1. Now that Nazarbayev University Foundation Year Program is officially behind you, exams done, graduation party celebrated - how are you feeling?
Honestly, I feel a sense of relief mixed with a very warm feeling of gratitude. Looking back at this year, I can say that I do not regret a single moment of it. The challenges, the achievements, the routine, the unexpected experiences; everything happened exactly the way it was supposed to.
When I think about Foundation Year now, I remember not only the big milestones, but also the small everyday moments that made this experience special. Every day taught me something valuable, and I am genuinely grateful for everything this year gave me. It was a year of growth, lessons, friendships, and memories that I will carry with me for a long time.
2. What genuinely surprised you most about NUFYP?
Before I entered NUFYP, I honestly thought it might be a year that simply stood between school and university. I expected it to be relatively easy and perhaps even unnecessary. However, reality turned out to be completely different.
The academic workload required a great deal of effort, discipline, and dedication. Beyond academics, what surprised me most was how much emphasis was placed on skills that go far beyond grades: collaboration, networking, independent learning, communication, leadership, and time management. These are skills that will undoubtedly be valuable throughout my bachelor’s degree and future career.
What also pleasantly surprised me was the NU community itself. The people here are incredibly talented, open-minded, and supportive. Being surrounded by such individuals creates an environment where you do not feel the need to compete with everyone around you. Instead, you want to collaborate, learn from one another, and celebrate each other’s successes.
3. This year you were juggling coursework, leading the NUFYP Student Council, and serving on the NU Learning and Teaching Committee as a student representative - how did you actually manage all of that at once?
To be honest, I was already somewhat accustomed to balancing multiple responsibilities before coming to university. In high school, I simultaneously worked on a research project in colloid chemistry, served as president of the student parliament, maintained the academic performance required for a gold medal, participated in UNESCO leadership programs, stayed involved in sports, and prepared for university entrance exams. My schedule was constantly full, and there was rarely time to simply relax.
Because of that experience, managing several commitments at once became a normal part of my life. Of course, it was not always easy, but I had already developed the habits of prioritizing, planning ahead, and staying organized. Those habits helped me navigate Foundation Year successfully.
4. You’ve had leadership experience before NUFYP - how does being Student Council President here compare to what you did back in school?
The biggest difference was the level of independence.
In high school, there were usually clear expectations and instructions. We were often told what needed to be done, what projects to organize, and what goals to achieve. At NUFYP, the situation was almost the opposite. No one constantly told us what to do or imposed limitations on our ideas. The initiative had to come entirely from us. We were given freedom, but with that freedom came responsibility. In many ways, that created even more pressure because the success of our projects depended on our own motivation, creativity, and commitment. It taught me that leadership is not just about completing assigned tasks; it is about creating opportunities, identifying needs, and taking action without waiting for someone else to tell you what to do.
5. You’re heading into medicine - did this year shape that decision in any way, or was it always the plan?
My decision to pursue medicine was made quite early in my life, around seventh grade. Medicine has always been a significant part of my family’s story. Nearly everyone in my family is a doctor, and among the third generation, I became the one who decided to continue that tradition.
One of the people who influenced me the most was my grandmother, who has always been my greatest role model. We had many conversations about medicine, responsibility, and the meaning of this profession. When I finally decided to follow this path, she accepted my decision with pride and gratitude.
For me, medicine is not simply a career choice. It is a legacy, a responsibility, and an opportunity to continue something that has shaped my family for generations.
6. Looking ahead to medical school, what skills or habits from Foundation Year do you think will actually stick with you?
Time management is probably the most obvious answer, but also the most important one. This year taught me how to plan my days effectively, prioritize tasks, and maintain a structured schedule even during the busiest periods.
At the same time, I learned the importance of maintaining balance. Medical school will undoubtedly require significant dedication and hard work, but I cannot imagine my life consisting only of studying. Sports, social activities, leadership opportunities, and involvement in the community remain very important to me.
Foundation Year showed me that it is possible to pursue academic excellence while still making time for personal interests and meaningful experiences. That is a lesson I intend to carry with me throughout my future studies.
7. What advice would you give to those who are just preparing to apply to Foundation Year?
Invest your time and effort into preparation. Study hard, stay disciplined, and make the sacrifices necessary to perform well on the entrance exams.
There will be moments when you have to choose studying over sleep, social events, or other distractions. It may feel difficult at the time, but the investment is absolutely worth it. Every hour you dedicate to preparation today can open doors to opportunities that will shape your future. One day, when you look back on your journey, you will be grateful to yourself for the effort you put in.
8. And for those who are already in - what would you tell someone who’s just starting and maybe feeling a little overwhelmed or unsure?
Make the most of every opportunity this year offers.
Attend not only the mandatory classes, but also the optional workshops, office hours, and university events. Get involved in student life, volunteer for projects, organize activities, and do not be afraid to take initiative.
Foundation Year is a unique stage of university life. Later, during your bachelor’s degree, academic responsibilities will become even more demanding. This year gives you the chance to fully experience that excitement of being a freshman, to explore new opportunities, and to build memories that will stay with you for years.
Put your heart into your Leadership projects. Participate actively in workshops. Ask questions. Stay curious. Make sure that when you look back at this year, you can genuinely feel proud of everything you accomplished.
9. What’s the one moment from this year you’ll carry with you the longest?
Without a doubt, Orientation Week.
It has become one of my core memories from university. Everything felt new and exciting. You were still learning your way around campus, discovering what university terms meant, and trying to figure out what university life would look like.
At the same time, you were surrounded by hundreds of other students experiencing exactly the same emotions. As I met more people, I realized how inspiring they all were. Everyone had worked incredibly hard to get here, everyone had their own impressive story, and everyone brought something unique to the community. Being surrounded by such people motivated me to learn from them and become a better version of myself.
One of my favorite memories from that week was creating a video for the Treasure Hunt competition with my group. We had only just met each other, yet everyone approached the project with creativity, enthusiasm, and genuine teamwork. In the end, we won the competition, but what I remember most is the process itself: the excitement, the laughter, and the feeling that something incredible was just beginning.
Honestly, I feel a sense of relief mixed with a very warm feeling of gratitude. Looking back at this year, I can say that I do not regret a single moment of it. The challenges, the achievements, the routine, the unexpected experiences; everything happened exactly the way it was supposed to.
When I think about Foundation Year now, I remember not only the big milestones, but also the small everyday moments that made this experience special. Every day taught me something valuable, and I am genuinely grateful for everything this year gave me. It was a year of growth, lessons, friendships, and memories that I will carry with me for a long time.
2. What genuinely surprised you most about NUFYP?
Before I entered NUFYP, I honestly thought it might be a year that simply stood between school and university. I expected it to be relatively easy and perhaps even unnecessary. However, reality turned out to be completely different.
The academic workload required a great deal of effort, discipline, and dedication. Beyond academics, what surprised me most was how much emphasis was placed on skills that go far beyond grades: collaboration, networking, independent learning, communication, leadership, and time management. These are skills that will undoubtedly be valuable throughout my bachelor’s degree and future career.
What also pleasantly surprised me was the NU community itself. The people here are incredibly talented, open-minded, and supportive. Being surrounded by such individuals creates an environment where you do not feel the need to compete with everyone around you. Instead, you want to collaborate, learn from one another, and celebrate each other’s successes.
3. This year you were juggling coursework, leading the NUFYP Student Council, and serving on the NU Learning and Teaching Committee as a student representative - how did you actually manage all of that at once?
To be honest, I was already somewhat accustomed to balancing multiple responsibilities before coming to university. In high school, I simultaneously worked on a research project in colloid chemistry, served as president of the student parliament, maintained the academic performance required for a gold medal, participated in UNESCO leadership programs, stayed involved in sports, and prepared for university entrance exams. My schedule was constantly full, and there was rarely time to simply relax.
Because of that experience, managing several commitments at once became a normal part of my life. Of course, it was not always easy, but I had already developed the habits of prioritizing, planning ahead, and staying organized. Those habits helped me navigate Foundation Year successfully.
4. You’ve had leadership experience before NUFYP - how does being Student Council President here compare to what you did back in school?
The biggest difference was the level of independence.
In high school, there were usually clear expectations and instructions. We were often told what needed to be done, what projects to organize, and what goals to achieve. At NUFYP, the situation was almost the opposite. No one constantly told us what to do or imposed limitations on our ideas. The initiative had to come entirely from us. We were given freedom, but with that freedom came responsibility. In many ways, that created even more pressure because the success of our projects depended on our own motivation, creativity, and commitment. It taught me that leadership is not just about completing assigned tasks; it is about creating opportunities, identifying needs, and taking action without waiting for someone else to tell you what to do.
5. You’re heading into medicine - did this year shape that decision in any way, or was it always the plan?
My decision to pursue medicine was made quite early in my life, around seventh grade. Medicine has always been a significant part of my family’s story. Nearly everyone in my family is a doctor, and among the third generation, I became the one who decided to continue that tradition.
One of the people who influenced me the most was my grandmother, who has always been my greatest role model. We had many conversations about medicine, responsibility, and the meaning of this profession. When I finally decided to follow this path, she accepted my decision with pride and gratitude.
For me, medicine is not simply a career choice. It is a legacy, a responsibility, and an opportunity to continue something that has shaped my family for generations.
6. Looking ahead to medical school, what skills or habits from Foundation Year do you think will actually stick with you?
Time management is probably the most obvious answer, but also the most important one. This year taught me how to plan my days effectively, prioritize tasks, and maintain a structured schedule even during the busiest periods.
At the same time, I learned the importance of maintaining balance. Medical school will undoubtedly require significant dedication and hard work, but I cannot imagine my life consisting only of studying. Sports, social activities, leadership opportunities, and involvement in the community remain very important to me.
Foundation Year showed me that it is possible to pursue academic excellence while still making time for personal interests and meaningful experiences. That is a lesson I intend to carry with me throughout my future studies.
7. What advice would you give to those who are just preparing to apply to Foundation Year?
Invest your time and effort into preparation. Study hard, stay disciplined, and make the sacrifices necessary to perform well on the entrance exams.
There will be moments when you have to choose studying over sleep, social events, or other distractions. It may feel difficult at the time, but the investment is absolutely worth it. Every hour you dedicate to preparation today can open doors to opportunities that will shape your future. One day, when you look back on your journey, you will be grateful to yourself for the effort you put in.
8. And for those who are already in - what would you tell someone who’s just starting and maybe feeling a little overwhelmed or unsure?
Make the most of every opportunity this year offers.
Attend not only the mandatory classes, but also the optional workshops, office hours, and university events. Get involved in student life, volunteer for projects, organize activities, and do not be afraid to take initiative.
Foundation Year is a unique stage of university life. Later, during your bachelor’s degree, academic responsibilities will become even more demanding. This year gives you the chance to fully experience that excitement of being a freshman, to explore new opportunities, and to build memories that will stay with you for years.
Put your heart into your Leadership projects. Participate actively in workshops. Ask questions. Stay curious. Make sure that when you look back at this year, you can genuinely feel proud of everything you accomplished.
9. What’s the one moment from this year you’ll carry with you the longest?
Without a doubt, Orientation Week.
It has become one of my core memories from university. Everything felt new and exciting. You were still learning your way around campus, discovering what university terms meant, and trying to figure out what university life would look like.
At the same time, you were surrounded by hundreds of other students experiencing exactly the same emotions. As I met more people, I realized how inspiring they all were. Everyone had worked incredibly hard to get here, everyone had their own impressive story, and everyone brought something unique to the community. Being surrounded by such people motivated me to learn from them and become a better version of myself.
One of my favorite memories from that week was creating a video for the Treasure Hunt competition with my group. We had only just met each other, yet everyone approached the project with creativity, enthusiasm, and genuine teamwork. In the end, we won the competition, but what I remember most is the process itself: the excitement, the laughter, and the feeling that something incredible was just beginning.