Written by Abzal Iskakov ’26
Hi everyone! My name is Abzal, and I’m a junior at Denison University, studying Global Commerce and Economics. I was born and raised in Kazakhstan and moved to the U.S. for college. Having never been to the States before, I experienced culture shock and discovered so many new things.
As the only student from Kazakhstan at Denison, I didn’t have the typical international student experience where you bond closely with others from your home country. While that made things challenging at first, it also helped me adjust to the new culture more quickly. During my time here, I’ve made many friends, both domestic and international. For many new international students, one of the most exciting parts of being in the U.S. is getting a glimpse inside an American household and celebrating national holidays. I was lucky enough to spend Thanksgiving with a friend and his family in Michigan, and I’ve also had the chance to visit friends in Texas, Washington D.C., and New Albany.
One piece of advice I’d like to share with other international students: Don’t just stick with people from your home country. Go out and make friends with domestic students. It’s the best way to truly understand American culture—by interacting with locals, celebrating their holidays, and sharing meals together. Although I’m already studying abroad, next semester I’ll be going to China to improve my Chinese and immerse myself in the culture. I plan to do something similar to my experience in the U.S.—spending most of my time with locals and Chinese students from my host university. Sharing meals, learning local slang, and observing how people interact will help me gain a deeper understanding of the culture and the country as a whole. I believe that immersing myself in new cultures, both in the U.S. and China, will not only broaden my worldview but also equip me with valuable insights for my future career and personal growth. I encourage everyone to step outside their comfort zone and engage with the local community. It’s the best way to truly understand and appreciate a new culture. Thanks for reading, and I hope everyone continues to have a great semester!