NATO International School of Azerbaijan (NISA) in Baku. She participated in the winter semester conference on “Challenges to Security in the Caspian Region”, the goal of which was to provide a platform for scholarly
discussions of international affairs in the Caspian region and to promote awareness of the historical and cultural heritage of Baku. Twenty Azerbaijani and an equal number of international scholars participated in this conference. Guest speakers of the event were prominent scholars, diplomats, politicians, and ambassadors. Reflecting on her experience, Nasiba notes that “for me the conferences of such international scale are explicitly important. Most of the participants and guest speakers; who came from the US, Spain, or Bosnia for instance; had never met any Turkmens. I was honored to represent my country and my university; to share my culture and tradition during culture night and beyond. Also, for Turkmenistan to be isolated from outside influence, I have
made my personal contribution. To fulfill the responsibility put on me as a future leader of my motherland, I thank SILC’s Open Doors Grant for supporting me in my lifetime goal of bringing Turkmenistan to the international arena.” NISA offers opportunities to students, young researchers, and professors to visit this school as a part of sessions, conferences, studies, and essay competitions. NISA covers half of the travel costs, meals, accommodation, and city tours. To apply to a NISA session, applicants need to fill out an application form and write a short essay on the specified topic for that session. Students, graduates, and professors can apply.
AUCA Magazine | Spring 2014
Published by American University of Central Asia | Bishkek | Kyrgyz Republic
I was honored to represent my country and my university; to share my culture and tradition during culture night and beyond.
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University Update
During these 10 days I received a mass of positive emotions, was impressed by different cultures, enhanced my knowledge of economics from lecturers from all around the world
Dildekan Kulumbetova, International Student Festival in Trondheim, Norway Dildekan Kulumbetova participated in the biennial International Student Festival in Trondheim, Norway. This global event brought together students from across the world to discuss “Finance”, approaching the theme
Asylbek Dzhapashov Central Asian and Caucasus Congress in Tbilisi, Georgia Asylbek Dzhapashov’s SILC grant enabled him to participate in the three-day Central Asian and Caucasus (CAC) Congress at the Free University in Tbilisi, Georgia. The main goal of the CAC Congress 2012 in Georgia was to bring together leaders from countries such as Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Tajikistan in Georgia to share their experiences of leadership and implement a
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AUCA Magazine | Spring 2014
through methods like discussions, debates, and game activities. Each of the ten days of the ISF examined different themes within finance; the financial crisis, trade, development, power, politics and ethics. Students gathered in small groups to share their own opinions on and possible solutions to financial problems, to listen to economist David Marty describe the idea of ‘participatory economics’ and how to implement it, and to play through economic simulations as models for global trade. They also examined issues of Development and Power, specifically discussing and debating the role of microfinance and its possible utilization for improvement in each of their countries. “During these 10 days I received a mass of positive emotions, was impressed by different cultures,
new strategy to promote social and professional internships among these countries and the world as a whole. Participants gathered to plan joint projects in the economic and social spheres based on a global internship program and according to requests from CAC sub-regions and the world community. In the process of achieving these goals every delegation had the opportunity to learn different creative methods of representation by sharing the experience of the representatives of all the countries involved in the Congress. The final conclusion of the CAC delegates was to unite the countries in question under the name ‘Central Asian and Caucasus region’ in order to give all the countries a better chance of becoming destinations where students from around the world can find internships. It was further agreed that each country will make an effort to inform future internees of the various placement options throughout the CAC region, which should lead to a higher participation of international students in internships in the CAC (and Kyrgyzstan in particular) and more integrated work between students from Kyrgyzstan and foreign countries.
enhanced my knowledge of economics from lecturers from all around the world, obtained information for continuation of my studies, and got new friends. After finishing this program I realized the sphere in which I would like to work and make my own contribution: energy sector. After visiting Norway and seeing their prosperity I believe that by proper investment and management a small country can prosper and develop. I could see many similar features between Kyrgyzstan and Norway and I hope that I will be able to contribute to the economy of my country. I also found a university in Norway where I would like to continue my study for a Master’s degree and I hope I will be able to implement my plans.”
Asylbek reports that he “learned the Georgian customs and experienced their culture. My stay was highlighted by visiting places such as Old Town Tbilisi, Sioni Cathedral Church, Metekhi and Tsaminda Sameba cathedral. I was amazed by the warm atmosphere and friendly environment. On the other hand I shared my culture as well. I made presentation about beautiful Kyrgyzstan. Many students were fascinated by nature and mountains of Kyrgyzstan and I expect to have many students to visit my country. The event enriched my experience and improved my skills as a leader.” Beside the general goals that were achieved, the delegates from Kyrgyzstan managed to cooperate with Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia to create a Joint Agreement. The agreement is meant to encourage students to intern in these countries through the provision of free accommodation and meals. In addition, by the end of their internship term students will have a chance to visit every country in the Joint Agreement in order to spend time and share experiences with other participants.
University Update
Celebrating Black History Month: US Ambassador Spratlen Addresses the AUCA Community
February 27,2014 The Honorable Pamela L. Spratlen, Ambassador of the United States of America to the Kyrgyz Republic, made a speech to the AUCA student body and broader Bishkek community on the topic of “Black History Month and its Importance for the Study of American History.” Celebrated in the United States every February, Black History Month is a remembrance of important people and events in the history of the African diaspora in America. Black History Month was created in 1926 in the United States when historian Carter G. Woodson announced that the second week of February would be “Negro History Week.” This date was chosen for its connection to the birthdays of two great Americans who played important roles in guiding American history. The first, President Abraham Lincoln
(born February 12), issued the Emancipation Proclamation that effectively ended slavery in the United State. The other, escaped slave Frederick Douglass (February 14), was an important rights activist and abolitionist. Ambassador Spratlen discussed the struggle of African Americans for equality and literacy after the end of the slavery and mentioned several champions of African-American rights who changed the lives of African Americans for the better. One of these great people was Rosa Parks, who was eventually called “the mother of the freedom movement” for refusing to give up her seat on a public bus in contravention of a law stating that African Americans were required to give up certain seats to whites. Other champions noted in the Ambassador’s speech were Martin Luther King Jr. - a leader in the Civil Rights movement - and Ida Bell Wells-Barnett
who refused to give up her seat to a white man on a train. During the lecture, Ms. Spratlen presented books that illuminate African American history: “The Audacity of Hope” by Barack Obama, “The Souls of Black Folk” by W.E.B. Du Bois, “An Education of a Negro” by Carter G. Woodson, “Playing in the Dark” by Toni Morrison, and many others. Ambassador Spratlen stated that knowing history is very important as a way of making it real in the present: “If we don’t write or speak about something important – it didn’t exist.” After the speech, Ambassador Spratlen answered questions from AUCA students.
AUCA Magazine | Spring 2014
Published by American University of Central Asia | Bishkek | Kyrgyz Republic
By natali anarbaeva
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Campus Update
Updates on the new AUCA Campus
HMA2 Architects, the firm in charge of construction of the new AUCA campus, offers these updates on happenings over the last few months: Drilling continues on the geothermal heating and cooling system, while the plumbing and electrical systems are currently being installed. Apart from the basement (which will be finished by June) the interior walls are nearly done. The metal deck for roofing has been completed and the
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AUCA Magazine | Spring 2014
exterior skin is being prepared for “enclosure� systems. In April lead architect Henry Myerberg spoke to a representative gathering of faculty, staff, and students over several days. In addition to a tour of the construction site, those involved had the opportunity to ask Mr. Myerberg and President Wachtel about the new building. 1. What is the average
classroom size? Most of the classrooms are designed for up to 20 students, while larger lecture rooms will have a capacity for 60 or more. Think of the classrooms as flexible stage sets adaptable for formalized lectures, conferences, or collaborative breakout groups. Like the rest of the building, classrooms are fully equipped with wi-fi to support seamless integration of technology throughout the new campus.
2. Where will AUCA achievements, prizes, and historical and academic documentation be displayed? There are areas for display all over the building, places for historical and archival exhibitions as well as contemporary art and photography shows. We will be reaching out to the AUCA community - students, faculty and alumni - as well as local and international artists to be part of the
process of creating some of the works for the new building. (See ‘ART at AUCA’ sidebar.) 3. How can we make our innovative “green” technologies and approaches more visible to the local community? Our geothermal heating and cooling system, the first of its kind in a public building in Central Asia, is being built to the code set forth by the
Kyrgyz State Agency on Construction and Architecture. The building would normally consume an estimated 4,189,561 kWh of electrical energy for heating and cooling per year. Using renewable energy derived from the earth allows us to limit our electrical energy needs to approximately 600,000 kWh per year, an 85% reduction. Electronic monitoring systems will demonstrate how the energy is being used.
AUCA Magazine | Spring 2014
Published by American University of Central Asia | Bishkek | Kyrgyz Republic
Campus Update
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Campus Update
Information on the geothermal system will be marked at the site of one of the more than 150 wells. We are also proposing to create a sustainable farm on our campus powered by this geothermal system, which would include the first hydroponic greenhouse in Kyrgyzstan. 4. Tell us more about the Mass Media and Journalism Labs on the Lower Level. The Lower Level will be a “Student
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AUCA Magazine | Spring 2014
Incubator” space for multi-media production and creative exchange. There will be journalism and broadcasting studios, music rehearsal rooms as “garage band” spaces, art and dance studios, and a maker space. 5. Is there space for small group consultations and big group meetings and discussions? Every space in the building will serve multiple functions. Perhaps the best example of this is the Forum,
which serves on an average day as the main campus crossroads but can be converted at any time into a performance space or lecture hall for up to 500 students. The library still exists as a temple of books for a small core collection, but has been transformed into multiple study spaces for large and small groups of students. Classrooms can be reconfigured easily and spill out into hallways where students can work in small groups or
Campus Update
have their lunch. The gymnasium can be used for soccer or aerobics, but can also be transformed into a large lecture hall or medium-sized performance space. There will be no individual offices for faculty and administration, but there will be open offices with multiple small conference rooms. In this configuration faculty can sit with whomever they want, move their “office� as they choose, and can be easily found on our compact and fully wireless campus.
The new campus building has numerous exhibition spaces to showcase the visual and performing arts. It will offer intimate spaces and grand ones to display both small-scale works and large ones as a way to encourage observation, contemplation, participation, and conversation. In the next few months, there will be opportunities to submit ideas, proposals, and designs as we create opportunities to work with artists to help conceptualize and realize new work. There will also be ongoing cross-cultural dialogue about the way the arts are influencing Kyrgyzstan today through workshops and other artistic exchanges.
AUCA Magazine | Spring 2014
Published by American University of Central Asia | Bishkek | Kyrgyz Republic
ART at AUCA
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University Update
Congratulations to Professor Natalia Korosteleva and Other AUCA Faculty on Their Upcoming Book Publication. By Natalia Korosteleva “Man’s mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions.” — Oliver Wendell Holmes Purpose and Value of Simulations
Natalia Korosteleva, Associate Professor of Business Administration, joined more than 20 AUCA faculty to participate in a series of training workshops sponsored by the U.S. Central Asia Education Foundation (U.S. CAEF) and conducted by the faculty of Fairfield University between 2011 and 2014. The workshops culminated in a collection of groundbreaking articles exploring innovative teaching methods and dynamic new pedagogical strategies for teachers of business and economics. The volume, Business Education in Central Asia: Best Practices in Integrative Study and Teaching, will be published by U.S.CAEF in May 2014. It features twenty-two articles by faculty of AUCA and KIMEP University who participated in the U.S.-CAEF/ Fairfield workshops and developed articles on such topics as integrative teaching and learning, students’ self-guided study, role playing in the classroom, and the importance of business case studies based on Central Asian economies. The publication’s release will be celebrated at AUCA and KIMEP University during graduation week.
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AUCA Magazine | Spring 2014
Project Management Simulation can be used as a practical tool to increase students’ awareness of the practical implementation of theoretical knowledge gained from Communication and Management classes. Simulation, as a teaching method, is aimed at encouraging students to reflect on their theoretical knowledge and practice their skills in order to develop competencies. Some of these might be communicators’ and/or negotiators’ skills, including persuasive skills, active listening and productive questioning skills, and decision-making skills. Instead of always relying on their own position and feelings, simulation is supposed to enable participants to empathize with the position and feelings of others and to look beyond their immediate assumptions and expectations. This is a practice-oriented exercise. Usually simulation is designed to replicate a real-life situation and produce convincing real-life conditions. It should be mentioned that the authenticity of this type of activity should be high; without authenticity, a valuable outcome will be lacking. While participating in simulation, students gain insights into the benefits of good management techniques and gather additional material to help shape their individual management stances. I am quite certain that simulation helps to facilitate and foster readiness for future unknown situations students may face in their careers in the uncertain business world. The main idea is to enhance learning in the academic curriculum. Simulations offer an alternative methodology from the traditional “chalk and talk.”
The activity described can be referred to as a “learner-centered teaching tool focusing on preparing students to apply-integrate-evaluate and create their own knowledge,” according to Maryellen Weimer in Learner Centered Teaching: Five Key Changes to Practice. It allows the production of convincing real-life conditions. The authenticity of the exercise is essential. Poor validity tightly correlates with the lack of outcomes, both of academic and practical value. Using simulation also has specific pedagogical goals such as increasing students’ interest in their university academic course and in different academic disciplines, as well as helping them to understand the impact of learning. Utilization of this tool provides students with an opportunity to practice various workplace roles and to employ the knowledge and practical skills they have obtained. Some particular knowledge is necessary for students prior to the start of the exercise: •
How does management involve communication and negotiation?
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How does one establish a position and voice one’s interests?
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What techniques and tactics are involved in negotiation? How does one employ them during meetings?
•
What are the general principles of management, and what is the nature of managerial work?
•
What are the steps, sequences, and processes of decisionmaking?
•
What is environmental analysis, specifying direct and indirect factors?
University Update
been quite positive. Since 2005, Shoro has been expanding into Kazakhstan, and it began exporting kumyz (horse milk) to Moscow in 2002. There are plans to collaborate with Iran and India as well. Another Shoro project was to produce and export Kyrgyz national drinks (Maksym in particular) to China. Shoro invested $1.2 million in the construction of a plant in Xinjiang province (according to official data: http://kyrgyztoday.kg/ru/dajdzhestsmi/item/26258-shoro-po-kitayski), however, at this point, the production of Kyrgyz national drinks in China has not started. Once they have familiarized themselves with these facts, students are given three options for project management:
Self-study and evaluation are absolutely mandatory. Well-presented and organized simulation is rewarding for both parties – professors and students – as the professor reaches his/her academic/teaching goals and students are stimulated to develop their competencies in Management and Business Communication. Example: “Shoro’s Failure in China” As an example of a management project simulation, we can consider the Kyrgyz company Shoro, and its failure in China. This example is a particularly complex one. The following is a brief description of the situation. The non-alcoholic beverage market in the Kyrgyz Republic is divided into three categories:
In 2012, the production volume of non-alcoholic beverages in the Kyrgyz Republic amounted to 101.3 million liters (including 2.5 million liters of national drinks). The volume increased by 39.4 million liters compared to 2009; that is, by 64% in the last three years. This trend indicates the rapid growth of the market for non-alcoholic beverages in the Kyrgyz Republic. In 2012, 44.3 million liters of non-alcoholic beverages were imported to the Kyrgyz Republic, for a total of $52,138,728, and 17.2 million liters were exported to neighboring CIS countries for a total of $8,553,900. Shoro is one of the largest players in the local market for beverages and the largest in national drink production; the company owns entirely mechanized manufacturing technology. In 2012, Shoro held 22.6 % of the Kyrgyz market share. The dynamics of production volume of Shoro from 2009-2012 has
2. Shoro produces and successfully distributes national drinks in one of the provinces in China. (Task: Identify possibilities and conditions of expanding the production and the distribution area covered; develop a short outline of a business plan. Chinese and Kyrgyz parties are participating in plan development.) 3. Optional. This project (Shoro expansion to China) is in its first stage. (Task: Identify various scenarios for project development and management.) I usually appoint an observer and/or facilitator who can intervene if it appears necessary, for example, if students deviate from the preapproved framework. It is quite desirable to allocate time for discussion immediately after the simulation. If the experience is recorded the video should be discussed as well.
AUCA Magazine | Spring 2014
Published by American University of Central Asia | Bishkek | Kyrgyz Republic
Students also need general knowledge and an understanding that management is not only the ability to speak to, but to listen to and understand colleagues and opponents. They should also recognize that effective managers live in the present, but concentrate on the future.
mineral and carbonated drinks (unsweetened); cold drinks (noncarbonated, sweetened, aromatized, fruit, vegetable waters, cold tea, kvass, etc.); and national drinks.
1. Shoro faces a failure. (Task: Conduct negotiations with Chinese party officials to identify and discuss the reasons for the failure. One of the contributing factors might be that Chinese partners cancelled the contract. Chinese and Kyrgyz parties are participating in negotiations. Make a retrospective analysis.)
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Журнал АУЦА
Творчество для всей семьи – День семьи (Family Day) Совместное творчество детей и родителей – это время, проведенное вместе. Способ забыть тревоги и волнения, и погрузиться в сказочный мир творчества. «Счастье повторить это столько раз, сколько захочется” - говорит психолог, психотерапевт, одна из идейных вдохновителей и инициаторов творческого формата «Дня семьи» Ирина Карагаполова. Она сотрудничает со студией “Акме”, которая проводит праздники «Дня семьи» в Американском университете в Центральной Азии. Именно формат Family Day (день семьи) позволил Центру дополнительного образования Американского университета в Центральной Азии совместно с творческой студией АКМЕ, активно работающей с семьями, создать этот феерический праздник для огромного количества людей. Студия АКМЕ за четыре года провела семь ярких праздников для Бишкекских семей. Их посетили 2000 бабушек и дедушек, мам и пап, сестер и братьев в возрасте от 3 до 12 лет. Интерактивные творческие площадки каждый раз погружали участников в креативные поиски создания своего собственного яркого сувенира, подарка, рисунка или декоративной подделки. “День семьи» был задуман для родителей и детей, как возможность провести день вместе в творческом процессе. Реализация идеи превзошла ожидания. Мероприятие преследует несколько целей. Первое - организация досуга для детей и их родителей. Участники налаживают контакт друг с другом, учатся договариваться между собой. Второе использовать самые неожиданные материалы для творческого процесса, что в свою очередь, работает на развитие креативного мышления юных гостей. Хочется отметить отдельно потрясающую работу Студии АКМЕ, наших партнёров, которые не перестают удивлять своими творческими выдумками по
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AUCA Magazine | Spring 2014
мастер-классам. «Спасибо Вам Акмешки, мы очень вам признательны за тот запал и красоту, которую вы вносите в создание праздника” - отмечает исполнительный директор Центра дополнительного образования Наталья Сластникова. “ Хочу выразить свою благодарность и восхищение студии АКМЕ Американскому университету в Центральной Азии. На творческие мастерские мы ходим уже четвёртый год. И Вы нас постоянно чем-то удивляете. Не знаю, кто получает больше удовольствия от занятий, я или мой сын?! Спасибо, что позволяете взрослым родителям
окунуться в творческую атмосферу и вспоминать детство. За формирование детскородительской связи в процессе совместного творчества. Нам, работающим родителям, этого так не хватает. Ну и конечно за отличные подарки сделанные своими руками, которые мы потом бережно храним, с теплотой вспоминая Вас. Желаю Вам творческого вдохновения, процветания и всяческих успехов! Спасибо, что вы есть!”, - так эмоционально прокомментировала свое мнение о «Дне семьи», одна из родителей Ксения Ермолова. К эмоциям Ксении
Журнал АУЦА
“В течении 3-х лет мы с нетерпением ждем очередного мероприятия Family Day. Взрослые ждут его даже больше, чем дети. Каждый раз нас удивляют новые творческие зоны, море подделок и зашкаливающие положительные эмоции от всего этого. Каждый взрослый превращается в ребенка и с усердием мастерит, рисует и клеит, порой, забывая, что сам привел ребенка сюда. И ожидание нового праздника подпитывается любопытством - “что же ребята придумают в этот раз?!” и ни один праздник не был похож на другой! Вы умеете удивлять своей фантазией и креативностью и заряжать хорошим настроением! А AUCA уже стал настолько привычным для нас местом, что дети легко в нем ориентируются и чувствуют себя как дома. Для нашей семьи Family day это отличная возможность провести время с детьми с пользой и научиться чему-то новому. Ребята продолжайте эту традицию дальше и неиссякаемого вам творчества”! Продолжает Элеонора Прояева, гость мероприятия: “Я помню первый Family Day, тогда я восхитилась идеей - открыть двери творчества и радости для всех, кто хочет этот день провести с АУЦА. Конечно, есть в этом и расчёт - привлечь как можно больше потенциальных студентов, но это отличное сочетание рациональности с эмоциональностью. Все, кто готовит эти праздники жизни несомненно, люди талантливые и увлечённые. Видно, что когда они всё это готовят, то думают не о выгоде, а о тех, кто придёт в гости и будет участвовать в творческих делах. Я вижу Family Day как место, где участникам, детям и взрослым, предлагается взглянуть иначе на окружающий мир - использовать привычные вещи для того, чтобы создать красоту. Таким образом, воплощается философия свободы и творчества, которая лежит в основе обучения в АУЦА. Спасибо талантливым людям, кто не жалеет своей энергии и дарит добрый праздник саморазвития”. Вслед за Элеонорой своей радостью делится семья
Аслаповских: “Мы с семьей каждый год стараемся попасть на Family Day в АУЦА. Наши дети, уже знают этот праздник и когда мы в очередной раз объявляем им о нем, вопросов не возникает: “Идем!”. Нам нравится, что каждый раз - секции творчества разные и что можно увлечься всей семьей. Дети с удовольствием забирают поделки домой и играют с ними. Самое главное, выделить достаточно времени, чтобы не спеша и с удовольствием погрузиться в процесс создания какой-нибудь вещички. Тогда это доставляет действительно много радости. Мне очень нравится эта инициатива “Акме” и АУЦА. Это ежегодное веселье, в первую очередь, развивает культуру совместного времяпровождения детей и родителей (причем не только с мамами, но и папами!). Это, несомненно, способствует семейной интеграции и формирует стойкое желание заниматься с семей не только “полезными”, привычными, бытовыми делами, но и отлично развлекаться, творчески самовыражаться. Будет здорово, если Family Day будет проходить всегда, каждый год! Интересно было бы еще добавить не только творческие, но и познавательные мастерские, где можно, например, проводить физические опыты или попробовать на практике какуюнибудь профессию. Спасибо вам большое за вклад в семейную радость!” “Обычно у Family Day есть центральная тема. Например, дню Земли, Всемирному дню музыки, открывали фестиваль волонтерства в АУЦА и Greеn Week, погружались в мир профессий, весело провели Haloween”, -говорят организаторы студии “Акме”. И снова своими впечатлениями делится родитель Медет Тюлегенов: “Family Day для нас с дочей не просто время, проведенное вместе. Это день совместного творчества и мастерства, которое сидит где-то глубоко и просыпается именно в такие моменты, когда ты начинаешь творить в содружестве со своим ребенком. И при этом не можешь остановиться, потому
что количество идей на каждом празднике настолько много и они настолько разные. Этот день для нас действительно праздник, который мы встречаем в интересной, захватывающей дух, обстановке творчества и новых идей!” “На каждой площадке работают инструктора, которые сопровождают творческий процесс. Это – команда единомышленников, людей, которые любят свою работу. Важной поддержкой для нас являются - волонтеры. Мы стараемся привлекать в помощь студентов разных ВУЗов. С ребятами из АУЦА вместе делают этот праздник ребята из БГУ, Славянского университета и др.” – рассказывают Акмешки. “Family Day для меня - это потрясающая команда творческих и чудесных людей, машина времени, которая переносит нас в волшебное детство и море улыбок”, комментирует Ника Шегай Токтогул инструктор и волонтер “Family Day для меня - это способ поделиться радостью, воодушевлением, отдать кусочек души Миру Детства и вновь почувствовать себя его частью!” – говорит инструктор и волонтер Наталья Романова. “Family Day для меня - это возможность прикоснуться к уникальному, красивому, творческому, фантастическому миру Ребенка!” – продолжает инструктор и волонтер Татьяна Ефименко. “Для меня Family Day - возможность погрузиться в атмосферу необычного, непривычного творчества, соприкоснуться с удивительным детским восприятием реальности, порой волшебным, порой даже немного странным, но всегда неожиданным и радостным. Приятная компания из профессионалов способствует хорошему настрою!” – добавляет инструктор и волонтер Анастасия Юн. Формат мероприятия напоминает ярмарку. Территория, отведенная для проведения праздника, делится на сектора, в каждом из которых представлен один вид активности. Творческие
AUCA Magazine | Spring 2014
Published by American University of Central Asia | Bishkek | Kyrgyz Republic
присоединяется семья Кельдибековых:
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Журнал АУЦА
столики - мини-мастерские, в которых каждый ребенок может научиться создавать замечательные поделки. Ребенок может проявить себя в любой деятельности, а взрослый поможет ему в этом. Атмосфера свободная, т.е. дети идут
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AUCA Magazine | Spring 2014
туда, куда хотят и выбирают понравившееся им занятие. Все виды творчества - бесплатные! Мы, Студия “Акме” и Центр дополнительного образования, хотим сказать огромное спасибо всем! Все, кто растет вместе с нами! Это очень здорово, что
мы можем радовать друг друга. Спасибо тем, с кем бы делаем этот праздник: со-организаторам, нашей команде, волонтерам! До новых встреч!
Журнал АУЦА
Кыргызстанцы победили в Азиатском дебатном турнире в Астане принятии решений международного значения”, - отметила участница встречи.
Студенты из Кыргызстана приняли участие в Азиатском молодежном форуме в Астане, 47-й встрече глав Азиатского банка развития, прошедшем в апреле-мае, и завоевали победу на IV Азиатском дебатном турнире “Голос молодежи”. Об этом нашему журналу рассказала одна из участниц мероприятия студентка АУЦА Мадина Давлеткильдеева. В апреле Международная образовательная ассоциация дебатов в Центральной Азии под инициативой представительства АБР в Кыргызстане организовала отборочный дебатный турнир на английском языке по формату Азиатских парламентских дебатов. Тематика турнира касалась вопросов региональной интеграции и сотрудничества. По результатам турнира Кыргызстан отправились представлять Салтанат Урустемова (АУЦА), Мадина Давлеткильдеева (АУЦА) и Айжана Боронбаева (университет “Манас”). Азиатский молодежный форум “Партнерство вне границ” начался 30 апреля и продлился два дня. Местом проведения был один из самых новых престижных вузов Казахстана Университет Назарбаева. Форум собрал вместе около 50 представителей молодежи из семи стран. “С нами делились опытом и наставлениями важные представители АБР, Plan
International (Организация по международному развитию), а также представители молодежи, которые уже успешно реализовали социальные проекты. Программа включала в себя интенсивные тренинги, семинары и круглые столы. Мы исследовали темы и вопросы в пяти приоритетных областях Молодежной инициативы АБР: управление, окружающая среда и водные ресурсы, гражданское участие, образование и занятость. Перед участниками стояла задача разработать пути достижения определенных целей в данных областях и методы их применения. В последующие дни молодежная команда, работавшая над каждой темой, презентовала свой проект достижения приоритетных целей развития”, рассказала студентка АУЦА. Продолжилась программа участием в 47-й ежегодной встрече глав АБР во Дворце независимости. Студенты встретились с президентом АБР, были приглашены на церемонию открытия, где выступал президент Казахстана Нурсултан Назарбаев. “Встреча глав АБР была дополнительной возможностью встретиться и пообщаться с представителями крупных финансовых, инвестиционных, мониторинговых и неправительственных организаций. Не каждый день представляется возможность пожать руку и задать вопрос тем, кто задействован в
“Для нашей команды из Кыргызстана дебаты в ходе этой встречи были одним из самых важных мероприятий. Мы боролись против команд из Казахстана, Таджикистана и Азербайджана. Битва за победу была непростой, ведь каждая из этих стран отбирала лучших дебатеров в отборочных турнирах. Обстановка накалялась. Каждая команда использовала свои “фишки” ораторского искусства, чтобы стать убедительными перед судьями и публикой. Наша команда сумела собраться с мыслями и организованно подготовить аргументы, хотя тему оглашали за час до начала дебатов. Именно в такие критические моменты рождаются идеи, которые раньше и в голову не приходили. Я рада, что мы смогли достойно пройти через все споры и сложности и одержать победу в Азиатском дебатном турнире “Голос молодежи”. Что особо приятно осознавать, после финального раунда шесть судей и публика единогласно выбрали нас в качестве победителей. Бонусом для нашей команды и для меня лично стала награда “Лучший спикер”. Надеюсь, у нас еще будет возможность достойно представить Кыргызстан на подобных международных турнирах”, - поделилась впечатлениями Мадина Давлеткильдеева. Помимо официальной части, программа была разбавлена культурными мероприятиями и зваными ужинами АБР и правительства Казахстана. Одним из самых запоминающихся моментов неофициальной программы, по словам участников, стал балет “Ромео и Джульетта” в недавно открывшемся Театре оперы и балета Астаны.
AUCA Magazine | Spring 2014
Published by American University of Central Asia | Bishkek | Kyrgyz Republic
Кыргызстанцы также участвовали в семинарах, делали презентации и дебатировали.
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Один из лучших проектов Enactus АУЦА - проект TIFE
Лучшими проектами признали проекты по созданию поля для крикета, организации офиса по выбору подарков по своему желанию и новой социальной сети. 19 апреля в отеле “КойТаш” прошли соревнования проекта Enactus Американского университета в Центральной Азии TIFE-2014, сообщила журналу один из организаторов мероприятия Алина Кожоева. Напомним, проект TIFE – один из лучших проектов Enactus АУЦА. Он реализуется командой с 2004 года и получил большое признание на международном кубке в Барселоне. Данный проект также реализовывается SIFEкомандами России, Казахстана и Азербайджана. Миссией данного проекта является обучение и эффективная стимуляция интереса к предпринимательству подростков Бишкека путем обучения написанию бизнеспланов. Но в этом году участники обучались как написанию бизнесмоделей, так и основным навыкам бизнеса. TIFE-2014 охватил 60 учащихся из школ №6, 13, 29, 61, 67, 70. В течение месяца участники посещали специальные тренинги и писали бизнесмодель. По итогам соревнований первое место заняла школа №70 с проектом по созданию поля для крикета, второе - гимназия №6 с проектом организации офиса выбора подарков по своему желанию Santa Claus, третье - лицей №61 за проект про социальную сеть InGroup, делящую людей на специальные
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группы. Все участники получили ценные призы от компанийпартнеров проекта. “У школьников были самые разные проекты, к примеру, прачечная “Чистюля” и поле для игры в крикет Cricket.kg. Проекты оценивались членами жюри, в составе которого были бизнес-тренеры и представители компаний-партнеров. По словам членов команды Enactus АУЦА, на этом проект не завершается, ребята планируют его продолжить и охватить в следующий раз намного больше школ”, рассказала Кожошева. По словам ученика школы №70 Алишера Иманбаева, TIFE - это не просто проект, обучающий школьников предпринимательству. “За время обучения члены команды успели узнать друг друга лучше, когда мы делали что-то действительно новое. И это было очень интересно. За месяц я со своей командой прошел через многое: жаркие обсуждения, масштабные социальные опросы и веселые встречи. TIFE - это опыт на будущее и воспоминания на всю жизнь!” - поделился он. У ученика школы №6 Арстаналы Рысбекова проект тоже оставил очень много ярких, светлых, радостных эмоций. “Благодаря этому проекту я подружился со многими интересными людьми экспертами и учащимися других школ”, - рассказал он. Ученица школы №67 Айжана Токтоева за время участия в проекте научилась лидерским качествам, выражать свое мнение
и отстаивать его. “После участия в соревнованиях бизнес-проектов появляется стимул развиваться дальше и завоевывать новые цели”, - заключила она.
Справка Enactus (SIFE “Студенты в свободном предпринимательстве”) – это одна из самых крупных некоммерческих молодежных организаций в мире, распространенная в нескольких десятках странах. Основной задачей организации является создание экономических возможностей для населения Кыргызстана посредством обучения основам рыночной экономики и свободного предпринимательства. Каждая команда Enactus реализовывает свои проекты и раз в год презентует их на национальных соревнованиях, представляя жюри годовые отчеты о всей проделанной работе. Первые национальные соревнования SIFE-Кыргызстан прошли 26 апреля 1996 года в главном корпусе КНУ. С тех пор, по словам членов Enactus, многое изменилось: и ребята стали опытнее, и соревнования проходят на высшем уровне.
Журнал АУЦА
Ежегодная математическая олимпиада в АУЦА наргиза мамырова
Математическая олимпиада в АУЦА проходит вот уже в течение нескольких лет. За короткий срок она стала самым главным и самым массовым интеллектуальным соревнованием для Бишкекских школьников. В проведении олимпиады активнейшее участие принимают департаменты АУЦА: «Прикладная математика и информатика» и «Программная инженерия». Задачи для математической олимпиады АУЦА подбираются таким образом, чтобы для их решения не требовалось специальных знаний, выходящих за рамки стандартного школьного курса; в то же время, эти задачи не ставят своей целью только проверку успеваемости
школьников, но и дают возможность школьникам приобщиться к реальной науке, порешать занимательные задачи, которые могут вызвать заинтересованность в
дальнейшем поиске, в более глубоком изучении математики. Олимпиада традиционно проводится в АУЦА . В ней ежегодно принимает участие более 200 школьников. Математическая олимпиада в АУЦА является открытой, то есть достаточным условием для участия в ней является желание школьника и его приход в нужное
время в нужное место. Естественно, надо принести с собой ручку, карандаш и тетрадь в клетку. Ничего больше не требуется (не нужна дополнительная литература, отнюдь не приветствуется калькулятор, полезны циркуль и линейка, но и они не обязательны). Олимпиада прошла 20 апреля 2014 г., в здании АУЦА в 10-00. Школьникам, занявшим первые 15 мест, будут вручены призы и памятные подарки. Кроме того, занявшим первые три места в группе 11-классникам, в случае поступления на одну из специальностей: «Прикладная математика и информатика» или «Программная инженерия» в этом году, будут гарантированы скидки на обучение в АУЦА в размере 90% от его полной стоимости. Мы побеседовали со школьниками 10-11 классов Эмиром Аманбековым и Алтынай Моноевой, которые отличились своей неординарностью и решили сложнейшую задачу. Журналист: Расскажите, пожалуйста, немного о себе. Где и когда родились? Где вы учитесь, в какой школе?
AUCA Magazine | Spring 2014
Published by American University of Central Asia | Bishkek | Kyrgyz Republic
Математические олимпиады не только помогают оценить степень математической подготовленности учеников, но и выявить наиболее одаренных и подготовленных учащихся в области математики. Победители Республиканского уровня зачисляются в ВУЗ на льготных условиях. Добиться хороших результатов в олимпиадах можно только путем решения как можно большего количества задач.
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Э.А.: Я родился в Бишкеке 2 марта 1997 года. Сначала учился в школе № 25, затем перешел в 70-ю, там проучился 2 года. Затем продолжил обучение в 61-ой школе, где и учусь и по сей день, заканчиваю 10 класс. В 61-ой школе учиться гораздо тяжелей, чем в 70-й. А.М.: Родилась 1-ого апреля в Бишкеке. Живу с родителями. Учусь в школе №13 в 11-ом классе.
А.М.: У меня все хорошо с математикой и я решила проверить себя. Неожиданно прошла во 2-й тур, думала – не пройду. Когда прошла в финал, появилась мотивация выиграть, т.к. хотелось получить скидку на обучение в университете.
Журналист: Есть ли у вас родные братья, сестры?
Журналист: Какое место в общем зачете вы заняли?
Э.А.: Да, нас трое, три брата. Я средний.
Э.А.: Я занял 4 место, не хватило 2,5 бала до 3 места. Для первого раза это очень хороший результат. Так мы с еще одной школьницей смогли решить во второй туре одну задачу, которую не каждый осилит. За что нас поблагодарил профессор Карим Зерхуни.
А.М.: Я единственный ребенок в семье. Журналист: Посещаете ли вы дополнительные образовательные курсы? Э.А.: Раньше посещал курсы английского языка, занимался дзюдо. В детстве занимался спортивной гимнастикой. Сейчас некогда, основное время занимает учеба. А.М.: Увлекалась музыкой, 7 лет училась в музыкальной школе по классу фортепиано, закончила Шубинку. Свою судьбу с музыкой я не буду связывать, это только для себя. Журналист: Чем вы занимаетесь в свободное время? Есть ли у вас любимые хобби, увлечения? Э.А.: В свободное от учебы время читаю разные книги, мангу. Люблю смотреть аниме, нравится «Эльфийская песнь», «Мастер Муши», «Дневник будущего». А.М.: Люблю читать книги, зарубежную литературу, играть на пианино. В основном много времени уходит на учебу, т.к. я иду на красный диплом. Иногда хожу в кино, слушаю музыку. Журналист: 20 апреля вы участвовали в олимпиаде по математике среди школьников 10-11 класса. Каково ваше отношение к математике? Э.А.: Я люблю математику и считаю, что у меня больше математический склад ума, чем гуманитарный. Я проснулся утром этого дня, мама сказала, что сегодня будет олимпиада. Регистрация заканчивалась в 16 00. Я решил записаться и поучаствовать, т.к. хотел
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проверить свои знания в области математики. У меня не было цели выиграть скидку на обучение в АУЦА, так как я пока учусь в 10 классе.
AUCA Magazine | Spring 2014
А.М.: В итоге заняла 9 место из 16 человек, это не призовое место, но тоже неплохой результат. Журналист: Как раз про эту задачу хотелось бы узнать подробнее. Какова эта задача, насколько она сложна? Говорят, что ее могут решить лишь 10% взрослого населения Земли. Э.А.: Я решал все задачи подряд, пропускал сложные. Дойдя до этой задачи, я думал около пяти минут, потом чтото мелькнуло в голове, и я обрадовался решению. Когда проверял, все совпало, а значит, я ее верно решил. Задача была на последовательность чисел, и необходимо было узнать, по какому принципу возрастают числа и найти недостающие два числа. Эта задача идет больше на логику и внимательность. Не нужно ничего складывать и умножать, применять формулы геометрической прогрессии, необходимо просто вглядеться в цифры и понять последовательность цепочки. Получилось, что из 16 участников олимпиады, я и еще одна девушка смогли решить эту задачу. А.М.: Я решала задания вначале и решила посмотреть в конце на сложные задачи. Над этой задачей я думала минуты две. Поняла логическую цепочку. Оказалось, все не так трудно и даже не нужно было ничего
считать, там была задача чисто на логику. Были задачи гораздо сложнее этой. Журналист: Не показалась ли вам олимпиада тяжелой? Участвовали в других олимпиадах? Э.А.: Вначале я не рассчитывал, что пройду во 2-й тур и очень радовался, когда занял 4-е место. Жаль, что совсем чуть-чуть не хватило до 3-го места, но я ведь учусь в 10-м классе и хорошо, что не занимаю лишнего места на обучение в университете. До этого я участвовал в других олимпиадах, но призовых мест еще не занимал. В дальнейшем планирую еще принимать участие в олимпиадах по математике. А.М.: В принципе было не сложно, были простые и тяжелые задания. Журналист: Каковы ваши планы на будущее? Что вы хотите сделать в дальнейшем? Э.А.: В будущем хотел бы уехать за границу, а если не получится, поступить в АУЦА. Это наилучший ВУЗ в Кыргызстане. Хотел бы учиться в Западной Европе, в Чехии. Выбрал бы факультет с математическим уклоном. Со специальностью еще не определился, пока думаю над этим. А.М.: В дальнейшем планы уехать на учебу в Россию или поступить в АУЦА. Я уже поступила в Московский Университет, но также выбрала 6 университетов в России, где хотела бы учиться. Это МГУ, Высшая школа экономики, СанктПетербургский Университет, Санкт-Петербургский Экономический Университет и Новосибирский Государственный Университет. В начале июля уже будут результаты. Я делаю большой упор на Москву. Недавно была городская олимпиада по русскому языку, я заняла там 1 место, прошла на республиканскую, заняв 4-е место. После этого меня пригласили учиться в Славянский Университет и КНУ. А по поводу специальности, я хочу учиться либо на факультете «Управление бизнесом» либо на факультете «Прикладная информатике и математика».
AUCA Magazine | Spring 2014
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Published by American University of Central Asia | Bishkek | Kyrgyz Republic
Alumni Spotlight
Alexander Kuznetsov Business Administration ‘08 The most exciting thing about AUCA was its unique culture. It was amazing to be part of a community valuing integrity, diversity, freedom, and collaboration that much. The faculty was deeply interested in our success and was always there to meet with us outside of the scheduled hours. As a result, these people greatly affected our lives including my own. For instance, Olga Galimova was the person who ignited my passion for finance, while Ludmila Konstans made me fall in love with economics. AUCA’s student body, on the other hand, as well as its faculty, consisted of people from all over the world. As a result, I was exposed to a tremendous wealth of ideas and developed a network that still underpins my professional and personal development. Lastly, AUCA’s spirit of unparalleled academic integrity made our university stand out among other educational institutions in the whole Central Asian region. In my opinion, this strict adherence to the standards of ethical conduct plays a crucial role in maintaining the thirst for knowledge and success in the AUCA community. I started my career as an audit intern at Deloitte in the summer of 2007. This experience became a cornerstone for my further development. At Deloitte, I acquired a tremendous body of practical knowledge of accounting, internal controls, and teamwork. At the same time, I realized I wanted to be closer to the financial markets. Upon graduation, I was lucky to be selected for the graduate program of Renaissance Capital, one of the most successful emerging markets focused investment banks of the time. As a member of the Renaissance Academy’s Class of 2008, I spent three wonderful months in Cyprus and Moscow. Russia seemed to be a safe haven for the global capital, while I and some forty of my classmates were aimed at pursuing fantastic careers at RenCap. However, these plans were greatly disturbed when Lehman Brothers went bust and the global financial system was put on the brink of collapse. Most of us were laid off within the next six months. As a result, I had to start everything from scratch. I joined a small advisory boutique and spent two years working with my senior partner on various small-cap deals in Kazakhstan. This
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AUCA Magazine | Spring 2014
was a truly entrepreneurial experience as I had to originate deals and manage client relationships on my own. In late 2010, I made a transition to Samruk-Kazyna, the sovereign wealth fund of Kazakhstan, whose assets reach $100 billion. At SK, I had an amazing opportunity to work on huge crossborder deals including attracting financing for two large copper mines from the Chinese Development Bank. Finally, in 2012, I realized I belonged to the private sector and started looking for new opportunities. As a result, I was offered a job at the Almaty office of Aton, where I currently work. My duties primarily cover deals relating to debt capital markets and mergers and acquisitions. I am truly amazed at the impact financial markets have on the day-to-day lives of the millions of people around the world. Investment professionals help direct people’s savings toward new business opportunities and extend credit to those who need it. Mortgages, student loans, and retirement accounts would be non-existent without capital markets while the development of businesses would be extremely constrained. Through a career in investments, I strive to contribute to these processes. From a personal perspective, however, meeting and marrying my beloved spouse and seeing my daughter for the first time. Firstly, to current AUCA students I would strongly recommend pursuing only a
career that you are really passionate about. Too many times I saw people making wrong choices due to financial considerations, parents’ expectations and anything, but one’s desire to learn the job and do it well. Don’t bother about the prestige or the starting salary. Secondly, I urge you to develop your “soft skills” as early as possible. Proficiency in technical issues is, of course, essential. Banker wannabes must make sure they grasp accounting, economics and corporate finance really well. The other challenge, which is by no means less important, is to learn how to build relationships, work in a team and lead other people. Learn to listen and find the ways to expand your network. Finally, I suggest that you take care of your health early on to make sure you have the necessary energy and resilience. Hardworking and ambitious people often tend to spend long hours on the job, failing to keep themselves fit and healthy. Years after, this mistake comes back to haunt everyone who made it. Most of all, I miss the friends that I made during my time at AUCA. They are spread across many countries including the United States, Germany, Kyrgyzstan, and others. On the other hand, I am thankful for the technology such as Skype that allows us to keep in touch despite the thousands of miles between us. I hope that all of you are well and that we will keep in touch in the coming years!
Alumni Spotlight
Sociology ’11 Being an AUCA student is interesting itself. Besides studying in AUCA, there is a wide and active social life. When I was a student I participated in different clubs, moreover I had my own charity club. It is good that students have the opportunity to develop not only on the studying side, but the social side too. It’s really gives much to your future social life outside of university: at the job and in the family. You become more open in communication and more easily create links with other people. The event that I most liked in AUCA was Diversity Week. Every year I participated in it with my delegation. On this event you can show the best sides and variety of your nation, which promotes the students’ unity and tolerance. The best day in Diversity Week is food day, when you have ability to taste variety of delicious cuisine from different countries. My career path started right after graduation. I got married and move to live in Kazakhstan with my husband.
Since I graduate in sociology, I had a lot of knowledge on conducting researches. In university I took a couple of classes on marketing and marketing research and while studying I was also working in international organizations conducting research. I think all this really helped me find a job as a marketing manager in a leading furniture production company, and after a year of working I was promoted to marketing director. Since our company is leading the Kazakhstan market, and produces only high quality furniture for exclusive projects of our customer, employees must follow the trends of demand. Management invites professionals in the sphere to guest lectures and send the employees abroad for studying to improve employees’ skills. I think that is my favorite part of my job: the have ability not only to gain new knowledge, but also to travel all around the world. Over the years work has already taken me to Italy, Germany, China, and Switzerland. For every woman the happiest day of her life is the birth of a child, and I am no exception. You give life to a new person and you have a huge responsibility in educating
Konstantin Gridnev Business Administration ’06 AUCA gives students the opportunity to select courses they like. So, apart from the major requirements, you can select courses according to your interests. Personally I took a lot of courses in Psychology and most of the BA elective courses. Also I really like the culture of cultivating young people that have confidence in their skills, opportunities, and are eager for further achievements. I miss the feeling that you are a member of a big friendly family. Some tips for current students: • Start thinking about where you want to work and adjust your elective courses accordingly. • Invest money and time in yourself, smooth and clear career progress is better than a bigger salary at the beginning without any future opportunities. • Start thinking about good MBAs (top 10-20 universities). The best time is after 3-4 years of
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work experience. The later you plan it, the more difficult it will be to realize. Always keep work/personal life balance, do not let the work take 100% of your life.
I started working at KPMG in January 2006 as an auditor and spent three years there. There are different opinions among people, but I am still confident that the start with Big4 in our region is one of the best career opportunities in terms of time and experience. In March 2009 I had to leave KPMG due to the time of crisis in the financial services industry. Then I worked at MGN Capital for six months as a financial analyst in a corporate finance department. Despite the rumors and questionable reputation of this company, I can say that I gained a lot of really good practical
him as a worthy member of society. For those still at the university, I hope that the university will not lose the spirit, and the whole team including teachers, students, and alumni will help to unite and develop each other. I hope for a lot more worthy students to be proud of.
experience and skills which I still use in my day-to-day life. In December 2009 I left MGN and was offered an interesting opportunity in Kazakhstan. Before moving to Kazakhstan I obtained a residence permit and got married to the most amazing lady in my life. In June 2010 I moved to Aktau and worked as a deputy chief accountant in a construction company for the oil & gas industry. After a year I moved to the position of Head of Finance Analysis department in the same company. In November 2011 I finally passed all ACCA exams and got the ACCA membership. At the moment I work in CMOC B.V. as a Senior GRA advisor (Governance, Risk and Assurance). It is an offshore oil & gas project between Shell, Oman Perls, and KazMunaiTeniz. It is difficult to say about the favorite thing if you really like your job. I enjoy the job itself. And I think that the most important thing about the job is that how you feel yourself there. I like my job and like to feel that I bring value to the company I work for. The happiest moment in my life is the birth of my daughter. From the perspective of AUCA, I want to thank all friends, classmates, professors and AUCA admin staff for warm memories about my student life.
AUCA Magazine | Spring 2014
Published by American University of Central Asia | Bishkek | Kyrgyz Republic
Yana Faizulina
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Alumni Spotlight
Shamieva Zarrina
other financial workers. During one of such little summer schools I met my husband (who also happened to be from Kyrgyzstan)! That is the best thing about my job!;) One of the happiest moments of my life
was when I found out that I was accepted by ACCELS to be one of the FLEX students and that I would spend one year in the States. That was unbelievable. The funny part of it is that ACCELS called me to say it on the 1st of April, so first I could not believe it and asked them: “is it an April the first joke?” on which they have replied :” M’am, we don’t joke on such things”. Another memorable moment from my time at AUCA was being a part of the Debut. It was amazing time of fun. We were making a lot of great stuff. For example we went on a trip with UN “Aims of the Millennium” program around Kyrgyzstan. Presenting to different people in little cities of our motherland telling them more about the need for education, health, family planning, etc, and brightening their hard working days was great. The thing I miss most from life on AUCA’s campus was walking between the old and new building, and the silence of libraries where you could fall asleep and no one will disturb you! I greatly appreciate the time spent in AUCA. I thank you all for all the time, knowledge, and experience you shared with me. But most of all- i thank you AUCA for the friends i made there! I would say to current students: live your life to the fullest; student life is one of the greatest parts of it. It is full of amazing moments, so do enjoy it and don’t be afraid of challenges. Plus remember- midterms and finals is only a little time of struggle, while the whole study year is a great time of joy!
curriculum for the aforementioned professions. The opportunity to work as Executive Coordinator to BOD showed me all operational
and functional interactions within company’s internal departments. Moreover, I participated in the development of marketing material and of procedures of internal use. Unexpectedly, I then changed the sphere of interest and started to get involved into fashion retail and marketing. It took me almost 5 years to find out and understand that marketing was the “profession of my dreams”and currently I hold the most interesting, exciting, and demanding position in online fashion apparel retail with www.lamoda.kz. I love what I do! I’m personally very proud of surviving divorce, finding the will and strength to uncover my “true” self again. I would tell current AUCA students to be enthusiastic! Be omni-engaged! Make friends! Most of all I miss unique sense of versatile community at AUCA. I would also like to express my gratitude to all the people I met while being in AUK ;-), who taught me life, who taught me knowledge and who eventually became my lifetime friends!
Business Administration ’08
As a student I was working as an interpreter – assistant for Arabian shareholders of the bank in Central Asia. Thanks to this first exposure to the banking sector I realized my deep interest to work in it. I have finished my MBA program in KIMEP and got accepted to the JSC Eurasian Bank, Almaty. The Bank makes an innovative program of rotation, named “Future 25”. We are 25 employees, graduate students from around the world, who never worked before in the financial market. The duration of rotation is five years, one year in each of the main departments of the Bank: Corporate Business, Financial Controlling, Work with Problem Loans, Risk Department, and Treasury. As we rotate, we see different sides of the banking business from different views. For example while working in Corporate Business you try to convince the credit committee that the project is interesting and profitable, while working in the Risk dDepartment you try to see all the underwater stones, and might be convincing the credit committee that the project should not be undertaken. Plus I love my colleagues because we have pretty young creative people and I learn a lot from them. Moreover, “Future 25” are always sent to different conferences, financial and management courses, trainings, workshops, and other places where we can upgrade ourselves as we widen our network in financial market since we meet a lot of
Nadia Tyan International Comparative Politics ’04 I remember AUCA as a mixture of talented, foolish, and hungry young minds from all over the CIS countries. My career after AUCA started as a technical translator at the construction site of a Second Generation Refinery (Tengiz Oilfield, Atyrau Oblast, Kazakhstan). I witnessed the full construction cycle from earth planning works until installation of major units, which improved my technical vocabulary. Moving forward, being an External Relations Manager introduced multiple interactions at the operational level between local companies and foreign ones. Working as Training Administration Lead gave me knowledge of various working specialties needed in the construction and oil and gas industries, as well as a complete view of the training process and
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AUCA Magazine | Spring 2014
Rafael Kim Business Administration ‘06 MBA ‘07 I would like to mention the three most interesting things I remember from my student days at AUCA. First is communication with local and foreign students. It was very interesting to meet and socialize with interesting people and make new friends. Second is playing in KVN. We experienced a lot of pleasant, emotional, and memorable moments. I remember rehearsing until late evening. A couple of times we even slept in the Student room. Remember how we used to drag wooden props to the Sport Palace on foot. I remember the joy of victory and the active support of the fans AUCA. Third is an activity that is not related to studies. In the first half of the year I signed up for bodybuilding, aikido, guitar, and vocals. :) I came to the university at 8:30am and was leaving at 10pm, sometimes on the free AUCA bus. AUCA provides a large selection of activities that can be practiced in parallel with studies and I am pretty sure that with the advent of the new campus the count of sports and arts will increase. By the way, we always lacked a sports field! While enrolling in an MBA course, I began to look for a job. Eventually I was employed by the company Elsan, which develops and sells software. My salary was not high, but I knew that to get a good job without experience would be very difficult so I worked there more for the experience than for the money. After graduating with my MBA I spent 3 cool months in Bishkek and then returned to Kazakhstan, realizing that in Kazakhstan there were many more opportunities. I spent two months with my family in my hometown Taraz and went to conquer Almaty. It was in 2007 - the peak of prosperity for Kazakhstan’s economy. Having a college degree and knowledge of English, finding a job was not difficult. I sent my CV to 7 recruiting agencies, indicating that I only want to work in a foreign company in the field of electronics. I note that recruitment agencies in Almaty are very different from recruitment agencies that are in Bishkek. Recruiting companies do not take money from candidates. Payment for the services they receive from the employer in the amount of a future monthly salary of the applicant. So they have a vested interest to “sell” you as quickly as possible and for more. I had a lot of different interviews and
ended up in the company Panasonic in November 2007. I had starting salary which is 3.5 times more than I got in Bishkek working as a sales administration staffer. Basically it was an operating job which is related to documentation, marketing activities, logistics, and trainings. In 2011, I was promoted to the position of supervisor and again in 2012 appointed as a product manager for projectors and interactive whiteboards. In 2013, after the successful fulfillment of the plan, I was promoted to the position of a senior supervisor my duties expanded to include a professional display and rugged notebooks called ‘Toughbook’. After all this time and still I enjoy the work in the company Panasonic, which employs about 30 people. We have young, competent, and very friendly staff. It is such a great atmosphere in the office. During my job, I met so many people and visited many countries, such as Japan, Germany, Holland, England, the whole of Central Asia and etc. The greatest pleasure of the work lies in the fact that you provide for yourself. Financial independence is a very important thing that makes you stronger, bolder and more confident, and allows you to plan your future! One of the most memorable and significant events in my life, I think was finishing the AUCA MBA. Studying for an MBA is a little different from studying for an undergraduate degree. We were asked to do more and studies were quite difficult. The most difficult for me was to write a senior thesis and moreover in English! The happiest and most enjoyable time was three summer months is 2007, when I already graduated, worked, and started to live with close friends in awesome 3- room apartment on the 16th floor. Every evening we had entertainment, cooked food, hung around, and had fun. We enjoyed our almost carefree life! The most important thing I have learned in the 7 years since graduation is that it is not important how much knowledge you get, but the experience and skills that you get in a good university like AUCA . To be honest, most of the knowledge that you learn during university and school, you will forget.
But the experience will remain forever! By experience, I mean the ability to make and deliver presentations, the ability to speak in public, the ability to competently talk to people, the ability to work in a team, the ability to take initiative and be proactive, the ability to email effectively, and the ability to be responsible and comply with deadlines. Of course, also computer skills working with excel, power point, and the ability to quickly and accurately locate information on the Internet. Unfortunately, you can’t get all of these skills in all universities in the former Soviet Union. I miss the most the lifestyle in my student years at AUCA. It is difficult to identify something specific, but it was very cool to have a place where you can come anytime and meet friends there, have inexpensive meals, use the Internet, etc. While studying at AUCA, you do not feel lonely, and it’s great! I’m telling you this, too, as an international student who arrived in Kyrgyzstan and did not know a single person! My message to my fellow students and teachers is: Thank you for all those unforgettable years! I am very glad that all of you are part of my life! But I also have a message to current and future students AUCA! Enjoy your student life! Perhaps these are your happiest years! Try to get the most out of it! Do not go home right after school! Take part in the life of the university!
AUCA Magazine | Spring 2014
Published by American University of Central Asia | Bishkek | Kyrgyz Republic
Alumni Spotlight
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