How did you first find out about the Foundation program?
I learned about the Foundation Program from my sister, who had already graduated from Nazarbayev University. Since childhood, I had dreamed of studying at this university because I imagined it was where the smartest people in the country studied, and I wanted to be among them.
Why did you choose NUFYP specifically?
In my senior year, I considered several options and wanted to study abroad, but I was also preparing to apply to Kazakhstani universities. I stumbled over lofty expectations, dreaming of studying overseas without fully realizing how difficult it could be for me — especially due to my lack of experience living independently and the absence of loved ones nearby.
I didn’t pass the "Bolashak" selection for Hungary due to a silly technical error, and, in hindsight, I applied only because everyone else was doing it — not because I truly understood whether it was what I wanted. I also dreamed of studying in South Korea, but after visiting the country, I sadly realized it wasn’t quite the right fit for me.
After consulting with my mentors, I came to understand that it would be better for me to stay in Kazakhstan after school — to learn how to take care of myself, build a solid academic foundation, and start forming a network. Just in case, I took the exam for the third profile to apply to local universities, but my main priority was Nazarbayev University. Being in Astana would allow me to visit my hometown more often than if I were abroad.
Also, when I graduated from school, I couldn’t decide on a clear career direction — something many students can relate to. I was interested in several fields, but it was difficult to choose. The Foundation Program gave me the time and environment to explore different majors through communication with senior students. That’s why NUFYP felt like the right opportunity to prepare for further studies.
How did you prepare for admission?
I was lucky to have free access to preparatory materials for Nazarbayev University. I studied at NIS, and at school, our teachers spent six months holding extra classes for Math and Critical Thinking preparation. My preparation wasn’t intensive because I was busy with school subjects, but it was consistent. As for IELTS, I studied additionally with a tutor and also attended mandatory IELTS preparation classes at school. I am grateful to the school and teachers for providing us with such a foundation and structure, because otherwise, it would have been difficult for me to motivate myself to prepare.
What advice would you give to those who are preparing to apply?
Different preparation methods work for different people—some feel the pressure of a deadline and prepare intensively in a short time, while others start preparing early. I think the key factor is consistent preparation over a long period to allow yourself to get used to the format of the tasks and master problem-solving methods. Of course, there may be laziness or a lack of time, but studying at least once a week for six months before the exam is better than nothing. Also, don’t stress about the uncertainty of your future major; you will have time in the Foundation program to think and choose what interests you.
What stood out to you the most this academic year?
This year, for the first time, I lived away from home for such a long time, and I began to feel lonely. In my life, being surrounded by people and loneliness became coexistent. I met great people, formed strong friendships, and talked to my family a lot. But despite this, there were times when I felt alone. I think feeling this way is a normal part of growing up, and all adults feel this way sometimes. For me, it became important to learn how to feel complete even when I am alone—to embrace solitude and take advantage of the “me” time.
What skills or knowledge did you gain that will definitely help you in the future?
In the Foundation program, my English tutor taught me that academic texts require concise phrasing that hit the point directly. Previously, I used a lot of fancy words when writing essays in my native languages and carried that habit over into English. As a result, my texts had vague structures and a lot of unnecessary words. Now I understand that this is not necessary, though I am still learning to express my thoughts clearly. The ability to write concisely and clearly in English is an important skill that I will need in my further studies and in my career.
Why did you decide to run for the Student Council?
In high school, I held a couple of leadership positions in volunteer clubs, and I really enjoyed working with people and organizing events and projects. At university, I wanted to continue doing something similar by joining the Student Council. I wanted to be helpful and feel like a part of the university community. I also hoped to share some of the leadership skills I had with the team, and I hope I succeeded.
What was the most interesting or unexpected thing about being the NUFYP SC president?
One of the most important and interesting things for me as the Student Council president was the importance of listening first and speaking last. Our team had very clever and capable members, so I knew their ideas needed to be heard and supported. This experience was new for me because previously, the initiative came from me or my co-leader, not from other members of the team. I learned to step back and let others shine. This year has been educational for me and changed my understanding of effective leadership.
What was your team like? What did you learn about leadership this year?
We had very creative and understanding members who wanted to make this year more interesting and engaging for other students. Every member of the Student Council, both current and past, invested their time and energy to serve others, which I find truly honorable. There were moments of uncertainty, as in any team, but we were not alone. Our CPS managers, Eric Wente and Aisulu Baltykhan, guided us and helped us overcome challenges. This experience taught me the importance of soft leadership, where people feel seen, supported, and psychologically safe. I realized that the servant leadership style is for me, and I learned to embrace it as my strength.
What would you like to wish the new NUFYP students?
To the new NUFYP students, I wish academic success and a smooth adaptation to the English medium of instruction. But I would also like to emphasize that the Foundation is an opportunity to join student clubs, meet new people, and develop a lifestyle that you will follow later. Studying is important, but a good university experience is about balance—you also need to engage with your community and make memories. University years go by quickly, so why not make them more interesting?
Where do you plan to apply after Foundation, and why?
I plan to major in Economics at Nazarbayev University. I am very interested in how governments and financial systems work. This knowledge will be useful for me in the future, as I want to work on my own business initiatives in the future.
What helped you stay motivated during difficult times in your studies?
The support of my close friends, reminding myself to keep moving forward and not to give up, and hot chocolate :)
What was your most memorable or brightest moment at NUFYP?
This year became memorable for me as I fulfilled my long-time dream of starting to dance, specifically by joining the contemporary dance club. It was a small step outside of my comfort zone, which then turned into something bigger. I couldn’t believe I would be performing on the big stage of Main Hall at our grand concert and taking part in several performances. I was proud of that. It was a great honor to stand on that stage, knowing I was taking the right steps toward my growth.
If you could describe your year in one word, what would it be and why?
I would describe this year with the word “wheel”. I was constantly in motion. Every day was filled with classes, self-study sessions, dance rehearsals, cooking, and Student Council responsibilities. This rhythm helped me realize that structure and balance are important for me, and I want to train my discipline further from now on.
I learned about the Foundation Program from my sister, who had already graduated from Nazarbayev University. Since childhood, I had dreamed of studying at this university because I imagined it was where the smartest people in the country studied, and I wanted to be among them.
Why did you choose NUFYP specifically?
In my senior year, I considered several options and wanted to study abroad, but I was also preparing to apply to Kazakhstani universities. I stumbled over lofty expectations, dreaming of studying overseas without fully realizing how difficult it could be for me — especially due to my lack of experience living independently and the absence of loved ones nearby.
I didn’t pass the "Bolashak" selection for Hungary due to a silly technical error, and, in hindsight, I applied only because everyone else was doing it — not because I truly understood whether it was what I wanted. I also dreamed of studying in South Korea, but after visiting the country, I sadly realized it wasn’t quite the right fit for me.
After consulting with my mentors, I came to understand that it would be better for me to stay in Kazakhstan after school — to learn how to take care of myself, build a solid academic foundation, and start forming a network. Just in case, I took the exam for the third profile to apply to local universities, but my main priority was Nazarbayev University. Being in Astana would allow me to visit my hometown more often than if I were abroad.
Also, when I graduated from school, I couldn’t decide on a clear career direction — something many students can relate to. I was interested in several fields, but it was difficult to choose. The Foundation Program gave me the time and environment to explore different majors through communication with senior students. That’s why NUFYP felt like the right opportunity to prepare for further studies.
How did you prepare for admission?
I was lucky to have free access to preparatory materials for Nazarbayev University. I studied at NIS, and at school, our teachers spent six months holding extra classes for Math and Critical Thinking preparation. My preparation wasn’t intensive because I was busy with school subjects, but it was consistent. As for IELTS, I studied additionally with a tutor and also attended mandatory IELTS preparation classes at school. I am grateful to the school and teachers for providing us with such a foundation and structure, because otherwise, it would have been difficult for me to motivate myself to prepare.
What advice would you give to those who are preparing to apply?
Different preparation methods work for different people—some feel the pressure of a deadline and prepare intensively in a short time, while others start preparing early. I think the key factor is consistent preparation over a long period to allow yourself to get used to the format of the tasks and master problem-solving methods. Of course, there may be laziness or a lack of time, but studying at least once a week for six months before the exam is better than nothing. Also, don’t stress about the uncertainty of your future major; you will have time in the Foundation program to think and choose what interests you.
What stood out to you the most this academic year?
This year, for the first time, I lived away from home for such a long time, and I began to feel lonely. In my life, being surrounded by people and loneliness became coexistent. I met great people, formed strong friendships, and talked to my family a lot. But despite this, there were times when I felt alone. I think feeling this way is a normal part of growing up, and all adults feel this way sometimes. For me, it became important to learn how to feel complete even when I am alone—to embrace solitude and take advantage of the “me” time.
What skills or knowledge did you gain that will definitely help you in the future?
In the Foundation program, my English tutor taught me that academic texts require concise phrasing that hit the point directly. Previously, I used a lot of fancy words when writing essays in my native languages and carried that habit over into English. As a result, my texts had vague structures and a lot of unnecessary words. Now I understand that this is not necessary, though I am still learning to express my thoughts clearly. The ability to write concisely and clearly in English is an important skill that I will need in my further studies and in my career.
Why did you decide to run for the Student Council?
In high school, I held a couple of leadership positions in volunteer clubs, and I really enjoyed working with people and organizing events and projects. At university, I wanted to continue doing something similar by joining the Student Council. I wanted to be helpful and feel like a part of the university community. I also hoped to share some of the leadership skills I had with the team, and I hope I succeeded.
What was the most interesting or unexpected thing about being the NUFYP SC president?
One of the most important and interesting things for me as the Student Council president was the importance of listening first and speaking last. Our team had very clever and capable members, so I knew their ideas needed to be heard and supported. This experience was new for me because previously, the initiative came from me or my co-leader, not from other members of the team. I learned to step back and let others shine. This year has been educational for me and changed my understanding of effective leadership.
What was your team like? What did you learn about leadership this year?
We had very creative and understanding members who wanted to make this year more interesting and engaging for other students. Every member of the Student Council, both current and past, invested their time and energy to serve others, which I find truly honorable. There were moments of uncertainty, as in any team, but we were not alone. Our CPS managers, Eric Wente and Aisulu Baltykhan, guided us and helped us overcome challenges. This experience taught me the importance of soft leadership, where people feel seen, supported, and psychologically safe. I realized that the servant leadership style is for me, and I learned to embrace it as my strength.
What would you like to wish the new NUFYP students?
To the new NUFYP students, I wish academic success and a smooth adaptation to the English medium of instruction. But I would also like to emphasize that the Foundation is an opportunity to join student clubs, meet new people, and develop a lifestyle that you will follow later. Studying is important, but a good university experience is about balance—you also need to engage with your community and make memories. University years go by quickly, so why not make them more interesting?
Where do you plan to apply after Foundation, and why?
I plan to major in Economics at Nazarbayev University. I am very interested in how governments and financial systems work. This knowledge will be useful for me in the future, as I want to work on my own business initiatives in the future.
What helped you stay motivated during difficult times in your studies?
The support of my close friends, reminding myself to keep moving forward and not to give up, and hot chocolate :)
What was your most memorable or brightest moment at NUFYP?
This year became memorable for me as I fulfilled my long-time dream of starting to dance, specifically by joining the contemporary dance club. It was a small step outside of my comfort zone, which then turned into something bigger. I couldn’t believe I would be performing on the big stage of Main Hall at our grand concert and taking part in several performances. I was proud of that. It was a great honor to stand on that stage, knowing I was taking the right steps toward my growth.
If you could describe your year in one word, what would it be and why?
I would describe this year with the word “wheel”. I was constantly in motion. Every day was filled with classes, self-study sessions, dance rehearsals, cooking, and Student Council responsibilities. This rhythm helped me realize that structure and balance are important for me, and I want to train my discipline further from now on.