HEAR FROM OUR STUDENTS

Studying abroad is a life-changing journey, and a university can be crossroads of cultures, friendships, and self-development.  Through the eyes of our current International students, we try to explore some very unique perspectives to choice of country of study, student support services, academic excellence, career opportunities.

Maryam Dostum is a foundation year student. She is from Afghanistan, but she grew up in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. While Uzbekistan is her birthplace, her heritage ties back to Afghanistan, offering her a unique blend of cultures. She reflects, “I feel more familiar with Uzbekistan than Afghanistan; the cultures are not very different, like weddings, which always amaze me.” This connection to cultural roots, combined with an open and inclusive environment, helps international students find comfort and belonging. “We’re bordered, we’re not that different culture-wise. Hospitality and even weddings are as grand in Afghanistan as they are in Uzbekistan; we have the same customs.”

When choosing a destination for study, Maryam prioritizes factors such as having acquaintances in the country. Regarding her choice of university, the main questions she considers are: How diversified is it? What is the curriculum? What do they look for in their applicants?

Maryam shares, “The media portrays Uzbekistan as a more historical place, like Samarkand and Bukhara. It’s so rich in history, and I love the architecture there. But tourists always visit Samarkand or Bukhara; they never really explore Tashkent because it’s similar to what they see in their own cities. Still, Tashkent is very modern, and transportation is easy because the places are just a few kilometers apart. It combines the comfort of the old with the joy of new discoveries, making it flexible and pleasant for international students.”

Cultural exchange is a feature that makes international universities stand out. Students can showcase their cultures through performances, food, and presentations at events like International Student Day. Maryam remembers with enthusiasm, "We bring food, celebrate our cultures, and bond. Sharing your customs and learning from others is extremely beneficial." Such initiatives open interactions and create interest, breaking down cultural barriers into long-lasting friendships.

Adapting to a new environment can be challenging, therefore, universities must provide support for international students. "When it comes to networking, knowing the local languages becomes handy. Offering language learning classes on campus is a must for good student support. Surrounding yourself with the language and culture also makes adaptation easier," Maryam shares.

‘Campus life is very engaging; I am always interested in building new friendships. For example, a friend of mine is from Japan, and I am excited to explore the Japanese language. And when I think of Japanese language, it always pops into my mind as a ‘cute language’. Additionally, the flexible schedule and the availability of internships help students balance academic life with work experience. Maryam emphasizes, "WIUT gives you the freedom to work while studying, which is essential for building real-world skills."

When choosing a foreign country as the destination of study, Maryam prioritizes such factors as having acquaintance in the country. As to the choice of university, the main questions an applicant is should ask himself/herself are: How diversified is it? What is the curriculum? What do they look for in their applicants? 

At WIUT, diversity is integral to its campus life. The university has played a significant role in helping her develop crucial skills for her future by emphasizing leadership, group activities, and student-centered learning. "WIUT is always improving and so am I. I have learned that university is not only a place for academic growth but also for developing leadership qualities, which has become a significant achievement for me. If I had to describe WIUT in one word, it would be ‘freedom’—freedom to learn, work, and grow.”