Interview with 1st year international students at Higher School of Economy and Business

In this article, I want to introduce Bahara Alam, SHI Runyan, and Muhammad Yasin Ahmadi international students from Afghanistan and China to KazNU student community, who joined our university to pursue a degree in Management (6B04102) and Finance (6B04106). In this interview, they share their experience of applying to KazNU, moving to Kazakhstan, and adapting to academic and campus life.

– Could you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?

Bahara: My name is Bahara Alam. I’m in my early twenties and come from Kabul, Afghanistan. I’ve always been curious about exploring new places and learning in different environments, which eventually led me here.

Runyan: My name is SHI Runyan. I am 21 years old and come from China.

Muhammad Yasin: Hello! My name is Muhammad Yasin Ahmadi, a first-year bachelor’s student from Afghanistan.

– What motivated you to choo­se KazNU and Kazakhstan for your studies

Bahara:. Kazakhstan offers an environment where tradition and modern development coexist, creating a dynamic atmosphere for learning. KazNU itself impressed me with its strong academic reputation and its commitment to modernization. Choosing KazNU meant choosing a place where I could grow academically, culturally, and personally all at the same time.

Runyan: My father believed that studying in a different cultural environment would broaden my horizons and offer me access to more opportunities.

Muhammad Yasin: I was drawn to Kazakhstan’s growing reputation as a regional academic and business hub that values innovation and connectivity. KazNU’s strong business school and the opportunity to learn in such a dynamic environment made it my top choice.

– How did you learn about the program you are currently studying?

Bahara: My first introduction to the program came through a research based webinar featuring alumni working in international institutions. Their insights highlighted how the program blends theory with practical relevance. I explored further through academic journals, and the more I read, the more I realized that this was exactly the academic environment I was seeking.

Runyan: Through a friend's recommendation, I looked deeper into the program and found it to be a great fit for me, one that will benefit my future career.

Muhammad Yasin: I discovered the Finance program through the official Kazakhstan government scholarship portal, which highlighted University’s leading schools. I then researched the Higher School of Business and Economics specifically, reviewed its curriculum, and reached out to current students on social media to learn about their experiences.

– What was the application and admission process like for you?

Bahara: I gathered all the required documents, started making an application right after the program start date and submitted everything according to the university’s instructions. The university’s international office maintained transparent and timely communication, which helped me navigate each step confidently.

Runyan: I prepared and translated all the documents required by the university's admissions office and submitted them. After passing the entrance exam, I signed the enrollment contract and paid the tuition fees.

Muhammad Yasin: It required patience.. As an Afghan student, securing funding was the primary challenge. The Kazakhstan Government Scholarship application was a separate, detailed process. Ensuring all my documents met the strict requirements was my biggest hurdle, but it taught me meticulousness – a useful skill in finance.

– Tell us about your arrival in Kazakhstan. What were your first impressions?

Bahara: Arriving at the airport, I was immediately struck by the calm efficiency and hospitality. Everything from immigration to baggage claim was surprisingly smooth.

KazNU’s international team welcomed me with clear guidance and warm interaction. Almaty felt vibrant and serene at the same time. The city’s unique blend of mountains, culture, and modern life left a lasting impression.

Runyan: I initially expected to arrive in a desolate and outdated post-Soviet style city. However, upon actually arriving, I realized I was wrong. Almaty is a modern city with contemporary architecture and well-developed infrastructure. When I stood before the floor-to-ceiling window of my hotel, facing the snow-capped mountains and the rising sun, I was deeply moved by such breathtaking beauty.

Muhammad Yasin: It was smooth and well-organized. University representatives were present to assist, which immediately made me feel welcome. The orientation was essential, covering everything from academic registration to cultural norms. The emphasis on building a diverse community was clear from the start. I was struck by the city’s order, greenery, and stunning mountain backdrop. It felt like a peaceful and modern environment perfectly suited for focused study (to be continued).

Diana D. Tektibayeva,

Department of Foreign Languages