Future Doctors From Abroad at Al-Farabi University
Every year, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University welcomes students from around the world to pursue medical education. Among them are young future doctors, Elizabeth Fakorede from Nigeria and Bithe Rani Mozumdar from Bangladesh, who shared their experiences of studying medicine in Kazakhstan, their first impressions, and the challenges and discoveries they have encountered along the way. For Elizabeth, the decision to study in Kazakhstan was inspired by family. She explains that her aunt told her about the country and said it was very beautiful. Although the acceptance process itself was smooth, she faced a long wait for her invitation letter, which caused her to miss some classes. Bithe Rani, on the other hand, was drawn by the promise of high-quality education, a safe environment, and an international community that makes her feel welcome.
Arriving in Kazakhstan brought a mix of excitement and the need to settle in. The newcomers are impressed by the country’s beauty, especially the mountains surrounding Almaty and their snow-capped peaks. At the same time, the weather is a challenge as the students come from warmer climates. Elizabeth admits: “I like Almaty a lot, but my body doesn’t agree with the weather. It was hard to adjust at first, and then I got a bit sick. But I started taking better care of myself, dressing warmly, and slowly I adapted to it.” The girls also find local food milder than what they are used to at home, and notice differences such as the high price of fish or the popularity of dairy products and noodles like laghman, doner, samsa, etc.
Cultural differences are another part of the experience. The daily habits like drinking a lot of tea, greeting customs, and language barriers stand out as new and interesting and feel unique to foreigners. For example, in Nigeria, you have to greet an elderly person even if you don't know them, which is different from here in Kazakhstan. The city’s strict traffic system and discipline are unusual for international students. Kazakhstani people follow the traffic rules, roads are well organized. These things stand out as new and interesting aspects of life in Kazakhstan. Religion is not that public as in their native countries. Despite these differences, students gradually adapt by observing local traditions, learning basic Kazakh phrases, and relying on translation tools when needed.
At KazNU, international students appreciate the structured learning environment. Regular seminars help them stay prepared, and the supportive teachers and organized campus create a positive study atmosphere. Although they are still discovering which subjects interest them most, they enjoy the academic challenges and feel that their study habits have already improved.
Life outside the classroom is equally important. On weekends, the students spend their time exploring the city, discovering new places, or relaxing at home with music and karaoke. Over time, they develop valuable skills such as time management, independence, and communication, especially when talking with their classmates and teachers.
Studying abroad is not only about earning a degree; it is also about personal transformation. Elizabeth notes changes in her study habits and even in her taste buds. Bithe feels she has become more confident and better at adapting to new environments. For many international students at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, living in Kazakhstan has broadened their worldview, strengthened their independence, and shaped their future as global medical professionals in meaningful ways.
Nadezhda Bershina,
Senior Lecturer, Foreign Languages Department
