exStudying abroad and participating in change programs are essential parts of AUBG’s culture and spirit. Every semester, students from all over the world have an exchange semester in AUBG where they have the opportunity to learn from each other, exchange ideas, and foster a culture of dialogue and debate. One of these universities is the American University in Central Asia (AUCA) in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. AUCA is only two years younger than AUBG and the universities have a lot in common. Both American Universities hold leading positions for education in their respective countries and promote the liberal arts tradition. But what are the similarities and diff erences between these two American Universities, and can the institution’s location make a diff erence? While talking about the two universities, Umarjon Voheedov, an exchange student from AUCA, said, “I found AUBG students more individualistic. People are more focused on their own business, while in AUCA, I feel we have more of a friendship aura.” But Umarjon also shared that clubs in AUBG are more active compared to AUCA. He said, “Th e reason might be the lack of fi nancial support from the administrative department in AUCA, but I am not sure.” Despite the diff erences in club activities, Bakhtovar Umarov, a student in AUCA. Photo courtesy of Bakhtovar Umarov. Umarjon Voheedov, a student in AUCA. Photo courtesy of Umarjon Voheedov. Umarjon said that both universities’ students are very active and ambitious. “Students in both universities study hard and also are busy with extracurricular activities,” Umarjon said. Bakhtovar Umarov, another exchange student from AUCA also shared his experience. “One of the fi rst diff erences was food. In AUBG, your food options are limited, and the canteen food is not very good,” he said. Bakhtovar said that it is almost impossible to fi nd food aft er midnight in Blagoevgrad, while in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, he never faced such problems. He also said that he found AUBG more advanced and developed, which surprised him because he did not have high expectations before coming. “I liked that in AUBG, you have a huge library, and also the housing is very close. In AUCA, our housing is far from campus, that’s another diff erence that I experienced,” Bakhtovar said. Bakhtovar said that he enjoyed his overall experience at AUBG. “AUBG has a great atmosphere, and I would recommend students to try this experience themselves,” he said. Written by Anusher Mahmadjonov 4 Spring 2023 | AUBG Daily
5 Publizr Home