How it was

When I made a decision to go to USA, I was kind of confused about my future there. Even though I read a lot of information about this country, I felt fear in regard to new environment, people, culture etc. I also asked some advice from people who were there, and they explained me bit by bit what I can do or not. All of these really helped me to built a picture about the USA, and I somehow tried to overcome all my concerns.

The first destination was Tempe, Arizona where I was supposed to start my English course in order to suceed then in a academic career. The flight to this city was a bit challenging since I spent almost 24 hours in air and terminals. I stopped off two times in Amsterdam and then in Minneapolis. During this travel I was excited experiencing or even anticipating new stage in my life. I felt like I was in a different world where people wore diffirent clothes, and the colours of this world seemed to me bright and cheerful. Additionally, I met other Kazakhs who were on the way to USA as well. Who could guess that our fates would interlace one day and we would became good friends? We tried to help and be next to each other sharing our first impressions and ideas.

As soon as we arrived to Tempe, we were met by representative of AECP (American English and Culture Program) and other Kazakhs who studied in ASU (Arizona State University). There where about 20 guys with Kazakh flag and other symbols. The bus and refreshments were provided, so I was surprised and at the same time pleased with their warm greeting. After that we had a wonderful dinner together and an interesting talk on various topics. Actually, I did not expect to see so many Kazakhs in one place in Tempe. In common the were approximately 60 Kazakhs in ASU who got on with each other.

Next seven months I dedicated myself to learn English deeply. I learned a lot of things that were extremely helpful specifically in writing and speaking. I became more confident in having conversations and just in making friends among Americans. So I gradually overcame what I was afraid of. Then, I broadened out my horizons. I visited California and Hawaii, but all of them are another part of my experience in the USA.

Now, I am in Austin, Texas which is also one of the best place I ever visited with a lot of course Kazakhs. I really glad that my life is getting full of positive feelings and new friends from different corners of the world. I believe that I will keep in touch with them, and we together will remember our invaluable experience in the United States.