Leadership and Exchange in the United States

Mizhgona Gulomalieva, a senior majoring in Global Economics, was selected for the 2023 Madeline K. Albright SUSI Young Women Leaders Programme – a highly competitive, fully funded five-week exchange supported by the U.S. Department of State.

“As a participant, I explored leadership, civic engagement, and American culture through interactive lectures, workshops, and field trips. Engaging with students from around the world expanded my global perspectives and strengthened my communication and leadership skills. It was also a proud moment to share my own culture in an inclusive, academic setting.”

Nazarkhotun Anoyatshoeva, a senior in Earth and Environmental Sciences, also took part in the 2023 SUSI programme.

“We explored women’s leadership, American history, and community service. Sessions on grant writing helped me develop key proposal-writing skills, and the cultural night was a moving celebration of diversity and tradition. It was a powerful, formative experience.”

Academic Excellence and Internship in Germany

Farhod Akramov, a senior in Global Economics, received the International Excellence Scholarship (IES) from Copernicus Berlin for the 2023–2024 academic year.

“As a scholarship holder, I studied at the Berlin School of Economics and Law and interned with Copernicus Berlin. I led research, supported international events, and worked on project management for training programmes in Germany and Spain. This experience broadened my professional network and deepened my cross-cultural understanding.”

Cross-Cultural Mentorship in Kenya and Pakistan

Davlat Davlatov, a senior in Earth and Environmental Sciences, served as a facilitator for the Global Encounters Internship Programme in both 2023 and 2024.

“In Kenya and Pakistan, I mentored international students, led environmental awareness sessions, and documented the camps as a videographer. The role allowed me to contribute meaningfully to youth development and sustainability, while building lasting cross-cultural connections.”

Creative Sustainability in Scotland

Rezabegim Sholamova, a senior in Earth and Environmental Sciences, participated in the Glasgow Winter School 2024 at the Glasgow School of Art in Scotland. The programme brought together global students and faculty to explore the theme “Soil, Place and Care.”

“Working in interdisciplinary teams, we examined land through ecological, cultural, and creative lenses. This hands-on experience enhanced my understanding of sustainability, place-based knowledge, and the power of artistic communication in environmental storytelling.”

Youth Leadership in Climate and Disaster Resilience

Shafoat Jafoeva, a senior in Earth and Environmental Sciences, took part in the Europe and Central Asia Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (ECARP-DRR) 2024 in Budva, Montenegro.

“I was honoured to present the Youth Declaration for the Road to Resilience at the Ministerial Roundtable, representing over 2,700 children and youth. The event reinforced the role of youth as key agents of change in building resilience and advancing climate action.”

Exploring Global Collaboration and Innovation

Finnley MacDonald, a senior in Communication and Media, participated in the Global UGRAD Exchange Program in 2023 and the Glasgow Winter School in 2025.

“Through UGRAD, I studied for a semester at Southern Oregon University, where I engaged in cultural exchange and academic enrichment alongside students from around the world in Ashland, Oregon and in Washington D.C. As part of the program, I represented Kyrgyzstan in public events, volunteered at local businesses, and built connections that deepened my understanding of global collaboration. During the Glasgow Winter School, funded by the Glasgow School of Arts and UCA, I traveled to Scotland and took part in a week-long design and innovation workshop on environmental stewardship. There, I teamed up with participants from China, Germany, Spain, and the UK to develop a design-based ecological project.”

Expanding Horizons through Global Experience

Aizhamal Zhetigenova, a Computer Science student, Class of 2025 from Naryn, took part in the SUSI Young Women Leaders Program (USA, Summer 2023), the SUSI Global Leadership Workshop (Prague, January 2025), and a semester at Riga Technical University in Latvia (2024–2025).

“These experiences broadened my worldview, deepened my technical skills, and ignited my passion to drive positive change in Kyrgyzstan and beyond.”

Amplifying Youth Voices for Gender Equity

Farzona Akhmedova, a senior student majoring in Communications and Media and gender justice advocate, participated in the SUSI Women’s Leadership Program in the USA in 2023.

“As part of this U.S. Department of State exchange, I explored the intersection of gender equality and environmental issues — a particularly urgent topic in Central Asia. Following the program, I initiated and facilitated public debates at the University of Central Asia, creating space for Kyrgyz and Central Asian youth to critically engage with topics like gender-based environmental challenges and sustainable development. I also co-developed a leadership project focused on amplifying youth voices and advancing gender equity across borders.”