11/17/2009 10:17:00 AM Open-enrolled area exchange student enjoying time in United States
By Gretchen Mensink Lovejoy
Aiganysh Kaparova wants an American eye.
"I want to learn how people live in America, to feel the atmosphere of life as a teenager, to see problems with an 'American eye,' and learn what American people think or what kind of ideas they have about other countries. I've begun to see the world with other eyes, to see more seriously than kids see, and I've become more open in communication, and more flexible," said 17-year-old Kaparova, a foreign exchange student from the Asian capital city of Bishkek in Kyrgyzstan, who arrived in Minnesota on Aug. 12 to spend the 2009-2010 school year living with Laurie Nelson and Norm Gross of rural Spring Valley and their children.
She's open-enrolled from the Kingsland school district to Stewartville High School because Nelson and Gross's children attend school there.
"My host family is the Nelson-Gross family, and they are my host parents and my host brother and sister."
At home in Bishkek, Kaparova's family is comprised of her parents and two older brothers. "My parents work for the government of our country in the finance area." Homesickness has crept into her mind on occasion, but she said, "I think it's OK. I do miss my family and my little nephew."
Because Kaparova is part of the World Link FLEX program, a U.S. State Department program that chooses students from countries not commonly participating in traditional exchange programs, and also based solely on merit and not financial affluence, she's excited to take in all that she can while she's here - she's been privileged to attend the Minnesota State Fair, the Minnesota Renaissance Festival and tour Lanesboro, Duluth and Indianapolis.
The program requires fluency in English - she studied English for several years before coming to the United States. "I had been studying English for 10 years at school, but the last two years were intense and very hard work. I didn't go to language camp - I did the work by myself."
Thinking and speaking English constantly can wear her out. "I think the hardest thing for me was that sometimes I can't explain my mind or can't find the best word for explaining something."
Eurasian education systems aren't like the American system, according to Kaparova. "I can't say school here is easy or hard. It's just different, and interesting. We have a different education system at school. Our program is really different because we have 11 years of school, and our school day is from 7:30 in the morning to 2:15 in the afternoon. We have about 19 to 20 classes per week. We can't choose classes by ourselves - we have a special program approved by the government, and it depends on the school or level of education. Some schools' programs are easier ... there are three different kinds or levels."
She plans to attend college after she graduates. "I know that my future occupation will be connected with international affairs. The best way to learn and understand foreign people is to live in other countries...to feel the atmosphere of American life, to connect with people your age, to show people something new and learn interesting things from people."
Coming to the United States as an exchange student will advance her career possibilities and communication skills. "I have the opportunity to develop my skills in connection with people, to be more open for meeting people, learning the culture of another people by living in their area."
Her favorite part of being an exchange student has been "when you explain where your country is situated, and people are really surprised that there is a country named Kyrgyzstan."
"Life in America is more mobile ... people move more. We have different food, and the style of Kyrgyz people is different ... how people spend their week is different. Kyrgyz people used to be nomadic. We have developed handicrafts, we have our own musical instruments, and horses are the closest animal for Kyrgyz man. Kyrgyz history began about 2,200 years ago, according to different Chinese and Iranian historical documents. We have a different style of living and raising children."
She added, "The weather in my country is different - it changes from very cold to hot in places. Some people said that it's like the weather in Virginia or the state of Georgia. We have very hot summers that usually begin in April and last until the end of September or beginning of October."
She was surprised how American "people are very open for new things, new experiences and are very friendly," yet she's pleased that they're "very kind, polite, and almost everyone knows each other" in the Stewartville-Racine area "because it's not so big a population."
"People are open for conversation and always help you," she added.
Aiganysh isn't concerned about returning home in May or June, as she's certain her family will support her. "I don't really worry about that now, because I'm sure my parents and friends will support me, and it's nice because I can show them something new that maybe can change them, too. I'd like maybe to share with them about school. I really like that students are active and try to organize different activities, and how the communities support organizations."
For now, she's busy exploring, spending her spare time with her host family.
"They're very nice people, and I like my new friends and visiting different places."
She concluded, "I think I didn't dream about something (like this) ... I was just waiting for seeing it with my own eyes, and I'm living it so far."
