Alisher Majidi, 20, from Kabul, Afghanistan
Student, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University
From Afghanistan to Kazakhstan
If a student scores 300 points or higher at a state final exam, s/he gets a scholarship to study in Afghanistan. The thing is that there are not enough places in Afghanistan, so sometimes students are sent abroad.
Initially I wanted to study in Turkey, but I couldn’t help refusing to come here. Firstly we passed some exams on Russian, Kazakh, mathematics, physics and chemistry to enter a university in Almaty. I had good results, therefore I could choose a major and the university I was willing to. That was how I entered the Faculty of Journalism at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University.
Being the one who prefers saying the bitter truth I hadn’t got in touch with many people. That's why I chose journalism, here you constantly get acquainted and communicate with interesting personalities, learn to find an appropriate approach.
On life
I love Almaty and its nature. I have one favorite place in Esentai Mall to admire the view of the city and sunsets.
Also I like Sairan Lake. I like to swim, my friends and I spend a lot of time there.
There’re seem to be few biotoilets around the city whereas you can easily find them in countries such as Turkey and Afghanistan. I think you need to think over this issue.
The only thing I don’t like is expensive clothes. Sometimes it's hard to find a good quality item at an affordable price.
I speak eight foreign languages, so I often translate various texts. Its’ not my main earning, but I practice my languages in this way and discover something new all the time.
Why I fell in love with Kazakhstan
I was surprised by a great number of food courts, cafes and restaurants. We don’t have so many in Afghanistan.
I really like Kazakhstani climate since my friends say that I resemble local weather as it’s as volatile and unpredictable as I am.
It’s worth mentioning that Kazakhstani people are ones of the best. There are many foreigners living in Kazakhstan and treated well by the locals. I often see groups of people consisting of a foreigner and a Kazakh, which is nice. Kazakhstan is a hospitable country, it has become my second home.
It’s worth mentioning that Kazakhstani people are ones of the best
On plans
Thanks to Kazakhstan I realized that all the people are similar, regardless of their nationality.
I do not know where I will live and work in the future. Anyway, I’ll never forget Kazakhstan for sure.
Nasratullah Taban, 21, from Kabul, Afghanistan
Student, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University
From Afghanistan to Kazakhstan
I moved to Almaty in the summer of 2017. KazNU is one of the leading universities in Central Asia. I was lucky to be sent to Kazakhstan.
I successfully finished the first year at the Faculty of Journalism. Afghanistan has an unstable situation and journalism is poorly developed there. My uncle wanted to become a journalist and studied this major at the university, but today he has to work in a different direction.
My main goal is to become a good journalist and develop this field in Afghanistan.
On life
I adore the nature in Almaty. This is a city of students who have so many opportunities to learn more.
Almaty is a developed city, here you can find whatever you want. You’re lucky to have a unique opportunity to share experiences with each other, to learn something new.
I adore the premises of the university I study at. I’ve been to all the Almaty universities, but couldn’t find the same place.
I adore a beautiful view from Kok-Tobe. It’s incredibly beautiful both in winter and summer. My friends and I spend most of our time there.
I haven’t encountered any inconveniences or disadvantages in the city. I’m grateful to Kazakhstan for the warm welcome, hospitable people and a unique opportunity to learn and develop.
Why I fell in love with Kazakhstan
The first thing I love Kazakhstan for is the peace. You should appreciate that you live in a peaceful country. Afghanistan is divided into 34 regions, military operations continue to take place in some regions. There’re children who don’t have education for being afraid to go out.
The first thing I love Kazakhstan for is the peace
I dream of having the same peaceful life as in Kazakhstan. I wish Afghan children weren’t afraid to live and study in our country.
I’m keen on the way you celebrate your national holidays. We have Nauryz in our country too, by the way. I feel like being at home on such days.
I love the way students and teachers communicate here. Firstly I was surprised by a warm and friendly relationship, which is considered unacceptable in Afghanistan.
On plans
I will return to Afghanistan and continue working as a journalist there as I owe a great debt of gratitude to my country. It really needs specialists.
I will come to Kazakhstan again, if I have a chance in future. I’m grateful to Kazakhstan for the invaluable experience, knowledge and new friends I was blessed to have.
Faisal Gulzad, 21, from Kabul, Afghanistan
Student, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University
From Afghanistan to Kazakhstan
I moved to Kazakhstan a year ago to continue my studies. In school I realized that I wanted to be a journalist, so being allocated a scholarship in Kazakhstan, I began to search for the best university.
My close friend Samim who was studying in Kazakhstan advised me Kazakh National University and Eurasian National University as the best ones to study journalism.
Today I’m a second-year student at the Kazakh National University. I realize that I made the right choice. I’ve received a considerable number of invitations to international conferences in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
On life
Kazakhstan is a hospitable country. I like the locals who don’t give a damn if you’re a foreigner or not. Most people are so helpful! There’re guys who told me to tell them in case I have any problems.
There are people who call me a "terrorist" sometimes and say bad things, but I do not pay attention to such stuff. Anyway, I meet kind people more than the bad ones.
It’s expensive to live in Kazakhstan. The largest loaf of bread costs 10 afgani in Afghanistan, which is 50 tenge.
It’s expensive to live in Kazakhstan
I have a part-job in “Sayahat Jasau” travel company that hosts guests from Afghanistan and provide them with business services. I work as a guide and interpreter and meet guests. Now we are working with Afghanistan only, we’re planning to cooperate with other countries as well.
Why I fell in love with Kazakhstan
I love Kazakhstan for the mountains visible no matter what part of the city you are at. My Kazakhstani friends prefer active recreation so we often go hiking and have picnics. Guests from Afghanistan are always shown the mountains.
The second thing I like here is the abundance of waters. The most favorite place of all is BAO (lit. Big Almaty Lake). In Afghanistan there’re two lakes which I haven’t seen yet. But I visited BAO as soon as I arrived. I fell in love with this incredible place, it's so quiet and beautiful.
The main thing for which I fell in love with Almaty is apples. There’re about two or three varieties in Afghanistan, but in Almaty there is such an abundance of apples to choose from!
The main thing for which I fell in love with Almaty is apples
On plans
I’m planning to apply for a master's degree in France or Germany having finished my studies in Kazakhstan. Now I'm studying in Kazakh, then I’m going to study journalism in English.
I’ll never forget either the language or the people who helped me in Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan is my second home. I’ll be lucky to cooperate and help this country in future.
