I am Dilyara Bekbolatova, a sophomore pursuing Pharmacy at Astana Medical University. In January 2023, I availed the GLOBAL UGRAD academic mobility program, sponsored by the US government, and travelled to the United States of America to pursue higher studies at Saint Cloud State University, one of the leading academic institutions in Minnesota.

The selection process for this program was arduous and challenging, with a participation of approximately 2000 individuals, out of which only 5 finalists were selected. The entire coursework was conducted in English.

During my stint at the university, I attended lectures on organic chemistry delivered by the erudite Professor Mark Michelke, who possesses extensive expertise in organic, analytical, and physical-colloid chemistry. Practical sessions were held weekly in the laboratory, with each student having access to individual cabinets equipped with requisite tools and flasks. Furthermore, we could also work with various devices, colliders, and accelerators by obtaining permission from the professor. The laboratory had an ample supply of reagents and equipment.

I also enrolled for a microbiology course with Dr. Christine Gulrud, where the practical sessions were overseen by the Ukrainian professor Vitaliy Razdaybedin. Both the lectures and practical sessions were conducted at an elevated level of proficiency, providing me with the opportunity to work with diverse tests for identifying bacteria and even potentially hazardous strains of bacteria and viruses.

Apart from the academic aspect, the program also aims to facilitate the participants' social and cultural development. During my stay in the USA, I visited Illinois, Chicago, Colorado Denver, Minnesota, Minneapolis, California, Los Angeles, Nevada, Las Vegas, Wisconsin, and Madison, as well as the US capital - Washington and the renowned "big apple" - New York.

I also formed friendships with individuals from a range of countries, encompassing Americans, Nepalese, Ukrainians, Filipinos, Germans, Mongols, Italians, and many others.

Despite the competitive nature of the selection process, the program is entirely free, and I would strongly recommend every student to attempt to participate. I feel elated to have been able to leverage my competitive spirit and leadership skills to sail through the selection process and demonstrate that studying abroad, travelling and acquiring academic American experience are indeed feasible.

I came from the small village of Aeuzov, East Kazakhstan region. I graduated from an ordinary rural school, and never attended special schools. Therefore, I believe that everyone who wants to achieve more can do it.

The essential factor for success is to harbor faith in oneself, one's intellect, and one's capabilities.

For further details, please refer to my video for American Corner Kazakhstan - https://youtu.be/YJmMn_Vo2NE.

I am also available to provide counsel on the GLOBAL UGRAD program to AMU students.