Issa in Sunny Spain

Architecture is a demanding field of study. Anyone who has pursued this degree or knows someone who has pursued it can tell you that. Yerkezhan, a Kazakh student studying architecture in Milano knows this well. Her days are full of group projects, designing buildings, making building models, and even going on site visits all around the country. In most universities in Italy, to begin a bachelor’s degree program, students need to have completed twelve years of combined primary and secondary school. In Kazakhstan, most secondary schools finish at eleven years. So, for many international students, a foundation year of university is required before they officially begin their bachelor’s programs. This foundation year typically consists of general education courses that will set the base for future studies. This was the case for Yerkezhan, so last year she completed her foundation year of university in Como. Then in 2024, she began her bachelor’s program in architecture at the Politecnico di Milano. Despite her busy university schedule, Yerkezhan takes time for her real passion: dance! She began dancing at a young age and learned traditional folk dances from many different countries including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Russia, and the Caucasus. In high school, Yerkezhan took a break from dancing to focus on other interests, but since beginning university, she has taken the time to rediscover her love for this art form. Now, she teaches classes once a week in Milan. She loves the accomplishment that she feels after dancing. How she can see improvement in her movements and feel tiredness in her muscles. Dancing is art, but there are a lot of technical aspects to it, and Yerkezhan works hard to refine her skills over time and feels achievement when she sees improvement. For Yerkezhan, dance is more than just an individual hobby; she has met great people through dancing. Her students are fun and engaging, and she loves to watch their dance skills improve over time. Although there are many people who come for just one or two lessons, Yerkezhan has many consistent students that she has gotten to know during her time as an instructor. She teaches different types of dance, but her favorite style is Jazz Funk, a subgenre of jazz that has gives a lot of room for improvisation. I loved getting to hear about Yerkezhan’s life, and I’m excited to see how Yerkezhan can continue to share her culture and her passion for dance with others!

Looking on from the outside, studying abroad can seem very glamorous! Getting the opportunity to travel to other countries and experience other cultures is definitely a privilege, however, often the day-to-day life of a student studying abroad looks very similar to the day-to-day life of a student at home. People can forget about the “study” part of “study abroad.” This definitely holds true for Eldana, a Kazakh student in Milan. Living in Italy has given her more chances to travel to other countries than if she had stayed in Kazakhstan. She has traveled all over Europe, including Paris, Barcelona, and Brussels. She even did an exchange program at Tilburg University in the Netherlands. Her day-to-day however is that of a student. She attends lectures, works on projects, and studies. Four years ago, Eldana moved to Milan to get her bachelor’s degree in Economics, Management and Computer Science from Bocconi University. She completed her degree last summer and immediately started her master’s in Data Science and Business Analytics at Bocconi as well. Eldana initially chose Bocconi because they offer great education as well as substantial scholarships for international students. Many Kazakhs go to Bocconi for these same reasons. Eldana’s master’s program is demanding, so during the school year, it can be difficult to keep up with hobbies or even friends. I was so thankful that she made time in her busy schedule to meet with me! It was great to hear about how she ended up in Milan and her life here!

Dilnoza’s story is one of ambition, adventure, and the pursuit of balance. Originally from Shymkent, Kazakhstan, she made her way to Switzerland in 2011 to pursue higher education at the University of Geneva, which, as she recalls, was an incredible experience. Located on the French side of Switzerland, Geneva’s mix of cultural diversity and vast opportunities left a lasting impression on her. After completing her studies, Dilnoza returned to Kazakhstan to work in the family business, a European-style medical clinic. While she was back home, she gained valuable professional experience, but the pull of Switzerland’s unique lifestyle and career opportunities was strong. Six years later, she found herself heading back to Switzerland for a new job. This time, it was in Zurich! In the past year, Dilnoza has been working with a global medical company, continuing her career in the healthcare field. The shift from the French side of Switzerland to Zurich has been a welcome change, offering her new opportunities both professionally and personally. One of the things Dilnoza loves most about life in Switzerland is the work-life balance. Whether it’s taking long walks by Lake Zurich, visiting art museums, or hitting the gym, she’s found a lifestyle that supports both her career ambitions and her personal well-being. For Dilnoza, Switzerland feels like home. She shared that she could see herself living there long term. Though she occasionally dreams of returning to Geneva. But for now, she’s soaking in all that Zurich has to offer: its rich culture, scenic views, and the fulfilling balance between work and leisure. Her journey from Shymkent to Zurich is a testament to the power of following your passions, seeking out new experiences, and embracing the kind of life that allows both personal and professional growth.

In a quaint town in Norway called Stavanger, we were looking for a quality meal after our famishing bus ride. We stepped off the bus and immediately saw a sign in front of us, “Amor Bar and Grill.” We decided our stomachs were too hungry to waste any time looking for other restaurants, so we quickly asked for a table for two. We were greeted by the owner, who led us to our table and showed us the menu. We were shocked as the menu had food options from Türkiye, some of the world’s best cuisines! After we ordered, the owner brought our food out. We struck up a conversation with him and learned more about the restaurant's history. For five years the owner drove charter buses, very similar to the bus we had arrived on. Every time he pulled up to the Stavanger station, he dreamed of one day opening a restaurant right across from the bus stop where weary travelers could find rest and a quality meal. Soon, he saved enough money and the building across the street became available. Today, he enjoys serving food from different parts of the world so every customer can find something on the menu they enjoy. We were surprised to discover the owner was from Diyarbakir, a city we had visited in Türkiye. He spoke about his culture and the hardships of moving to Norway. Even though he has lived in Norway for 20 years, he still misses the vibrant culture of Türkiye. Compared to his home culture, he described Norwegian culture as laid-back and quiet. However, he is thankful for the community of people in Stavanger who are like him. Thankfully, he can find people from his home country here to have tea or a meal with. After we finished talking, we ate our delicious meal. We enjoyed chicken and vegetables cooked to perfection, as well as homemade bread. As we exited the restaurant, the owner assured us that if we ever had any needs while we were in Stavanger, to let him know. As we stumbled off the bus that day, we were in search of a quick meal but ended up finding a true friend as well.

Chicago, Illinois is home to various popular food items, but did you know you can also find great Central Asian cuisine? This was my experience when I visited Chicago not long ago. There were almost too many restaurants to go to during my time there, but there were a few that brought Central Asian to life. We were able to enjoy plov on a beautiful porch with hospitable staff at Jibek Jolu in Glenview. In Rolling Meadows, I got to order my personal favorite from the Uyghur Lagman House, outstanding samsas. There you could also feel in the atmosphere of the restaurant how much it felt like Central Asia. Not to mention, they had borsok for those that were thirsty for a taste of home. Frunze is the most unique in showcasing the Kyrgyz roots with a Central Asian twist to Italian dishes. They had friendly staff that could speak to the beauty of Bishkek and pizza that warmed the soul. Frunze is definitely on our recommended list. The list continues as we traveled over to Sorry Mommy for tea, samsas, and a honey cake to curb the afternoon hunger. Speaking of honey cake, you can also find it and more borsok over at EuroAsia. Lastly, rounding off our list is Karavan, this restaurant was fabulous, we were able to get oromo and kattama for a true taste of Central Asia and take in the aesthetic decorations with yurts depicted on the walls. All of these restaurants and even ones we didn’t get to go to blew us away with their feel, amazing staff, and cuisine that had us thinking we were in Kyrgyzstan. If you happen to be in the area, be sure to check these out: - Jibek Jolu - Uyghur Lagman House - Frunze - Sorry, Mommy - Karavan - EuroAsia

The homelands of Central Asia seem far away for most Europeans. However, for one village just outside Bochum, Germany, Central Asia has come right to their doorstep. Recently opened, stepping into the Tajik National Chaihana (which means ‘tea-house’) is an opportunity to be steeped into Tajik culture, all right down the street from other familiar German sights. That is what makes this place special – it is not located in a major metropolitan area on a street full of tourists. Instead, in a place one might least expect it, people of all nationalities can come together to talk over a cup of a hybrid black-green tea and a shared plate of Tajik ‘osh’. I met a Tajik friend there who has been living and studying in Germany for a couple of years. A true representative of culture and from a musical family, he found a guitar in the restaurant and started singing songs of a famous Tajik artist. I even joined in for a couple of songs! The people there loved it, showing their approval by watching and filming the sight. But the best part of the experience I had there is the conversations we had over many cups of tea. One part of the conversations from that sunny afternoon are the dreams of the restaurant’s operator, Akai Farukh. Not lacking anything in the category of life experiences, now he and his staff are running the first of what he hopes are many outposts of Tajik cuisine. Tajiks are taking notice – as were other curious Europeans who stopped in that afternoon. If you find yourself in nearby Bochum, it is worth the train ride from the city center to the restaurant. Plan to stay for a while and ask about the stories of those who have traveled so far from their Central Asian homeland!

While in Stavanger, Norway, we stumbled across a Turkish tea shop called “Efendi.” This tea shop is placed on one of the cutest streets in Norway, lined with colorful shops and eclectic restaurants. The word “efendi” is a title of nobility meaning “sir” or “master.” As we entered the shop, the decorations immediately caught our eye. It was decorated in a traditional Turkish style with hints of modernity. Traditional Turkish carpets lined every inch of the floor, and bold colors met our eyes everywhere we looked! There were even garlands with small, beaded eyes on them, a staple of Turkish culture. We were amazed as we considered what seemed to be a myriad of options on the tea menu. From traditional Turkish tea to bold fruit-infused combinations, there was a flavor for everyone! As we were delivered our tea in mini teapots, we tried the scrumptious cakes they offered as well. We spoke to the waiter, who was from Istanbul. As we reminisced over memories we have in the famous Turkish city, he shared about how he found a new life in Stavanger. He was offered to move to Stavanger to work for Efendi after he graduated from university. Now, he lives a much slower-paced life working in this small, quaint town in southern Norway. He mentioned how he is still adjusting to life and work here because of the change in pace. We appreciated his warmness and hospitality, almost as warm as the delicious tea we drank. We felt like we were transported back to Türkiye that day as we sat and drank tea. Who would have thought that in Stavanger, Norway, we could experience a taste of Türkiye!

On the ground floor of the Hoxton Hotel in Rome is a beautiful lounge area where people go to study, work remotely, or meet with others. This is where I met Zhazira, a Kazakh design student at the Rome University of Fine Arts (RUFA). Zhazira decided to study abroad and was drawn to Italy due to its rich history in design. She considered multiple universities in the country for her studies but decided on Rome because she loved the feel of the city. “Rome feels like there are always things happening, and here there is such a connection to history. I think the biggest charm about the city is its history,” Zhazira told me. A difference that she has noticed between Kazakhs and Italians is the difference in architecture that is still around. Since Kazakhs are nomadic people, they do not have as much to physically show from their history as far as buildings and such, compared to Italians. In Rome, there are still many visible pieces of history. Due to the nomadic lifestyle that Kazaks historically have had, they keep their history alive through textiles, dances, stories, food, and other traditions. She has enjoyed learning and seeing the Roman history that is on almost every street corner in the city. Not only does she love the city of Rome, but she also loves her university, RUFA. Since RUFA is a private university, many of the professors still work in the professional design world. Zhazira loves learning from people who are currently working as designers. This real-world experience will give her a more well-rounded education. In addition to their design, Italians are known for their laid-back lifestyle. This is something that Zhazira loves and wants to continue to implement in her own life no matter where she lives. She loves how they are not overly stressed about their life, as long as they have good weather and good people, they are content. This relaxed atmosphere that Italians create in their lives is something that she would want to take back with her if she ever moves back to Kazakhstan. Zhazira loves to travel and has spent time not only in Europe and Central Asia, but also China and the United States. She thinks it is best to spend at least a month somewhere, so that you can really get a feel for the culture and learn from the locals what their life looks like. She is eager to visit more countries and experience other cultures.

Nowruz, the Persian New Year, is a time of renewal, rebirth, and joy. For centuries, it has been celebrated by millions of people across Central Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. This vibrant festival marks the first day of spring, typically around March 20 or 21, and is filled with rich cultural customs that honor family, nature, and the promise of a new year. While I had heard of Nowruz before, I had the incredible opportunity this year to experience it in a truly unique way: surrounded by friends, laughter, and delicious food with a group of Kazakh people. It all began when I met Tahkmina, a wonderful Kazakh woman who takes immense pride in her heritage and traditions. She invited me to join her and her family to celebrate Nowruz and I couldn't have been more thrilled! To add a little twist, this celebration included not just Tahkmina and her family, but also ten other Kazakh friends who were eager to share their customs and stories with me. When it comes to Kazakh food, one dish reigns supreme - beshbarmak. This dish, whose name translates to “five fingers” (referring to the way it is traditionally eaten with the hands), is a true Kazakh favorite. It consists of tender boiled meat, typically mutton or beef, served over wide noodles and smothered in a savory onion sauce. Tahkmina also prepared a feast that reflected both her love for her culture and her desire to make every guest feel at home. Along with beshbarmak, the table was filled with delicious candies, fruits, and chocolates - sweet treats that are an essential part of any Kazakh celebration. The dessert table featured an assortment of traditional pastries, and we washed everything down with Tashkent tea. One of my favorite parts of the celebration was the chance to get dressed in traditional Kazakh clothing. Tahkmina shared with us a room full of Kazakh national dresses, along with many jewelry options. The attire felt like a direct connection to the past, a way of honoring the rich history and customs of the Kazakh people. Once we were all dressed up, we gathered for photos. The people I gathered with that day reminded me that Nowruz is more than just a new year. It’s a time to gather, to appreciate what we have, and to look forward to the future with hope and optimism. I hope you enjoyed reading about my Nowruz celebration! Have you ever experienced Nowruz? Or maybe you have a favorite cultural tradition that you cherish?